North Tonawanda, a city in New York, has recently implemented a two-year suspension on all cryptocurrency mining developments in the area. This decision was made in response to complaints from residents regarding noise pollution from data centers. The city’s Common Council unanimously agreed to the suspension, which will halt any new crypto mining plants or expansions of existing plants in the city. The goal of the two-year suspension is to update the city’s zoning codes and address noise levels that have been disturbing the peace in North Tonawanda.
Residents of North Tonawanda have been vocal about the noise coming from a Digihost crypto mining facility in the city, which has been operational since 2022. The facility uses energy from the grid and a gas power plant it purchased to mine for cryptocurrency. The noise reportedly comes from the large fans needed to cool the mining computers at the facility. The suspension will also impact other large-scale electronic-based centers in the city, including those housing AI processing and general data computing and storage.
The results of the Tuesday vote were welcomed by residents who have been advocating for the suspension of crypto mining and data center expansions. The moratorium affects facilities housing multiple banks of computers, modular facilities containing processors, server clusters, and other cryptocurrency and blockchain operations. Residents have raised concerns about the noise levels impacting their mental health, prompting the city to take action and implement the two-year suspension.
City authorities have been in discussions with the operators of the Digihost facility to address the noise issue, but residents have maintained that the noise levels have not improved. The Common Council decided to move forward with the moratorium following resident proposals on May 14 and media reports highlighting the noise disturbances. The council had promised to address the issue at their meetings in July, leading to the unanimous vote on Tuesday. Residents like Deb Gondek expressed relief at the council’s decision, stating that residents have been suffering from the noise for too long.
While some in the cryptocurrency industry feel disappointed by the moratorium, citing operational and technological changes that could address noise concerns, the city of North Tonawanda is committed to improving the quality of life for its residents. Other data center facilities have implemented tactics such as liquid cooling and noise-blocking measures to mitigate noise disturbances for surrounding residents. The council’s decision to suspend crypto mining developments for two years reflects the city’s dedication to addressing noise pollution and promoting a peaceful environment for its residents.
