North Tonawanda Crypto Mining Facility Moves to Dismiss Court Action Over Noise Violations

A long-running dispute between residents and the operators of a cryptocurrency mining facility in North Tonawanda has escalated to the city’s courtroom.

The Erie Avenue plant, run by DigiPower X and housed in the former Fortistar power station, has drawn criticism from nearby neighborhoods for its constant mechanical noise and emissions. Locals say the nonstop hum of cooling fans, combined with carbon output, has disrupted daily life since the operation began.

City officials allege that the company has repeatedly violated North Tonawanda’s noise ordinance. In July, the police department issued four citations after sound readings reportedly exceeded the 50-decibel nighttime limit for consecutive nights. The company has pleaded not guilty and is seeking to have the charges dismissed.

The current ordinance caps penalties at $250 per violation, but city leaders are working on updates that would expand the law to cover low-frequency noise and impose higher fines on industrial and commercial offenders. A vote on the changes could come as soon as next month.

DigiPower X began mining in September 2022, operating continuously with large cooling systems to regulate the temperature of its computer servers. The operation is primarily powered by a former 55-megawatt gas plant and environmental data suggests it has generated more than 280,000 tons of carbon dioxide since opening.

Public opposition has been building since the facility was first approved. In mid-2024, city officials enacted a two-year ban on new crypto-mining and data center projects to allow time for zoning and ordinance revisions.

They also passed a separate measure declaring the city a nuclear-free zone after the company floated the idea of using a microreactor for power.

The next hearing to determine whether the noise citations will be dismissed is scheduled for September 9th at North Tonawanda City Court.

North Tonawanda Crypto Mining Facility Moves to Dismiss Court Action Over Noise Violations