Noise disaster at the global Bitcoin mining paradise

Famous for its giant power plants and open policies to cryptocurrencies, the state of Texas (USA) is likened to a “paradise” for Bitcoin miners from all over the world.

Over the past few years, the number of large-scale Bitcoin mining operations in the US has increased sharply. The huge profits have caused many localities to relax noise regulations in residential areas. Especially the state of Texas, which has huge power plants and policies that are open to cryptocurrencies.

Serious health problems

In December 2023, Sarah Rosenkranz (43 years old) of Granbury, Texas, fainted at her home. She had symptoms such as heart palpitations, high blood pressure, and severe headaches. Previously, Rosenkranz’s 5-year-old daughter was also hospitalized with ear infections.

Many residents of the town where Sarah lives share similar symptoms, including fainting, dizziness, nausea and severe headaches. The cause is believed to be loud noise from a nearby Bitcoin mining facility.

Larry Potts, 77, suffered from heart failure after a long period of insomnia due to noise pollution. Photo: Time.

According to a survey from TIME, there are 40 residents in Granbury who think that the diseases they suffer from such as hypertension, heart palpitations, dizziness, tinnitus… is related to the noise from the Bitcoin mine. In which, 10 people had to go to the emergency room.

Salim Bhaloo, a local ENT specialist, said he sees patients every week with symptoms that may be related to noise from the mine. Similar medical complaints have been recorded near facilities in the US state of Arkansas and North Dakota.

Cheryl Shadden lost her hearing after living near a Bitcoin mining facility in Texas. Photo: Time.

The Bitcoin mining facility near where Sarah Rosenkranz lives has been in operation since 2021. Fine dust during construction and noise from the facility’s 30,000 excavators disrupted the lives of nearby residents.

Many people try to cope by staying indoors and keeping their doors closed 24 hours a day, but sleep and health problems are inevitable. Among them is 77-year-old Larry Potts, who has lost his hearing and heart failure after living in noise for a long time. Currently, Mr. Potts has to use a pacemaker to ensure his health.

Most recently, a neighbor of Sarah’s had to go to the emergency room for a pulmonary embolism, followed by her 5-year-old daughter who suddenly had a seizure. This made Sarah consider moving despite the financial burden.

Not only humans, noise also affects animals and plants. Many people report that their pets are often panicked and shed, and many long-lived trees also die for unknown reasons.

A dog in Granbury, Texas, sheds hair and becomes panicked easily. Photo: Time.

German cardiologist Thomas Münzel, an expert on noise pollution, warned that noise levels in Granbury are at dangerous levels, which can lead to serious cardiovascular diseases.

“According to the European Environment Agency, a volume above 55 decibels will make us sick. But in reality, the Bitcoin mine in Granbury emits a volume of 70-90 decibels per night, which is like torture,” Münzel said.

The government can only solve the top part

In response to complaints from people, local authorities have taken many measures to solve them but they are not very effective.

Mr. John Shirley – Granbury area police once administratively fined a nearby Bitcoin mining facility for causing noise, but the maximum fine is only about $18,000, which is not worth much compared to the hundreds of millions of dollars in profits that these facilities earn.

The wall was built to reduce noise but complaints from residents continue to grow. Photo: Time.

On the side of the Bitcoin mining facility, the former management of the mine built a soundproof wall to reduce noise. In December 2023, Marathon Digital Holdings acquired the facility and promised to replace noisy fans with quieter appliances by the end of 2024.

However, the above measures are not enough to appease the people of Granbury. They created a petition against Marathon Digital Holdings and obtained 800 unanimous signatures. Local officials are also seeking statewide support to adjust related regulations. Some residents are considering civil lawsuits against the company.

A sign made by people in Granbury (Texas) to protest the noise pollution caused by Bitcoin mining. Photo: Time.

The rapid growth of the Bitcoin mining industry is posing infrastructure challenges in states like Texas. Despite opposition from a section of the population, the industry continues to expand.

The deteriorating health situation at Granbury has shown the far-reaching impacts of Bitcoin mining on the community, emphasizing the need for stricter regulations and greater accountability on the part of the authorities.