Residents of Granbury, Texas, are taking action against a Bitcoin mining facility that they say is ruining their quality of life. The neighbors, who live near the Marathon Digital Bitcoin mine, have reported constant noise from the facility that has caused them stress, sleepless nights, and various health problems. In a lawsuit filed in Texas state court on Friday, these residents claim that the persistent hum from the mine is a nuisance that they can no longer tolerate.

The lawsuit is backed by Earthjustice, an environmental law organization representing a group called Citizens Concerned About Wolf Hollow. The residents are seeking a permanent injunction to stop the mining operation unless it can be modified to operate without producing disruptive noise. The 300 megawatt Bitcoin facility is located next to the Wolf Hollow II gas-fired power plant, which supplies power to the mine.

Residents have recently voiced their concerns about a proposed expansion of the gas plant that could significantly increase its carbon dioxide emissions. If approved, the expansion would release an additional 760,000 tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere each year. This has raised alarms not only about environmental impact but also about the quality of life for those living nearby.

Texas has become a hub for Bitcoin mining, attracting companies drawn by low taxes, abundant land, and few regulations. However, while Bitcoin’s rising popularity has prompted concerns about its energy consumption and strain on the electrical grid, noise pollution is emerging as a pressing issue for communities surrounding mining facilities. The sound generated by these operations is often overlooked, but for residents of Granbury, it has become a serious problem.

The Marathon Digital facility houses more than 20,000 computers that require cooling to operate efficiently. To prevent overheating, a combination of liquid immersion cooling and large fans is used. Unfortunately, these fans are so loud that residents have reported serious disruptions to their daily lives. The noise has led to various health complaints, including vertigo, hearing loss, migraines, fatigue, anxiety, and tinnitus. According to Earthjustice, more than two dozen individuals have experienced direct health impacts due to the constant noise pollution from the facility.

Neighbors have described the situation as unbearable. Many report that they struggle to relax in their homes or even sleep at night because of the constant hum from the Bitcoin mine. The situation has become so distressing that residents feel they have no choice but to take legal action.

As the lawsuit unfolds, the community is hoping for a resolution that will address their concerns. They want the Bitcoin mine to either reduce its noise levels significantly or cease operations entirely. The residents argue that their right to a peaceful living environment is being violated by the loud and continuous sounds from the mining operation.

This lawsuit highlights a growing tension in Texas and across the country as the popularity of cryptocurrency mining increases. While Bitcoin mining can bring economic benefits, it also poses challenges for local communities, particularly when it comes to noise and environmental impacts. Residents in Granbury are now standing up for their rights and seeking relief from the disruptive noise that has taken a toll on their health and well-being.

As the legal battle begins, the outcome will likely have implications not only for the residents of Granbury but also for other communities facing similar challenges. The case underscores the need for a balance between economic growth and the quality of life for those living near industrial operations. The residents of Granbury are determined to fight for that balance, advocating for their right to a peaceful and healthy environment.