Hi-Crush Partners is seeking to build an $80 million, 700-acre frac sand mine in Wisconsin, but first it has to bypass some issues, according to a report from Wisconsin Public Radio.
The Houston-based frac sand producer has reportedly been looking to build a new facility in Lincoln, Wis., for more than a year. The proposed facility is in Trempealeau County, which recently passed a moratorium that prevents any new sand facility from being approved for one year.
Despite the moratorium, Hi-Crush is trying to get the 700-acre property annexed by a nearby city ¬– either Whitehall or Independence. If the land is part of a city, it will fall under city regulations, and county zoning rules, including the moratorium, will not apply to it.
Hi-Crush currently owns and operates another 561-acre frac sand facility near Wyeville, Wis.
Earlier this year, the company acquired a Pennsylvania-based frac sand distributor and rail terminal operator, D&I Silica LLC, for $125 million.