Summary:
Bitcoin mining facility proposal in Windom faced significant local backlash.
Residents raised concerns about noise pollution from the facility.
The company withdrew its request due to an Environmental Assessment Worksheet requirement.
The issue has now moved to the city of Windom as Revolve Labs continues to pursue the facility.
Community members are concerned about the health impact of noise on residents.
Overview
In Windom, Minnesota, a proposed bitcoin mining facility has stirred significant local controversy. Just two months ago, a mining company announced plans to establish a facility just outside the city, but the proposal faced backlash from residents.
Community Concerns
Residents expressed their worries about the potential noise pollution, with local resident Char Woizeschke stating:
“It would’ve been in my front yard, and based on my research that we did in our group of concerned citizens, the noise would have been relentless in my house 24/7, 365.”
Due to these concerns, the company has since withdrawn its request to the county, primarily because the county mandated an Environmental Assessment Worksheet. Norm Holmen, a Cottonwood County commissioner, mentioned:
“They kind of said, no, we’d rather not do it, they thought it would be simpler to work with the city instead of the county.”
The Next Steps
Now, the issue has transitioned to the city of Windom, as Revolve Labs is still interested in pursuing the facility. Local resident Jay Kapfer expressed his discontent:
“I’m not glad it’s happening at all in Windom, because wherever it goes they’re going to have the same problem with noise.”
Residents have conducted their research, even traveling to Glencoe to inspect another facility owned by the same company. Woizeschke noted:
“It’s very loud, it’s not tolerable. I don’t think it’s a business that should be built in a city, with residents close. I know that Revolve Lab is looking for places that have cheap electricity, but at what price to the citizens’ health?”
Ongoing Issues
While locals are relieved that the facility will not be set up in rural areas, they acknowledge that the fight is not over. Kapfer added:
“In the long run, it’s not a good deal for the citizens, it’s not going to be good for anyone because of the noise.”
Attempts to contact Revolve Labs for comment have gone unanswered, leaving the community in a state of unease regarding the future of the proposal.
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