Construction
Lonoke County Bitcoin Mine Construction Order Lifted
2024-12-11
Last week, a significant development took place in Lonoke County. Steve Landers Jr., who owned a bitcoin mine in the area, faced a halt in construction due to a cease-and-desist order issued by Lonoke County Judge Doug Erwin. This order was based on concerns related to perceived noise pollution and other issues. However, Landers has now announced that the order has been lifted, and he intends to continue building the mine as per his original plans.
"Steve Landers Jr. Resumes Bitcoin Mine Construction Amidst Controversy"
Construction Halt and Press Conference
Last week, officials from both Lonoke County and the city of Cabot, which is the closest municipal jurisdiction to the planned mine site, held a press conference. During this conference, they expressed their strong opposition to the mine, highlighting the potential noise pollution and other related concerns. This halt in construction had a significant impact on Landers' plans, but he remained determined to address the issues and move forward.After showing Judge Erwin that all the requirements set by FEMA had been met, Landers was able to have the order lifted. This was a crucial step in his journey to resume the construction of the bitcoin mine.Addressing Crypto Mine Concerns
In the United States, some crypto mines have been traced back to Chinese nationals with ties to the Communist Party. These mines have faced various issues, including violations of noise ordinances and potential security risks. However, Landers, who owns several crypto mines through his company, Interstate Holdings, and whose family has a long history in the auto dealership business in Arkansas, has no such connections.While there have been legitimate complaints about noise from crypto mines in Arkansas and beyond, it has been found that most of the mines at the center of these complaints are owned by Chinese companies. Landers has taken proactive measures to ensure that his mines operate within acceptable decibel levels. He has set a requirement of 55 decibels at his mines, meaning the noise emitted will not exceed this figure.To put this into perspective, based on information from Decibel Pro, the average conversation between people standing or sitting three feet apart has a decibel level of 65 decibels. This shows that Landers' mines are designed to be relatively quiet.Security and Neighborly Relations
Regarding security concerns about the mine being located near the Little Rock Air Force Base, Landers has assured that the Air Force is aware of the mine and has no objections. He pointed to an example of a crypto mine located adjacent to an air force base in Cheyenne, Wyoming, which operates smoothly without any issues.Landers emphasized that his mine will be the most remote bitcoin mine in the state. He believes that even if it were located in the middle of town, the noise would not be a problem. He is proud to be an American and wants to be a good neighbor, providing Arkansans with an opportunity to benefit from what he considers a good investment.Interstate Vice President Dustin Curtis also stated that everything is being done by the book. The proper steps have been taken, and sound studies have been conducted. The company is committed to being a responsible entity and ensuring the smooth operation of the mine.In conclusion, Steve Landers Jr. has overcome the challenges posed by the cease-and-desist order and is ready to proceed with the construction of his bitcoin mine. With proper measures in place to address noise and security concerns, he aims to make a positive contribution to the local community and the state of Arkansas.