El Reno Accuses Bitcoin Mining Facility of Operating Illegally for Three Years

The City of El Reno is accusing Athlon Blockchain LLC of operating its Bitcoin mining facility unlawfully for three years. The facility, located on W. Jensen Rd., was the site of a massive water leak that disrupted service to nearby businesses and schools.

A review of the property's records shows that it was rezoned to Moderate Industrial in 2019, but Athlon Blockchain LLC did not obtain a Certificate of Occupancy as required by law. The city issued a Stop Work Order in June 2023 due to fire and life safety violations and expired building and electrical permits.

City officials claim that despite the order, the facility continued operating without proper permits. After discovering the water leak, the property was condemned due to multiple code violations, creating a hazard to the health and safety of the community.

The city is reviewing its procedures to ensure Stop Work Orders are properly reviewed and tracked. The owner will be held accountable for costs related to the water leak, including city resources expended in locating and addressing the issue.