Since Bluestem's covered frac sand mining since late spring 2011, we can probably get away with posting a raw press release and senator's column about this issue. The legislation follows, and we'll provide some analysis over the weekend.
Via MPR, the Associated Press reports in Frac sand bill calls for study, oversight:
The Minnesota senator leading the charge in silica sand mining debate is calling for a statewide study and the creation of a regional board to oversee the booming industry.Sen. Matt Schmit, a Red Wing Democrat, unveiled a bill Friday that he says would give the state some oversight while giving local governments more authority to regulate silica mining. . . .
Among the hottest issues is whether the state should halt new mines while studying the industry. Schmit's bill doesn't call for a statewide moratorium, but he is leaving the door open to one.
Off the bat, Bluestem worries that the board will be swiftly morphed into a mining promotion board unless proper checks and balances are created,
Meanwhile, head over to MinnPost and read Ron Meador's Earth Journal post, Legislators get earful on frac sand; public can get crash course on issues if you have been seeking a good mildly-long read on the issue.
Senator Schmit introduces Silica sand mining legislation
St. Paul, Minn. – Senator Matt Schmit (DFL-Red Wing) announced the upcoming introduction of legislation relating to silica sand mining in Minnesota, to be officially introduced on Monday, February 25, 2013. Bill sponsors in the senate will include Senators Sheran (DFL-Mankato), Dahle (DFL- Northfield) and Sieben (DFL- Cottage Grove). Sen. Schmit authored the following column:
“The 2013 legislative session has been dominated by discussion of Governor Dayton's budget proposal and the need to restore structural balance to Minnesota's fiscal house. This past week, though, attention turned to a very important issue for parts of southern Minnesota: silica sand mining.
After many months of grassroots organizing, those concerned about rapid expansion of sand mining operations in the region finally had their day at the Capitol. A joint meeting of the senate and house environment committees heard compelling testimony for a stronger, more definitive state role in permitting and regulation. Busloads of concerned citizens and local leaders let their voices be heard. The message was loud and clear: we have an opportunity to avoid the perils of western Wisconsin; let's not repeat their mistakes.
The conversation continues this coming week in the state senate. On Monday several colleagues and I will introduce legislation that aims to strike an appropriate balance between engaging state agency experts and empowering local decision makers. This plan is based upon conversations with a wide range of stakeholders, including concerned citizens, local elected leaders, state agency officials and representatives of the sand mining industry. In particular, the plan calls for:
- A generic environmental impact statement (GEIS) to address a number of unanswered questions plaguing the local permitting process. The GEIS will examine, among other questions, certain adverse water, air, transportation and economic impacts caused by sand mining. Importantly, this process will help us identify specific state permitting standards.
- A "Southern Minnesota Silica Sand Board" that will bring local decision makers and state agency experts together to establish a regional model ordinance -- a basic permitting standard upon which individual communities can build. This regional approach will allow for a broader view of sand mining impacts. Just as area watersheds and aquifers cross county lines, sand mined in one jurisdiction but transported through another affects us all.
- A technical and scientific advisory team comprised of state agency experts will be made available to our local governments as they weigh the benefits and risks of various permit applications. State agencies have resources and expertise that local governments lack. Where warranted, it only makes sense that we bring these folks together early in the permitting process.
In addition, the plan provides local governments with certain taxing powers to help recoup the full costs of a potentially expanded sand mining industry in the region. Importantly, local governments will be given the authority to extend local moratoria while the GEIS and regional silica sand board proceed.
I understand that no plan is ever perfect -- and I'll welcome ongoing feedback as the bill moves through the committee process. This coming week we'll likely consider the merits of a statewide moratorium, as well as particular state permitting standards known to us now.
After several weeks of informational meetings and overviews, senate committees are just beginning to hear bills. It's about time we get this important conversation started in St Paul.”
The bill, SF786, is also available online at the legislature's website.
Photo: A frac sand train wreck.
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