Oklahoma Bitcoin Mining Facility Condemned Following Massive Water Leak and Unpermitted Operations
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A Bitcoin mining facility in El Reno, Oklahoma, owned by Athlon Blockchain LLC, has been condemned after a 3-million-gallon water leak caused severe local disruptions, forcing the closure of schools, businesses, and government offices.
According to a KOCO TV News report, the data center had been operating unlawfully under a 2023 Stop Work Order issued for expired building and electrical permits alongside fire and safety code violations.
Despite deadline extensions through the end of 2023 to resolve compliance issues, the developer allegedly bypassed regulatory oversight by housing operations in shipping containers and proceeding without city consultation. In response to the oversight failures highlighted by the incident, city officials have pledged to implement routine compliance enforcement.
Municipal representatives emphasized that residents will not carry any financial burden, confirming that legal proceedings are underway against the property owner to recover all costs associated with locating and repairing the leak.
The incident adds to growing global concerns surrounding data center water consumption amid widespread regional drought conditions.
