Granbury residents sue Marathon Digital over ‘intolerable’ noise from Bitcoin mining site

Granbury residents have had enough. They’re suing Bitcoin miner Marathon Digital for what they call “intolerably loud” noise coming from its operations in Hood County, Texas.

The plaintiff group, Citizens Concerned About Wolf Hollow (CCAWH), is demanding a permanent injunction to stop Marathon’s operations from making life unbearable with constant noise.

According to them, this is a full-blown disruption of their lives, shaking homes, causing sleepless nights, and leading to serious health problems.

Homeowners claim that the noise is so loud it invades their homes, vibrating through the walls, and even a small wall installed on part of the site does nothing to block the sound. Instead, it made it worse by bouncing the noise back at them.

Health problems and loss of property enjoyment

The lawsuit points out how the constant noise and vibrations from Marathon’s site have led to health problems like hearing loss, headaches, stress, and anxiety.

Some have even reported permanent hearing damage and chronic tinnitus. The noise is relentless, the lawsuit says, going on all day, every day, without any break, and it gets even louder at night.

People are stuck inside their houses, trying to escape the persistent noise. But they still can’t get away from it. 

Some have reported mental and physical exhaustion, with constant irritation, brain fog, and loss of sleep as daily struggles since Marathon started operating.

CCAWH’s lawsuit claims that these conditions have destroyed their ability to enjoy their properties. The plaintiffs argue that the situation is so bad, some are experiencing a decrease in their home values. 

They also said that their electricity bills have skyrocketed.

Marathon’s response to noise complaints

Despite being cited many times for violating Texas Penal Code § 42.01(c)(2), which deals with noise pollution, Marathon has not taken adequate action to address the issue.

The site’s layout is also a big part of the problem. Marathon operates in an open field with little noise control. Industrial fans, used to keep the mining equipment cool, run at all hours, causing a racket that carries far beyond the site. 

CCAWH wants the court to force Marathon to either halt operations or take significant steps to reduce the noise and vibrations coming from the site.

The lawsuit also demands that Marathon be held responsible for damages resulting from the noise. This includes compensation for the loss of enjoyment of their properties, health issues, increased electricity bills, and the decline in property values.

The plaintiffs are calling for both pre- and post-judgment interest at the highest rate allowed by law. They also want Marathon to pay for the costs associated with the lawsuit.