Hood County residents sue to stop formation of city regulating Bitcoin mine

A legal battle is brewing in Hood County as residents of Mitchell Bend, a rural community near Granbury, gear up to vote on incorporating themselves as Texas’ newest city. However, their plans may hit a roadblock due to a lawsuit filed by the owner of a neighboring Bitcoin mine.

The Bitcoin mine in question, owned by Marathon Digital Holdings (MARA), has been a source of contention in the area since its establishment in 2022. Locals have been vocal about the detrimental effects of the facility, especially the noise pollution caused by the fans necessary to cool the large computers within the mine.

Residents have been experiencing various health issues they attribute to the mine, such as dizziness, nausea, vertigo, and motion sickness. Cheryl Shadden, who manages the Facebook group Bitcoin Noise Hood County and works as a registered nurse anesthetist, highlighted the severity of the problems faced by the community.

According to Shadden, the residents have been suffering for years due to the noise and other problems stemming from the Bitcoin mine’s operations. The incorporation strategy is an attempt by the community to gain some control and regulation over the mine to alleviate their health concerns.

Danny Lakey, a long-time resident of the area, expressed his frustration with the situation. From his front porch overlooking the surrounding ranchland, Lakey recounted how the noise from the Bitcoin mine often disrupts the peace and quiet of the rural setting. The fans operating early in the morning have become a constant nuisance for Lakey and his neighbors.

The move by Mitchell Bend residents to incorporate as a city represents their fight for a better quality of life and protection from the negative impacts of the Bitcoin mine. By establishing themselves as a city, residents hope to have more influence and authority over the operation of the facility, thereby safeguarding their well-being.

The impending lawsuit from Marathon Digital Holdings, aimed at halting the incorporation effort, is poised to intensify the ongoing conflict between the residents and the mine owner. The legal battle underscores the struggle for balance between economic development and community welfare, a common issue faced in many regions experiencing rapid industrial growth.

As the residents prepare for the impending vote, the outcome will not only determine the fate of Mitchell Bend but also serve as a critical juncture in the broader debate over the responsibilities and rights of communities in regulating industrial activities in their vicinity. The legal confrontation is a testament to the complexities and challenges inherent in balancing economic interests with public health and well-being.

In the face of mounting opposition and legal hurdles, the residents of Mitchell Bend remain steadfast in their pursuit of a safer and more peaceful environment. Their collective efforts to form a city and confront the Bitcoin mine’s adverse effects exemplify a community’s resilience and determination to uphold its rights and protect its members from harm.