Texas Residents Blame Bitcoin Miner For Health Issues

Key Takeaways

• A Bitcoin miner facility in Granbury, Texas, is under fire from locals over severe noise and health concerns.
• Residents report chronic health issues they attribute to the 24/7 low-frequency noise.
• The facility, now operated by MARA Holdings, was acquired after the bankruptcy of Compute North.
• A lawsuit filed in October 2024 alleges psychological and physical harm due to the mining operation.
• The issue has become politically relevant amid growing government support for Bitcoin mining.

Constant Noise & Health Issues

Residents living near the 300-megawatt Bitcoin miner operation, owned by MARA Holdings (formerly Marathon Digital), describe the unrelenting noise as “hellish.” Some have lived with it for years, experiencing a range of symptoms they attribute to the constant low-frequency sound emitted by mining equipment.

The MARA Holdings Bitcoin Mining Facility

Source: More Perfect Union

The facility lies in an unincorporated part of Hood County, just outside the main town, where regulation is more relaxed. Built initially in 2022 by Compute North, the project was later acquired by MARA after Compute North declared bankruptcy.

A Unique Form Of Noise Pollution

What Makes Bitcoin Mining Noise Different?

According to Mandy DeRoche, a deputy managing attorney with environmental law group Earthjustice, the sound produced by a Bitcoin miner facility differs from other industrial noise:

This low-frequency sound is known to travel long distances and penetrate structures more deeply than high-frequency sound. Residents claim the constant vibration and hum have caused everything from anxiety and insomnia to exacerbation of pre-existing health conditions.

Lawsuit Filed Against Bitcoin Mining Operator

In October 2024, a group of Granbury residents filed a lawsuit against MARA Holdings, alleging that the Bitcoin miner operation has led to:

• Emotional and psychological distress
• Increased hospital visits
• Sleep disorders and chronic headaches
• Even the death of a horse

The plaintiffs argue that the ongoing operations have made everyday life unbearable and are demanding either mitigation of the noise or relocation of the facility.

No Response From MARA Holdings

MARA’s Business Priorities

Despite growing local opposition, MARA Holdings has continued expanding its Bitcoin operations. In July 2025, the company announced plans to raise up to $1 billion through convertible senior notes, a portion of which is expected to be used to purchase more Bitcoin.

As of this writing, MARA reportedly holds over 50,000 BTC, valued at approximately $6 billion.

Community Voices Left Unheard

Cointelegraph reached out to both MARA Holdings and Earthjustice for comment, but neither organization has responded publicly to the complaints or legal action at the time of publication.

The Political Dimension Of Bitcoin Mining

Trump’s Embrace Of The Bitcoin Miner Industry

In the run-up to the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election, Bitcoin mining executives met with then-candidate Donald Trump, who has since publicly supported the industry. He later pledged to boost crypto mining during a speech at the Bitcoin 2024 conference in Nashville.

MARA’s Bitcoin Holdings

Source: BitcoinTreasuries.net

While the Republican-led Congress has yet to pass laws directly regulating Bitcoin mining, recent bills have been introduced concerning:

• Stablecoin regulations
• Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs)
• Digital asset market structure

Additionally, an executive order signed in March 2025 called for the establishment of national crypto and BTC reserves.

Residents Feel Ignored By Leaders

One Granbury resident who voted for Trump in 2024 expressed regret:

“I don’t have a problem with the industry. What I have a problem with is what it’s doing to people here. I think that’s being ignored.”

FAQ

What is a Bitcoin miner?

A Bitcoin miner is either a person or a company that uses computing power to validate Bitcoin transactions and secure the blockchain network. They are rewarded in Bitcoin for their efforts.

Why is Bitcoin mining noisy?

Bitcoin mining uses high-powered computers and cooling systems that generate constant low-frequency noise, which can be especially disruptive when run at scale.

Are there any regulations for Bitcoin mining noise in Texas?

Currently, regulations are minimal, especially in unincorporated areas like where the Granbury facility is located. This lack of oversight is a core concern for residents.

What health issues are linked to mining noise?

Residents report chronic headaches, insomnia, anxiety, high blood pressure, and even hospitalizations, all allegedly triggered by prolonged exposure to the noise.

What can be done to reduce Bitcoin miner noise?

Solutions include noise-dampening enclosures, stricter zoning laws, relocating facilities further from residential areas, and enforcing noise ordinances.