North Texas Residents Lose Legal Battle Against Noisy BTC Mining Facility
In 2022, residents of Mitchell Bend, a small town in Hood County, begined protesting when Holdings, which used to be called Marathon, opened a large operation. There are around 60,000 computers in the building, and enormous industrial fans keep them cool. Neighbors say the noise is like a nonstop, roaring hum.
Noise levels that are often higher than 85 dB have caused many people to have trouble sleeping, migraines, hearing issues, and even worse health. Despite MARA Holdings constructing a 24-foot wall and converting most cooling to quieter liquid systems, residents complain the changes have not lessened the disturbance.
Ballot Measure Fails, Legal Options Limited
Residents had high hopes for a referendum proposition that would have made Mitchell Bend a city, which would have given them the power to create noise laws. Out of 138 votes on Election Day, 62% of voters turned down the plan. This ended the immediate effort to implement noise regulations that could be enforced.
MARA Holdings lost the election later than a federal judge threw out their lawsuit to stop it. For a lot of people, voting was their only choice because counties don’t have much power to regulate businesses. Residents are undelighted with the outcome and worried about more industry growth.
There Are Still Legal and Health Issues
Even if the city vote didn’t go their way, citizens and advocacy groups are still taking MARA Holdings to court. Citizens Concerned About Wolf Hollow and Earthjustice are suing for private nuisance and noise abatement. They say that the noise has caused difficultys like irreversible hearing loss, terrible migraines, and interrupted animal patterns.
Politicians throughout Texas the connection between BTC mining and the state’s electricity system, concerned about public health. Some officials argue that the sector generates few jobs and places a significant strain on local infrastructure.
Community Split, Path Unclear
The fight has divided the town, with some people refusing to follow city rules and others fearing unregulated industrial growth. Advocates promise to keep looking for additional ways to cut down on noise, such as more and appeals to state politicians for new regulations.
Even though they lost their most excellent chance for self-government and stronger noise rules, the people of Mitchell Bend are still motivated to find answers.
