North Tonawanda, New York, has officially put a two-year pause on all new cryptocurrency mining operations and the expansion of existing ones within city limits. The decision was unanimously approved by the City Council on Tuesday, following a surge of complaints from residents regarding excessive noise pollution from data centers.
The moratorium, effective immediately, aims to address the growing concerns over noise levels emanating from crypto mining facilities. In particular, Digihost, the sole crypto mining operation currently running in the city, has been identified as a major source of the disturbance.
Mayor Austin Tylec stated, “This is a pause on any new developments or expansion of existing developments. We need to take this time to understand the impact of crypto mining on our community and update our zoning codes accordingly.”
To mitigate the noise issue, the city has engaged a third-party acoustic expert to monitor and assess the noise levels coming from Digihost. The expert will also train local police and code enforcement officers on noise measurement techniques, aiding in the development of appropriate regulations.
While the moratorium does not directly resolve the existing noise problem, it signals the city's commitment to finding a balanced solution. Mayor Tylec emphasized that Digihost has been cooperative throughout the process, actively seeking ways to reduce noise pollution. The company has already built a substantial acoustic wall along Erie Avenue and plans to construct another along the side of its property.
The crypto mining industry has been expanding rapidly, drawn to areas with abundant energy resources and favorable regulations. However, the noise generated by the powerful computers used in the mining process has become a contentious issue in many communities.
This moratorium in North Tonawanda serves as a significant case study, highlighting the challenges and complexities of integrating this emerging industry into existing urban environments. The next two years will be crucial as the city works to develop comprehensive regulations that address noise pollution while also considering the economic benefits of crypto mining.
July 2024, Cryptoniteuae