'I'm sick of this world': How bitcoin mining has lead to 'living nightmare' for a Texas town

TOI Business Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Jul 9, 2024, 20:15 IST

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The US has seen significant growth in industrial-scale Bitcoin mining facilities, with at least 137 such operations currently across the country. This surge is driven by the increasing acceptance of cryptocurrencies and potential for substantial financial gains. As demand for Bitcoin rises, more investors are establishing sophisticated mining facilities with powerful computing hardware. However, this growth raises environmental concerns due to substantial electricity consumption of Bitcoin mining. This often leads to the revival of old, inefficient fossil fuel power plants near mining sites, which emit hazardous pollutants.

'I'm sick of this world': How bitcoin mining has lead to 'living nightmare' for a Texas town

Bitcoin mining is an energy-intensive process.

Bitcoin mining has been found to have significant negative health impacts on local communities where mining operations are located.
Driving the news

In Granbury, Texas, over 40 residents have reported severe health conditions they believe are linked to the constant low-frequency hum from a nearby Bitcoin mine.
The mining operation, which started in the summer of 2022, has brought about various health and environmental concerns for the local community.
These conditions include migraines, sleep disturbances, hypertension, and panic attacks, significantly disrupting their daily lives, a Time investigation has revealed.

Why it matters

The United States has witnessed a substantial growth in the quantity of industrial-scale Bitcoin mining facilities in recent years. Currently, a minimum of 137 such operations are known to exist across the country.
This surge in large-scale Bitcoin mining activities can be attributed to various factors, including the increasing mainstream acceptance of cryptocurrencies and the potential for significant financial returns.
As the demand for Bitcoin and other digital assets continues to rise, more investors and entrepreneurs are entering the mining industry, establishing sophisticated facilities equipped with powerful computing hardware.
However, the proliferation of these operations has also raised concerns about their environmental impact, as Bitcoin mining consumes substantial amounts of electricity. This has led to debates about the sustainability of the industry and the need for more energy-efficient mining practices.
Bitcoin mining is an energy-intensive process, consuming massive amounts of electricity to power the powerful computers used for mining.
This high energy demand often leads to the revival of old, inefficient fossil fuel power plants near mining operations, which emit hazardous pollutants.
These emissions exacerbate respiratory issues, increase the risk of lung cancer and heart disease, and contribute to climate change. The health and environmental costs are disproportionately borne by local communities, while the economic benefits primarily accrue to large cryptocurrency firms and Wall Street investors.

The big picture

As per the Time report, residents in Granbury have reported a range of medical conditions since the Bitcoin mine's arrival.
Sarah Rosenkranz, a 43-year-old small business owner, described a severe migraine that felt like her head was being crushed in a vise.
Local doctors have noted an increase in patients with symptoms potentially stemming from noise pollution, including headaches, vertigo, ear infections, and insomnia.
Dr Salim Bhaloo, an ENT specialist, sees patients with these symptoms almost weekly, attributing them to the stress caused by the mine's noise.
The Environmental Working Group documented that Bitcoin mining operations are "spewing hazardous emissions" from revived coal-fired power plants, leading to air pollution that exacerbates respiratory issues. Additionally, the water usage of Bitcoin mining, necessary for cooling the computer servers, has led to problems like overheated trout streams and the growth of toxic algal blooms, which pose health risks if the water is used for drinking or recreation.
Granbury residents feel betrayed by promises made by the Bitcoin mining company. Despite constructing a sound wall, noise complaints increased, and medical emergencies piled up. In the week before Time's report, Tom Weeks, a resident, suffered a pulmonary embolism, and Indigo Rosenkranz experienced a seizure, highlighting the acute health crises linked to the mine’s operation.

What they're saying

Sarah Rosenkranz recounted her harrowing experience: “It felt like my head was in a pressure vise being crushed. That pain was worse than childbirth.”
After her daughter, Indigo, experienced severe ear pain, Sarah connected with other residents at a town hall, discovering a shared experience of strange, debilitating illnesses. “We’re living in a nightmare,” she said, highlighting the community's distress.
As per the Time report, Larry Potts, a 77-year-old retired pastor residing near the plant, has been diagnosed with third degree atrioventricular block, hypertension, and depression.
"I'm sick of this world and all this mess around here," he says he told his wife that day, referring to the Bitcoin mine's noise. "We moved out here for the peace and quiet. But this has made me want to go."
Local doctors are increasingly concerned. Dr Salim Bhaloo said, “This thing is definitely causing a tremendous amount of stress. Everyone is just miserable about it.”
Another ENT specialist, Dr Stephen Krzeminski, noted the real impact of sonic damage, stating, “Sonic damage is real, there’s no disputing that.”

Between the lines

The broader implications of Bitcoin mining extend beyond Granbury.
The noise pollution from these operations is linked to cardiovascular damage, as studies show prolonged exposure to industrial noise can lead to heart failure and cognitive impairments.
The environmental impact includes significant greenhouse gas emissions, with US Bitcoin mining alone responsible for over 27 million tons of excess CO2 emissions annually. This undermines efforts to combat climate change and introduces additional public health threats such as heat waves and infectious disease spread.

What’s next

Granbury residents are exploring various avenues to address the issue, including political action and potential legal challenges. However, the Bitcoin mining industry's lobbying efforts and the prevailing political climate in Texas, which favors minimal regulation, pose significant obstacles to their efforts.
The situation in Granbury serves as a warning for other communities across the country, as the rapid expansion of Bitcoin mining and AI data centers threatens to bring similar noise pollution and health concerns to other areas. As the industry continues to prioritize profits over the well-being of local residents, the story of Granbury may become increasingly common in small towns throughout America.
Addressing the health and environmental impacts of Bitcoin mining requires stronger regulations and oversight.
Policymakers need to act urgently to mitigate these harms, ensuring that the cryptocurrency industry does not prioritize profits over public wellbeing. Implementing noise reduction technologies, regulating emissions, and monitoring water usage are essential steps in protecting local communities from the adverse effects of Bitcoin mining.

About the Author

TOI Business Desk

The TOI Business Desk is a vigilant and dedicated team of journalists committed to delivering the latest and most relevant business news from around the world to readers of The Times of India. The primary focus of the TOI Business Desk is to keep a watchful eye on the global business landscape, covering a wide spectrum of industries, markets, economic trends, in-depth analysis, exclusive reports and breaking stories that impact businesses and economies. With a mission to provide valuable insights and updates, the desk ensures that TOI readers are well-informed about the ever-changing and dynamic world of commerce and can navigate the complexities of the business world.

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