Athlon Blockchain facility condemned in Oklahoma after massive water leak

A Bitcoin mining facility in El Reno, Oklahoma, has been condemned after an unauthorized fire hydrant caused a massive water leak. The leak, which occurred around August 28, resulted in the loss of between 3 and 3.8 million gallons of water during a period of severe regional drought.

The leak caused water pressure to plummet across the city, leading to the temporary closure of schools and public buildings as taps ran dry. The issue stemmed from a damaged private water line connected to an unsanctioned hydrant installed by the operator, Athlon Blockchain Technology LLC. Because the hydrant was unauthorized, city crews were not monitoring it, allowing the leak to go undetected for some time.

El Reno officials have issued a 10-day removal notice for the site. Mayor Steve Jensen stated that taxpayers will not be responsible for the costs; instead, the city intends to bill Athlon for the metered water and the expenses related to the emergency response.

This incident follows previous regulatory issues at the site. City records indicate that a stop-work order was issued against the facility in June 2023 because it was operating without a certificate of occupancy. An administrative hearing is scheduled for September 14 to determine further legal and regulatory actions against the company.