Wisconsin’s frac sand boom may have slowed, but the number of permitted and proposed facilities still has grown since the Center’s May tally.
Category: Frac Sand Rush
Posted inEnvironment, Frac Sand Rush, Government
Bill would limit local control of frac sand mining
The draft bill, now being circulated for cosponsors, would bar local governments from regulating some aspects of nonmetallic mining, including its impacts on air quality, water, road use and reclamation.
Posted inEconomy, Frac Sand Rush, Government, Health & Welfare
Frac sand health fears rise as mining booms in Wisconsin
Like some other west-central Wisconsin residents, Frances and Dean Sayles are frustrated with the state Department of Natural Resources’ lack of a comprehensive approach to addressing concerns surrounding potential health problems from crystalline silica dust. Now some residents, academics, local government officials and even a frac sand producer have begun taking action.
Posted inFrac Sand Rush, WisWatch Blog
Reporter’s diary: A surprise at the sand conference
When I started reporting on the frac sand beat for my Center internship, I had no inkling that silica sand mining could have much of anything to do with my hometown of Minneapolis.
Posted inFrac Sand Rush, WisWatch Blog
Frac sand: New report, new map, new project page
Bookmark the Center’s frac sand project page to stay abreast of what’s happening in the industry.
Posted inEconomy, Frac Sand Rush
Report: ‘Little impact’ on Wisconsin from frac sand mining jobs
A new report says that the overall economic impact of frac sand mining will be minimal, and cautions communities to consider the potential costs of mining along with the benefits.
Posted inFrac Sand Rush, WisWatch Blog
Frac sand regulation, Minnesota vs. Wisconsin
Audio from Minnesota Public Radio News on the difference between the two states’ approaches to regulating the growing frac sand mining industry.
Posted inFrac Sand Rush, WisWatch Blog
MPR frac sand chat with Minnesota’s Chief Geologist, 10 a.m.
Minnesota Public Radio News hosts a Q&A with Minnesota Chief Geologist Tony Runkel on frac sand mining.
Posted inEconomy, Frac Sand Rush
Map: Wisconsin’s frac sand industry
Over the past two years, the increased demand for frac sand drove explosive growth in the state’s sand industry.
Posted inEnvironment, Frac Sand Rush
New studies measure air, water impacts of frac sand mines
Competing studies are under way to assess air pollution from Wisconsin’s frac sand industry, and the author of one said current state law isn’t protecting people well enough. A separate study, meanwhile, will examine the impact of frac sand mines on water.
Posted inEconomy, Environment, Frac Sand Rush, Government, Health & Welfare
Frac sand industry faces DNR violations, warnings
Nearly a fifth of Wisconsin’s 70 active frac sand mines and processing plants were cited for environmental violations last year, as the industry continued to expand at a rapid clip.
Posted inEnvironment, Frac Sand Rush
Frac sand mining and processing permits
A brief run-down of the permits required to open a frac sand mine or processing plant.