Granbury, Hood County, Texas, USA

A case where a noise limit existed, was set at the wrong level, and consequently protected nobody. Texas's statutory 85 dB limit is the highest in the United States, roughly 45 dB above the WHO Europe night-time guidance for outside bedrooms.

Measured conditions: TIME recorded peaks of 91 dB and nightly emissions of 70 to 90 dB, including 72 dB inside a resident's bedroom at midnight. A county constable logged more than 35 readings above 85 dB during 2024, meaning the statutory limit was exceeded repeatedly before any enforcement question even arose. More than 40 residents reported related medical issues, at least 10 of whom sought emergency care. In October 2024 over two dozen residents sued the operator in Hood County state court, alleging permanent hearing loss, migraines, tinnitus and vertigo, and seeking a permanent injunction.

The facility is a Bitcoin mine operated by Marathon Digital at Wolf Hollow. The case is recorded as a failure of the standard rather than of enforcement or concept: a limit set at 85 dB permits levels far above any health-based guidance, so compliance and harm can coexist, and litigation becomes the only remaining route.