El Reno Condemns Bitcoin Mining Site After Massive Water Leak

The city of El Reno, Oklahoma, has condemned a Bitcoin mining site after a massive leak of millions of gallons of water. The leak, which affected schools, businesses, and even the county courthouse, was caused by an unpermitted private fire hydrant and suppression line at the facility.

According to interim City Manager Ken Brown, roughly 3.8 million gallons of water were lost, despite a stop-work order issued in June 2023 due to electrical, construction, and fire safety violations. The company, Athlon BT, had claimed that its hardware was air-cooled and did not need water for cooling.

City officials say the leak came from the private fire hydrant and suppression line feeding it, not from cooling equipment. The property is owned by Athlon Blockchain Technology Corporation, which has advertised 'hydro-cooled solutions' on its website in addition to air-cooled offerings.