Residents of a rural community in North Texas faced a setback in their ongoing battle against noise from a nearby Bitcoin mining facility when a proposal to incorporate as a city was rejected by 62% of the 138 voters who participated in the ballot on Tuesday night.
The conflict began after MARA Holdings, formerly known as Marathon, established a cryptocurrency facility in 2022, which operates approximately 60,000 computers. This operation relies on powerful industrial fans for cooling, and the resulting noise has drastically affected the quality of life in the area. Locals have described the incessant sound as akin to a perpetually running leaf blower, leading to complaints about sleepless nights, headaches, and even hearing issues.
Despite efforts from the company to address these complaints — including the construction of a 24-foot containment wall and the transition of a majority of cooling fans to a quieter liquid cooling system — residents argue that the disruptions remain intolerable. The noise level remains a significant issue, prompting some community members to utilize personal decibel meters to document the disturbances.
The residents, in their quest for relief, sought to incorporate their two-square-mile community of around 600 residents, which includes just a single stop sign, into the City of Mitchell Bend. They believed that formal incorporation would empower them to establish a noise ordinance to regulate the volume emanating from the Bitcoin facility.
“It was very disappointing last night. We were hoping to have some tools to fight the noise a little,” remarked Danny Lakey, a Hood County resident who lives half a mile from the facility. He added, “Although we took a loss here, we are going to move forward and we will continue to do what we can to not let industry take over Hood County.”
The issue of incorporation sparked internal conflict among residents, as some preferred the tranquility of rural life free from city regulations. Meanwhile, MARA expressed satisfaction with the ballot outcome.
“We’re pleased that Hood County voters saw through the sham incorporation effort and rejected it at the ballot box,” a spokesperson for MARA stated. They characterized the residents’ efforts as an unlawful attempt to undermine law-abiding businesses like theirs. The spokesperson reiterated the company’s commitment to job creation, community support, and responsible operation.
This recent voting outcome follows a series of legal disputes involving residents and MARA, which operates additional facilities throughout Texas. The company had previously sought to block the election, arguing that incorporation would adversely impact its operations. However, a judge denied this request, allowing the vote to proceed as planned.
