The Post Bulletin's Brett Boese once again leds in reporting developments in the continuing conflict over silica sand mining in Goodhue County.
Across the area, silica sand is being mined at an increasing rate for use in "fracking" natural gas from shale. While most news coverage of the practice focuses on environmental issues arising in the gas fields, in the upper Midwest, sand mining itself is creating conflict.
In Townships weigh in on silica sand moratorium request as county bumps back its decision, Boese reports:
The Goodhue County Board's decision on the controversial silica sand mining moratorium request has been pushed back to next month, but opponents have taken full advantage of the extra time.
After the Goodhue County Planning Advisory Commission recommended denial of the moratorium request on July 19 before a standing-room-only crowd, Florence Township and Hay Creek Township have both passed resolutions relating to the issue. . . .More than 100 people have attended four different meetings about the issue since the purchase became public knowledge — two informational meetings at the public library in Red Wing and two Goodhue County PAC meetings — and that's a big reason why the weighty issue has been pushed back.
The Goodhue County board meets next Thursday at the county fair and has decided that the silica sand mining moratorium would be too contentious for the fair. The matter will be taken up on September 6, the Post Bulletin reports, noting that commissioners hope that an evening meeting will allow more citizens to attend.
Read the entire article at the PB.
Photo: The Hay Creek Township site.
Related posts: No fracking way: Wabasha County places temporary moratorium on silica sand mining
Updated: Windsor Permian consultant spotted at Goodhue County planning commission meeting
The silica sand mine proposed for Hay Creek is to be situated in an area that is too heavily populated. It will sit next to a beautiful State Hardwood Forest with a well-known trout stream called Hay Creek flowing nearby. It is a health hazard and an environmental hazard. Red Wing with a 16000+ population uses 1.5 million gallons per day as will this ONE mine. A one-year moratorium should be enacted.Florence and Hay Creek Township Boards have met and sent letters to the Goodhue County Board stating that they want a one-year moratorium. Wabasha County has enacted a ban on silica sand mining.Goodhue County Board members should do the "right thing", enact a one-year moratorium on silica sand mining.
Posted by: Rebecca McCaughtry | Aug 11, 2011 at 05:04 PM