In Houston County's approach to frac-sand regulation is chilling, a column in the Winona Daily News, city resident Steve Schild writes:
We’re in trouble when we find truth in the absurd — and that’s what’s going on in the following exchange from a Houston County Board of Adjustment meeting in February.
“Are we trying to shut the mine down or are we trying to correct it?”
“What we’re asking is that the county enforce the ordinance.”
“By doing that, we shut it down.”
So, the only way the Erickson mine can continue operating is if Houston County refuses to enforce its own ordinance.
That’s chilling, and not only for Houston County, but for all of us in frac-sand country.
We’re repeatedly told, “Don’t ban—regulate.” We’re told that frac-sand mining can be done “right” if we enforce existing regulations. ...
Read the rest at the Winona Daily for additional examples of the absurdity of that construct when counties and state agencies refuse to enforce laws and permit conditions.
Chilling indeed.
Photo: A frac sand mine.
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