El Reno Bitcoin Mining Facility Shuts Down Amid Controversy Over Permits and Water Usage

The El Reno Bitcoin mining facility in Oklahoma has been at the center of controversy after a massive water leak was discovered. According to city records, the facility never had the necessary permits to operate and had multiple code violations.

Athlon BT LLC, the company behind the facility, initially sought building permits for the property in 2022 but failed to obtain them. In 2023, a stop-work order was issued due to fire and life-safety code violations, as well as expired building and electrical permits.

The city gave Athlon until December 2023 to correct the issues, but the company continued to construct the facility and began operations anyway. The facility is described by Athlon as 'mobile data centers', but they differ significantly from the hyperscale data centers proposed in nearby Yukon and Piedmont that have drawn public concern.

City officials say these facilities should not be using water, as Athlon claims the units are air-cooled. However, News 4 noticed above-ground pipes running between each mobile data center back toward a fire hydrant installed by Athlon without city knowledge.