El Reno Bitcoin Mining Data Center Condemned After 3 Million Gallon Water Leak

Data Center Condemned After Major Leak

A Bitcoin mining data center in El Reno, Oklahoma, has been condemned following a leak of 3 million gallons of water. The incident, reported by Koco TV News, resulted in the closure of local schools, businesses, and city and county offices last week.

Operation Under Stop-Work Order

The Athlon Blockchain LLC-owned data center was operating despite a stop-work order issued by the city in 2023. This order was due to multiple fire and life safety code violations, as well as expired building and electrical permits. The city had given the property owner until the end of 2023 to comply with safety codes and obtain new permits, with construction expected to halt.

Regulatory Oversight and Consequences

The city asserts that no costs related to the water leak will be passed on to citizens. It is preparing to take legal action to recoup all expenses from the property owner, including city resources used to locate and address the leak. This event has prompted the city to commit to routinely reviewing compliance with codes and ordinances.

Broader Concerns Regarding Data Center Water Use

This incident adds to ongoing controversy regarding data center water usage, a concern heightened by widespread drought conditions in the Northern Hemisphere. The large-scale water leak from a facility operating without proper authorization underscores the environmental and regulatory challenges associated with such operations.