New Frac Sand Mine on Track for Approval in Minnesota

A proposed frac sand mine in the Buffalo County, Minn., town of Dover appears to be back on track weeks after developers missed a deadline to modify the project, though its ultimate approval is still uncertain, according to the Winona Daily News.

The county’s zoning committee recently voted 3-1 to approve the conditional-use permit and sent it along to the Buffalo County Board of Adjustment for a final vote, with advisory positions both for and against approving it.

The Dover Town Board has called for the permit to be denied, saying the developers have not provided enough clear and detailed information on the project. The zoning committee recommends approving it, but with conditions.

The county zoning committee said the project developer, River Valley Sands of Utica, Minn., should furnish neighboring landowners in Dover with land value protections, as well as descriptions of how it will monitor and protect air and water quality. It should also disclose the chemicals it plans to use to wash sand at the site.

Zoning supervisors Tom Taylor, Fay Passow of Belvidere and Dennis Youngbauer voted in favor of recommending approval. Jim Ziegeweid of Glencoe voted against, saying he stood with the town of Dover.

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