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Residents of Dresden Cope with Constant Noise, Excessive Heat, and Environmental Impact Since Local Plant Started Mining Bitcoins
In the quiet village of Dresden, New York, a new sound disrupts the peace of the residents. The traditional fire whistle at noon is already part of the routine. But the constant hum of the Greenidge Generation plant has become a daily source of discomfort.
The plant, previously coal-powered, now uses natural gas to provide energy during peak demand periods. Since 2019, it has also housed a bitcoin mining farm. This activity requires a large amount of energy, generating noise and heat that affect local residents.
Bitcoin Mining: Community on Alert
Some days, the sound resembles the hum of a refrigerator. On others, when the wind shifts, it transforms into a disturbing roar.
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For Winton Buddington, who lives in Dresden, the change came after the plant was purchased by Atlas Holdings in 2017. Since then, the tranquility of the village has ended.
Beth Cain, a retired nurse, states that the constant sound is similar to tinnitus. According to her, studies have indicated that this type of continuous noise can cause stress. But noise is not the only concern.
The plant emits carbon dioxide and discharges hot water into Seneca Lake, raising alarms among residents and environmentalists.
For Yvonne Taylor, of the Seneca Lake Guardians group, these impacts directly threaten tourism and wine production, which sustain the local economy.
Energy, Emissions, and Politics
The Greenidge plant generated about 44 megawatts for bitcoin mining in 2021. This amount of energy can power up to 40,000 homes, but it also has consequences.
According to the environmental group Earthjustice, the plant emitted nearly 800,000 tons of CO2 and equivalent gases in 2023.
This is equivalent to the emissions of over 170,000 vehicles. Large-scale mining depends on thousands of computers, which increases energy consumption.
The Energy Information Administration indicated that 137 cryptocurrency mining facilities were active in the U.S. at the beginning of 2024.
Although there is no more recent data, there is an expectation of growth with the support of Donald Trump, who positions himself as a defender of cryptocurrencies.
The former president created a task force to develop favorable policies for the sector. He also proposed a national digital asset reserve and launched his own digital currency.
Risks to Rural Communities
Yvonne Taylor claims that cryptocurrency companies have set up in underprivileged areas with promises of jobs and profits.
However, she questions the benefits. In Dresden, for example, bitcoin mining created only 48 full-time jobs in 2022, a number similar to that of an average restaurant.
Margot Paez, of the Bitcoin Policy Institute, criticizes the model adopted in Dresden, which connects cryptocurrency mining and natural gas power generation. She believes the practice is harmful and should be replaced by renewable sources.
The state of New York has also spoken out. In a preliminary assessment, the government stated that the energy consumption of the 11 cryptocurrency facilities in the state could jeopardize the energy transition goal.
Hot Water in the Lake
Another point of concern is the use of water. The plant can extract up to 525 million liters per day from Seneca Lake and return up to 507 million. However, this water, used for cooling, returns to the lake at higher temperatures—ranging from 30°C in winter to 42°C in summer.
According to residents, this hot water makes the lake uncomfortable for swimmers. Additionally, it can affect aquatic life and trigger harmful algal blooms.
In 2024, 377 blooms were recorded in the lake, compared to only 50 the previous year. Exposure to these algae can cause skin rashes, coughing, sore throat, stomach pain, and vomiting.
The local population has already filed lawsuits against the plant, but with no success so far. Moreover, residents of Dresden are part of a national network that seeks to raise awareness about the effects of bitcoin mining on rural communities.
They attempted to contact Trump’s cryptocurrency task force but received no response.
The concern has also reached neighboring Geneva, 16 kilometers from Dresden. Vinny Aliperti, owner of Billsboro Winery, says he has not yet felt a direct impact, but fears for the future.
For him, the quality of the lakes is essential for tourism and the survival of the region’s wineries.
Plant’s Positioning
Greenidge, which defines itself as an environmental leader in energy and bitcoin mining, has not responded to media inquiries.
The administration of the town of Torrey, responsible for Dresden, claims that the company meets all requirements, including noise assessments.
The plant has been present in the town since the 1930s. Local authorities consider it an important partner.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the company donated to the fire department and the children’s park, in addition to supporting local businesses.
Even so, residents like Buddington question the cost of these actions. “They did these things, but it’s not something we consider worthwhile, given the pollution and the impact they are causing on the environment,” he concludes.
With information from MSN.
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