Residents of Hood County Seek Incorporation to Address Noise Pollution from a Cryptocurrency Mining Facility
Hood County, Texas — A small community in rural Hood County, just southwest of Fort Worth and outside Granbury, is contemplating a significant change: incorporating as an official township named Mitchell Bend. This potential move, fueled by community discontent, revolves around a unique and pressing issue — the constant noise emanating from a nearby cryptocurrency mining facility.
The Push for Incorporation
Residents of the area, who enjoy a tranquil rural lifestyle, are now faced with an incessant hum that disrupts the peace they cherish. Incorporation would cover roughly two square miles and involve a few hundred residents, but proponents argue that it’s not about expanding the community; it’s a necessary step to regain control over their environment.
Cheryl Shadden, a local resident, articulated the feelings of many when she expressed her desire for “peace and quiet” in her rural home, which now feels compromised due to the hum of the facility situated nearby. Shadden highlights that the noise doesn’t just hover in the air; it seeps into homes, making everyday life increasingly uncomfortable.
Measuring the Noise
Concern over noise levels has prompted residents to take matters into their own hands. Danny Lakey, another local neighbor, invests in technology to monitor the sound issues, regularly using a decibel meter to gauge the noise levels. His readings often reveal decibel levels fluctuating between 75 and 76 — clearly above typical conversation levels but still within state ordinance limits, which allow for up to 85 decibels.
A study commissioned by the local government found noise levels in nearby neighborhoods ranging from 35 to 53 decibels, a spectrum that indicates the disturbance is often persistent rather than momentary.
Community Divided
While many residents advocate for incorporation as a means to impose local noise regulations, the proposal is not without dissent. Signs supporting and opposing incorporation dot the community, each representing differing perspectives on what this change could entail. Critics worry about the implications of local government control, which might come with increased taxes, regulations, and bureaucracy that detractors specifically sought to avoid by living in an unincorporated area.
The Company’s Response
The cryptocurrency mining facility in question, operated by MARA Holdings, stands firm on its position regarding the incorporation efforts. A spokesperson for the company has publicly stated their intent to fight the incorporation, claiming the measure serves no lawful purpose and unjustly targets their operation. They assert that their facility has made significant noise reduction improvements, including transitioning to immersion cooling technology and constructing a sound wall.
This pushback from MARA Holdings adds another layer of complexity to the situation, as it introduces legal elements into an already fraught conversation, involving potential lawsuits that could affect community decisions.
Seeking Solutions
As the situation evolves, residents like Shadden and Lakey remain focused on one primary goal: to create an environment that aligns with the peace they originally sought. Despite recognizing the legitimacy of opposing viewpoints, they emphasize the importance of establishing rules to mitigate noise pollution.
Lakey reflects on their frustration, acknowledging the challenges of navigating the regulatory landscape in Texas, and emphasizing, “The state of Texas can’t protect us, the county can’t protect us, and so…”
Shadden adds that there’s an urgent need for community members to reclaim their right to a quiet life, reinforcing that many residents are motivated not by desires for increased regulation, but by a desperate need for relief from ongoing disturbances that currently invade their homes.
Conclusion Unspecified
The evolving situation in Hood County illustrates the intricate relationship between residential life and industrial operations — highlighting the challenges small communities face in preserving their way of living amid external pressures. As residents weigh their options and advocate for their needs, the debate around incorporation continues to unfold, reflecting broader themes of community governance and individual rights in the face of modern industrial development.