El Reno Officials Admit Failure to Enforce Regulations at Unlicensed Bitcoin Mining Facility
El Reno city officials in Oklahoma have admitted to failing to enforce regulations surrounding a Bitcoin mining facility operated by Athlon Blockchain Technology LLC. The facility, which was used for small-scale data center operations, had been violating building codes and lacked necessary permits.
The property owners continued operating the site despite receiving a stop work order in 2023. City officials acknowledged that they did not follow up with the property owners to ensure compliance with regulations.
According to Ken Brown, the Interim El Reno City Manager, 'If the stop work order was in 2023, why didn't we follow? Because we failed.' He added that the assumption was that people would respect the stop work order.
The facility's operation led to a massive water leak, resulting in over three million gallons of water being lost. However, water levels have since returned to normal, and officials claim that the water supply is safe.
City officials stated that they will hold Athlon Blockchain Technology LLC responsible for the costs associated with the ordeal, including overtime and labor expenses.