Marathon Digital Sued by Granbury Residents Over Bitcoin Mining Noise

Highlights:

• Granbury residents sue Marathon Digital, citing unbearable noise from its Bitcoin mining facility.
• Health issues, sleepless nights, and declining property values drive lawsuit against Marathon Digital.
• Despite a legal battle, Marathon Digital continues expansion with a $249M Bitcoin purchase amid a lawsuit.

Residents of Granbury have sued Marathon Digital, a firm involved in Bitcoin mining. They allege that the company’s operations in Hood County have aggravated noise pollution beyond acceptable levels. The plaintiff, Citizens Concerned About Wolf Hollow (CCAWH), is seeking a permanent injunction against Marathon’s mining activities, which have continued to cause disruptions.

Texas town residents sue Marathon Digital over noise from crypto mine

Over 20 residents in Granbury, Texas, filed a lawsuit against BTC mining company Marathon Digital (MARA) on Oct. 4, claiming "intolerably loud" noise from its nearby Bitcoin mine is a "nuisance" causing…

— CoinNess Global (@CoinnessGL) October 8, 2024

Constant Noise Disrupts Daily Life

The lawsuit claims that noise from the mining facility has severely affected residents’ quality of life. The site uses industrial fans to cool mining equipment and these are usually on for twenty-four hours in a day. Some of the residents have complained that the noise even penetrates their houses, shakes their walls, and makes them lack sleep. 

Marathon attempted to address the problem by installing a small wall around part of the site. However, residents claim that this wall made the situation worse. Instead of reducing the noise, it bounced the sound back toward their homes, amplifying the disturbance.

Health and Property Issues

In addition to the noise, the lawsuit details the health problems caused by Marathon’s operations. Residents have reported hearing loss, chronic headaches, and increased stress. Some have experienced permanent hearing damage and Tinnitus. The continuous noise has also caused many to suffer from fatigue and sleep deprivation.

The plaintiffs argue that the noise has affected their property values as well. They claim the constant disturbances have made their homes less appealing to potential buyers. Some have even seen a direct decrease in their property’s market value. Additionally, residents report higher electricity bills, which they believe are linked to Marathon’s energy-intensive mining activities.

Marathon’s Lack of Action

The company has not taken effective steps to address the problem, according to the lawsuit. The plaintiffs argue that the site’s open layout and lack of noise barriers make the situation worse.

CCAWH is asking the court to force Marathon to either halt operations or take significant measures to reduce the noise. They are also seeking compensation for the health issues, increased electricity bills, and the decrease in property values caused by the mining facility.

Legal Action and Demands

The plaintiffs are seeking an order for a permanent injunction to restrain Marathon from emitting unreasonable noise. They are also seeking monetary damages for loss and damage sustained by them. 

Attorney Rodrigo Cantú, representing the residents, said that his clients are not just seeking compensation but also immediate relief from the constant noise. Cantú underscored that the residents want Marathon to act fast and either minimize the noise or close the site.

Marathon’s Expansion Despite Lawsuit

Marathon Digital has continued to expand its operations despite the lawsuit. The company recently purchased Bitcoin worth $249 million, which was funded via a $300 million convertible note offering. This move demonstrates Marathon’s expansion despite facing legal challenges from the Granbury community.

Marathon has yet to publicly reply to the lawsuit. However, the plaintiffs believe that taking legal action will force the firm to address their concerns. The outcome of the case may create a precedent for controlling noise from Bitcoin mining facilities in Texas.