Inside the 'Nightmare' Health Crisis of a Texas Bitcoin Town

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses the negative health impacts experienced by residents of Granbury, Texas due to the noise pollution from a nearby Bitcoin mining facility. It explores the various medical issues reported by locals, including hypertension, heart palpitations, vertigo, tinnitus, and migraines, and the potential link to the excessive noise from the mining operation. The article also examines the legal and regulatory challenges faced by the community in addressing the issue, as well as the broader implications for other towns and cities dealing with the growth of the Bitcoin mining industry.

🙋 Q&A

[01] Noise Pollution and Health Impacts

1. What are the key health issues reported by residents near the Bitcoin mining facility in Granbury, Texas?

• Residents reported experiencing a range of medical issues, including hypertension, heart palpitations, chest pain, vertigo, tinnitus, migraines, and panic attacks. At least 10 people went to urgent care or the emergency room with these symptoms.
• Specific examples include:
  • Sarah Rosenkranz experienced a 5-day migraine that was worse than childbirth
  • Indigo Rosenkranz, Sarah's 5-year-old daughter, experienced a "red beam behind her eardrums" and frequent ear infections
  • Larry Potts, a 77-year-old retired pastor, was diagnosed with third degree atrioventricular block, hypertension, and depression after losing sleep due to the noise
  • Geraldine Lathers, 72, was prescribed medication for high blood pressure and vertigo
  • Jenna Hornbuckle, 38, lost hearing in her right ear and was diagnosed with heart failure

2. What evidence is provided that the noise from the Bitcoin mining facility is causing these health issues?

• Local doctors, including ENT specialists Dr. Salim Bhaloo and Dr. Stephen Krzeminski, have seen an increase in patients with symptoms potentially linked to the mine's noise.
• Dr. Thomas Münzel, a German cardiologist, states that the noise levels from the mine, which can reach 90 decibels, are "like torture" and will lead to "the most spectacular cardiovascular diseases."
• Studies have shown that prolonged exposure to noise pollution, even at levels as low as 55 decibels, can have negative impacts on cardiovascular health, cognitive development, and mental well-being.

3. How have the health issues affected the local community and animals/wildlife?

• Residents like Virginia Browning have experienced severe vertigo and disrupted sleep due to the noise.
• Pets like Shenice Copenhaver's dog Persephone and Tom Weeks' dog Jack Rabbit Slim have developed anxiety and other health problems.
• The Campbells' centuries-old oak tree suddenly died, which they found "strange" and attributed to the mine's impact.

[02] Legal and Regulatory Challenges

1. What are the key legal and regulatory challenges faced by the Granbury community in addressing the noise issues?

• Texas state law caps noise levels at 85 decibels, which is much higher than the 55 decibel limit recommended by the European Environmental Agency.
• Constable John Shirley has issued over $17,500 in fines for the mine exceeding the 85 decibel limit, but these fines are considered "chump change" for the profitable Bitcoin mining company.
• The mining company, Marathon Digital Holdings, has requested a jury trial to overturn the citations, bringing in a team of lawyers to fight the misdemeanor charges.
• Texas counties, unlike cities, do not have the ability to pass their own noise ordinance laws, limiting the community's options for legal recourse.

2. How are Bitcoin mining companies attempting to influence state-level regulations?

• Bitcoin lobbying groups are trying to pass pro-mining bills in state legislatures across the country that would exempt mining operations from noise ordinances and local zoning laws.
• Oklahoma has already passed a "Bitcoin Rights" bill to protect miners and prevent future attempts to ban the industry.

3. What are some of the potential legal and civil actions being explored by the Granbury community?

• Residents are gathering signatures for a petition to gain statewide support for a ban on the mine.
• The community is exploring the possibility of a civil nuisance lawsuit against Marathon, with the nonprofit Earthjustice examining potential legal routes.
• Local officials are trying to pass resolutions to prompt state senators to draft legislation addressing the issue.