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0 sats \ 0 replies \ @Bell_curve 11h \ on: Oil spill at bitcoin mining facility sparks water concerns near Seneca Lake bitcoin_Mining
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.
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🛠️ 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.
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🧯 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.
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🧬 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.