Marathon Digital's 300-megawatt Bitcoin mining facility in Granbury, Texas, has led to complaints from residents about health issues, noise, and concerns over the strain on the state's grid due to high electricity consumption.
A Texas jury acquitted Marathon Digital mining site manager David Fischer of 12 noise violations. His lawyers argued he was not responsible for the violations. The company claimed that the noise readings were improper and that the noise levels were acceptable for an industrial site.
Residents near Bitcoin mining sites, including Cheryl Shadden, have testified that the noise from fan-based miners has become unbearable, exceeding safe thresholds.
Marathon Digital Holdings is addressing noise complaints by making adjustments to their mining operation, including plans to transition to immersion cooling for mining rigs by the end of the year.
Residents' attorney Matt Mills and Hood County Commissioner Samuelson expressed disappointment in the verdict, emphasizing the effects on residents, while jurors found the noise unreasonable.
Texas hosts 10 major Bitcoin mines due to affordable power and favorable regulations.
Riot Platforms, another Bitcoin mining company, is facing concerns from residents about environmental and energy impacts.
Marathon accused politicians of targeting their data center for publicity during the trial.
This article was written in collaboration with Generative AI news company Alchemiq
Sources: Quartz, CoinTelegraph, Latin Times, Star-Telegram.