I asked ChatGPT about the article and oil origin:

Yes, there was definitely an oil spill — confirmed by both the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Greenidge Generation, the company that operates the Bitcoin mining and power generation facility.

🔎 What spilled?

The DEC described the incident as a leak of an oil-and-water mixture from one of the facility’s turbines.

⸻

🛠️ Where would oil come from in a Bitcoin mining facility?

While Bitcoin mining itself doesn’t directly involve oil, the Greenidge plant is not just a crypto-mining site — it’s also a natural gas power plant that generates electricity both for the grid and for its mining operations. Here’s how oil factors in: 1. Turbine Lubrication Oil: • The facility uses turbines to generate electricity. • These turbines require large volumes of lubricating oil to reduce friction, cool moving parts, and ensure smooth operation. • The oil circulates in closed systems but leaks or overflows can happen — especially in older or heavily used machinery. 2. Transformer or Hydraulic Fluids: • Some systems may also use hydraulic oil or transformer oil, which are hydrocarbon-based and can also leak under high pressure or heat. 3. Oil Storage Tanks: • Power plants often have on-site tanks for turbine oil, diesel (for backup generators), or other industrial lubricants. • Improper storage, aging seals, or equipment failure can lead to spills.

⸻

🧯 What happened in this case? • A turbine at Greenidge leaked the oil-water mixture. • It entered an approved stormwater drainage system but ultimately made its way into a nearby marshland. • Officials say it did not reach Seneca Lake, though residents remain skeptical and report unusual foam and algae growth.

⸻

🧬 Why does this matter?

Even a relatively small amount of turbine oil is toxic to aquatic life and can disrupt sensitive ecosystems. And when the facility is located so close to Seneca Lake — a key source of drinking water and tourism — community trust and environmental transparency are critical.

If you’d like, I can help you draft a formal letter or public comment requesting more details from DEC or Greenidge — or help analyze the spill report once it’s released.