Polk County aims to damper noise attenuation

By Ethan Nahté Part

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The Polk County Quorum Court met June 27 for their regularly scheduled monthly meeting. The first item in new business was about what is known as data or crypto mining, a widespread hot topic across Arkansas the past week or two. The County Judges Association recommended counties take action while they still can.

The ordinance reads: An emergency ordinance adopting certain rules and regulations concerning external noise attenuation of data centers and to prevent noise disturbance in Polk County and within its unincorporated limits; to declare an emergency; and for other purposes.

What is a crypto mine?

Crypto mines or data centers are large collections of computers built to harvest cryptocurrency; a completely digital form of money not reliant on any central authority. A mine has numerous servers, network switches, routers and air conditioning equipment producing significant noise that influences work and communication of maintenance staff on site. It also has an effect on its immediate surroundings, 24/7, 365 day, sounding like a non-stop buzz. A normal conversation ranges between 50-65 decibels (dB). Noise over 70 dB over a prolonged period of time may start to damage hearing.

“Act 851”

A new Arkansas state law, “Act 851,” opened the door for more crypto mines to be built in Arkansas, making the state the first to pass the “Right to Mine” Bitcoin bill in both the House and Senate. “Act 851” is an act to create the Arkansas Data Centers Act of 2023; to clarify the regulation of the digital asset mining business; and for other purposes.”

The law protects cryptocurrency and is said to bring an economic boost to communities. Rep. Rick McClure, R-Malvern, presented the bill in committee on April 3 and it was signed into law April 13. The law prevents any kind of zoning or sound ordinance laws designed to “discriminate” against crypto mines and data centers. No one spoke for or against the bill, and only two lawmakers voted against it. The law takes effect August 1, 2023.

McClure released a statement stating, in part, “The intent of HB1799, now Act 851, is to protect our power generation capabilities, and protect our power grid. It is also intended to reinforce that digital asset miners must be in compliance with all Arkansas laws just as any other business would have to be.

“To protect our power generation and power grid required the input from our Public Service Commission and power providers. Protecting Arkansans is the top priority.