Bitcoin Mine Drains 3.8M Gallons, El Reno City Council Condemns Site

In El Reno, Oklahoma, a Bitcoin mining site has been condemned following a significant water wastage incident. Approximately 3.8 million gallons of water were lost from an unpermitted private fire hydrant and suppression line. This leak occurred despite previous city actions and the operator's assertion of using air-cooled systems. The city issued a stop-work order in June 2023 for various violations but failed to follow up, allowing operations to continue. The property owner, Athlon BT, has been issued a ten-day abatement notice, with an administrative hearing scheduled for September 14, 2026. The city intends to bill the property owner for the extensive water loss and related costs, aiming to ensure residents are not financially burdened by the event. Efforts to contact the operator have been unsuccessful, with their website currently unavailable. The situation highlights concerns regarding the oversight of such facilities and the city's enforcement of its own regulations. The condemnation marks a critical step in addressing the environmental and infrastructural impact of the mining operation.