US Residents Suffer Health Issues Linked to Bitcoin Mine Noise

Public Outcry Against Power Plant and Bitcoin Mine Expansion

On Monday evening, about 150 enraged residents gathered at a conference center for a public meeting hosted by the state environmental agency, voicing their concerns over Constellation Energy's proposal to construct an additional 300-megawatt power plant.

This proposed facility is set to join two existing power plants that are already situated near residential neighborhoods.

The meeting, however, was not solely focused on the new power plant. Marathon Digital, a cryptocurrency firm based in Florida, operates a 300-megawatt Bitcoin mining facility on the same property as Constellation Energy.

Since its establishment in 2022, the constant noise from Marathon’s cooling fans has caused severe disturbances, prompting numerous complaints from local residents.

Noise Pollution and Health Concerns

The incessant, low-frequency hum from Marathon’s Bitcoin mining operations has led to a significant outcry among the community.

Residents report severe disruptions to their sleep and attribute a range of unexplained health issues to the noise pollution.

Karen Pearson, a local resident, voiced her frustration, saying,

“It’s about getting our health and quality of life back. This is not just happening to us. This is happening to a whole lot of other people out here.”

The noise levels, reportedly reaching up to 90 decibels, are significantly higher than the 85-decibel threshold deemed unreasonable by Texas state laws, creating an environment that residents liken to torture.

Health complaints include hypertension, hearing loss, and unexplained ailments such as Victoria Browning’s brain mass, which remains undiagnosed despite extensive medical evaluations.

Environmental Impact of Proposed Expansion

Constellation Energy’s expansion plan includes the installation of eight new natural gas turbines, with a projected increase in carbon dioxide emissions by over 796,000 tons annually.

This amount of CO2 sequestration would necessitate planting nearly 12 million trees over a decade.

The proposed expansion also involves increased emissions of particulate matter, nitrous oxide, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds.

Jim Brown, a Granbury resident, criticised the process, noting,

“What I’m hearing is as long as the government is OK with it, the public just has to submit.”

Community Discontent and Political Dynamics

The gathering at the public meeting highlighted a mix of political sentiments, as even voters who supported the Texas Energy Fund expressed dissatisfaction with the new plant.

Shannon Wolf, a Republican precinct chair, remarked on the unsuitable location of Wolf Hollow III, stating her concerns about pollutants affecting local schools and farms.

The community's mistrust in the permitting process was evident, with many believing the meeting was merely a formality and that permits would inevitably be approved regardless of public opinion.

The Intersection of Bitcoin Mining and Power Grid Demand

As Bitcoin mining operations, such as those conducted by Marathon Digital, expand, they place additional strain on the Texas power grid.

The Texas Energy Fund, approved in a 2023 statewide election, aims to support the development of more gas-fired power plants to enhance grid reliability.

Constellation Energy’s Wolf Hollow III project, which could receive taxpayer-funded loans, is among the selected projects designed to address this increased demand.

Although Constellation Energy claims that the new power plant will not directly supply power to industrial operations like Bitcoin mining, concerns persist that it will indirectly replace energy capacity previously allocated to mining.

Legal and Regulatory Challenges

Local authorities face significant challenges in addressing the noise pollution and its impact on residents.

Constable John Shirley, tasked with monitoring noise levels, has issued tickets totaling $17,500 in fines against Marathon Digital, which has responded by requesting a jury trial to contest the charges.

Shirley’s efforts to enforce noise regulations are hindered by inadequate state laws and a legal system that favors the financially powerful operators of the Bitcoin mine.

Impact on Community Health and Environment

Residents like Larry Potts and Sarah Rosenkranz have experienced debilitating health issues linked to the Bitcoin mine's noise.

Potts, who suffered a heart attack after losing sleep due to the noise, lamented,

“We moved out here for the peace and quiet. But this has made me want to go.”

The noise pollution has also adversely affected local wildlife, with reports of pets exhibiting anxiety and health problems, and even the sudden death of a cherished family oak tree.

While Marathon Digital has committed to replacing noisy fans with quieter cooling technology by the end of 2024, the ongoing health crisis and environmental degradation continue to fuel community outrage.