A bitcoin mining operation in Tennessee is continued by neighbors due to the high level of noise produced by the facility. The lawsuit, which was filed in August, asks mining operator Red Dog to shut down operations and pay personal damages fees, as well as compensate owners for decreased property values. The lawsuit could set a precedent for other cases now that Bitcoin mining companies seek to migrate to new areas previously overlooked.
Bitcoin Mining Operation Faces Noise Complaint
Red Dog Technologies, the owner of a Bitcoin mining operation located in the U.S. state of Tennessee, is being sued by a member of a neighboring community due to the amount of noise the operation produces. According to local media reports, the complaint states that the noise from the mine creates a situation that “unreasonably interferes” with the “use and enjoyment” of the complainant’s property.
Worries about the mine disturbing citizens and the legality of the operation have already been raised to Washington County Mayor Joe Grandy, who was informed about the issue in June. Apparently, the mine did not meet zoning requirements to perform cryptocurrency mining operations in the region. Red Dog reportedly tried to dampen the noise last summer, but commissioners weren’t satisfied.
An important trial
While some may see this lawsuit as another common complaint, it has particular significance that could set a precedent for similar cases now that mining companies are moving to areas that were previously overlooked. At the core of the complaint is a rezoning proposal that Brightridge, the power company that leases the property to Red Dog, the mine operator, requested from the county to be able to operate the facility (that is described as a blockchain data center) in the zone.
The complaint states that the rezoning request, proposing to change the zone type from general agriculture to commercial agriculture, is not specific enough to be considered valid. The request states that “while there are small fans on the data centers that generate noise, the petitioner has advised that the noise is considered small and will not impact or be heard from adjoining properties.”
The current case could result in the closure of the bitcoin mining facility, now that the county planning commission has unanimously voted to close the mine and legal action against the operator if the company does not. not comply.
