City of El Reno condemns Bitcoin mining facility after massive water leak, citing safety violations

City of El Reno condemns Bitcoin mining facility after massive water leak, citing safety violations

El Reno condemned a Bitcoin mining facility after a water line failure leaked 3 million gallons and shut down schools, businesses and offices.

The City of El Reno condemned a Bitcoin mining facility at the center of a massive water leak last week, citing fire and life safety violations.

The water line failure at the site leaked three million gallons of water, shutting down schools, businesses, and city and county offices.

The city released a statement on Monday, saying it issued a Stop Work Order for Athlon Blockchain LLC in 2023 after construction had begun at the site due to "multiple fire and life safety code violations as well as the expiration of the building and electrical permits that had previously been issued."

The owner of the property, which sits along South Jensen Road, was given until the end of 2023 to obtain new permits, and they were told construction could not continue until a certificate of occupancy was obtained, according to a news release from El Reno.

"At this time, it is believed, although not yet confirmed, that despite lacking any Certificate of Occupancy, the property owner continued to construct the facility and began operations. Upon discovery of the water leak at the property last week, City staff condemned the property due to multiple fire and life safety code violations, which in addition to the water leak, created a hazard to the health, safety, and welfare of the community," the city said in a statement.