Seven years back, Gladys Anderson fulfilled her aspiration by purchasing her ideal residence in Bono, Arkansas. Reflecting on her decision, she expressed, “We relocated here seeking refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city, the incessant noise. We desired nothing but tranquility, the serenity of rural life.”

However, the peace she cherished was disrupted last May by an unexpected intrusion of noise. Describing the ordeal, she likened it to a severe form of military-grade torture caused by the incessant sound emanating from a nearby bitcoin facility housing 17,000 computer fans.

Concerned neighbor Shane Markuson, who regularly monitors the noise levels, revealed, “The highest reading recorded was eighty-two decibels,” adding a comparison, “For reference, a hair dryer operates at 90 decibels.”

The disruptive noise has taken a toll on the well-being of the residents, as Markuson elaborated, “It has led to issues with my hearing, elevated blood pressure, and my partner experiences migraine headaches.”

The situation has left the residents feeling trapped, unable to escape the disturbance. Markuson pondered aloud, “Who would be willing to purchase my property or reside here? With this level of noise, would you choose to live in such proximity to it?”

Anderson shared her efforts to address the issue with authorities, stating, “I have reached out to the county judge’s office, the county administrator, and have made numerous calls to the governor’s office. I am aware that hundreds of others have also lodged complaints.”

When questioned about the lack of action, Anderson bluntly attributed it to monetary interests, stating, “It all boils down to money.”

The relentless noise stemming from an open-air bitcoin mining operation in Bono, Arkansas, has prompted residents to initiate legal action, as reported by CBS News.

Delving into the crux of the matter, it becomes evident that the root cause is money, specifically tied to cryptocurrency.

Bitcoin, a decentralized digital currency, relies on a network of computers, operated by miners, to verify transactions. Incentivized by the prospect of earning substantial sums in bitcoins, these miners operate massive computer setups that consume significant power and generate substantial noise.

The passing of the “Right to Mine” bill in Arkansas last year has exacerbated the situation by prohibiting local communities from regulating such operations.

Republican State Senator Joshua Bryant, the bill’s primary advocate, justified the decision by highlighting the state’s business-friendly environment, affordable land, and power resources, which he believed would attract the cryptocurrency industry.

However, the unforeseen consequence of this legislation has been the disturbance caused to neighboring residents, as acknowledged by Bryant. While acknowledging that not all bitcoin facilities are noisy, he acknowledged the need for a balance between economic development and community well-being.

Arkansas-based bitcoin miner Ben Smith emphasized that mining operations can indeed operate quietly through strategic design choices such as water cooling, remote locations, and enclosed structures. He also pointed out that a significant number of sites in Arkansas are managed by entities that prioritize good neighborly conduct.

The influx of noisy bitcoin plants in Arkansas has been attributed to a network of Chinese companies with alleged ties to the Chinese government. Reports suggest that Chinese bitcoin mining operations have expanded to at least 14 states in the U.S.

Moreover, the involvement of the Satoshi Action Fund, a bitcoin advocacy group, in drafting similar bills across multiple states, including Arkansas, underscores the intricate web of interests at play.

As the legal battle ensues, with residents like Gladys Anderson leading the charge, efforts are underway to address the noise concerns. The legal representatives of the Bono plant have assured compliance with local regulations and are actively working on enclosing the site to mitigate noise levels in the coming months.

Undeterred by the challenges ahead, Anderson remains resolute in her fight against the disruptive bitcoin facility, asserting, “I am tenacious and resolute. I will not rest until they realize the magnitude of the headache they’ve caused, for they are encroaching on every corner.”

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Story by Amol Mhatre. Edited by Mike Levine.

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