Proposal for Crypto Mining Facility Sparks Controversy in Ellijay

A contentious issue arose in Gilmer County as local residents gathered to oppose a proposed cryptocurrency server farm.

ELLIJAY, Ga. – The atmosphere was charged during a community meeting in Gilmer County, focusing on the potential establishment of a cryptocurrency server farm.

These specialized facilities host a multitude of computers dedicated to mining various cryptocurrencies around the clock. The proposed site for this venture is a piece of private property situated on Eller Road in Ellijay.

Numerous residents took the opportunity to express their views during the public comment segment of the meeting. While many voiced strong opposition, a minority supported the project’s advancement.

Expressing her disapproval, a resident of Ellijay stated, “This is wrong, this is absolutely wrong to put it in a residential area.”

The legal representative for the land-owning family, Terry Lee Wilson, engaged with the audience, shedding light on the operational aspects of the server farm. “It’s a biodegradable, synthetic fluid, akin to vegetable oil. It’s contained in a lengthy horse tank where the servers are submerged,” Wilson clarified.

Addressing concerns regarding potential noise disturbances, Wilson assured the crowd that stringent regulations would be in place. “The county has stipulated requirements of maintaining a noise level of 60 decibels during the day and 50 decibels in the evening, from a distance of 100 feet,” Wilson elaborated.

Despite these reassurances, a petition on Change.org has surfaced, advocating against the establishment of the facility.

Kara Conrey, an Ellijay resident, realtor, and business owner, highlighted the community’s apprehensions. “In our REMAX office, we have already had people call and try to list their house for sale because we understand that it is extremely hard to resell a home that is very close to a crypto mining facility,” Conrey shared. “It just needs to go somewhere else and not there.”

Before the project can progress, the planning commission must approve a zoning change from commercial to commercial technology. At the time of reporting, the meeting was ongoing past 10 p.m. on Thursday.