During last session's fractious frac sand debate in the Minnesota legislature, Bluestem was told that pro-industrial sand mining advocates worried that the Minnesota Environmental Quality Board wasn't friendly to silica sand mining. Some of the proposed bills to regulate the industry included the board.
Outside of the sand debate, some conservatives questioned the purpose of the board entirely, suggesting that any expansion of its duties would only be part of an evil takever of state government by job-killing environmentalists secretly directed by Governor Dayton's ex-wife.
A pre-conference workshop offered by the Frac Sand Logistics And Supply Chain 2013: Rail, Trucking and Transloading Opportunities Congress should put those fears to rest.
According to the page describing the November 19 pre-conference offering Understanding Current Regulatory Control And Potential Changes Impacting Take-Away Capacity, Transportation & Logistics Of Frac Sand, Jeff Smyser, one of just three members of the EQB staff, will lead a workshop "designed to support the industry":
It is vital for the frac sand industry to understand how regulatory changes will impact the supply chain from mine to wellhead. With negative public perceptions, the recent rail incident in Canada and infrastructure presenting a major bottleneck for industry growth, understanding how the regulatory landscape is likely to evolve across key regions will be vital.
This pre-conference workshop is designed to support the industry with these challenges as an informative and interactive discussion forum. Bringing together regulators and industry experts, this workshop will deliver key information regarding the current landscape and future direction of regulatory control.
9.00 Part 1: Regulatory Developments And Future Direction: State-By-State And National Analysis
Local Government, State And National Analysis On Regulation Of Frac Sand Mining, Infrastructure Capacity Expansion, Transportation & Handling
- Insights into local cases impacting permits for infrastructure development and lessons learned
- Assessing State involvement in regulating sand operations and transportation- is this role likely to increase?
- Understanding whether the regulatory authorities view frac sand as a hazardous substance, and what this will mean for regulation on the national and local level
- Investigating the impact of the recent crude by rail accident on frac sand rail regulation - will new regulation be implemented on a national level?
Jeff Smyser, Principal Planner, Minnesota Environmental Quality Board
10.00 Questions & Answer Interactive Discussion Session, Followed By Comfort Break
10.45 Part 2: Handling Safety, Management Of Public Perception And The Impact On Infrastructure Development Supporting Frac Sand Industry Growth
Examining Handling Safety Of Proppants
- Discussing the facts on safe handling of frac sand and necessary steps to protect workers and local communities
- Evaluating measures and best practices to minimize risk when handling proppants
Managing Public Perception And Assessing Wider Implications On The Build-Up Of Take-Away Capacity Across Key Regions
- Reviewing public perceptions against frac sand industry developments, and the impact on development of loading and unloading infrastructure
- Looking at what is being done on a national and state level to address the public's environmental concerns
- Revealing best practice on public education and communication
Jeff Plale, Commissioner, Railroad Commission of Wisconsin
11.30 Question and Answer Session, Followed By Workshop Wrap Up
12.00 Workshop Close
The member of the Railroad Commission of Wisconsin talking about the management of perception is a nice touch, too.
Perhaps by November, the EQB's principle planner can answer the questions raised by Stephanie Hemphill's report today on MPR, Guideline or law? Confusion over frac sand mining standards.
We certainly hope that Mr. Smyser has time in his busy schedule to meet with Minnesota citizens who have questions about the regulatory process here at home as well. The board meets in about a half hour, according to the agenda online; perhaps someone might ask about that this afternoon.
Screenshot: From the pdf of the conference brochure.
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