A multi-year study of groundwater use in Chippewa County, Wis., shows that stream levels can be negatively impacted by frac sand mining and irrigated agriculture, according to researchers from the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), which partnered with Chippewa County, sand mining companies, farmers and other stakeholders to measure potential impacts to groundwater in…
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Winona County Bans Frac Sand Mining
Winona County became the first county in Minnesota to pass a total ban on frac sand mining. Experts on both sides of the issue said Winona County is likely the first county in the nation to do so. The victory for environmentalists came after years of citizen activism against frac sand generally and a more than one-year-long campaign for this…
Read MoreNew Study Addresses Impact of Frac Sand Mining on Roads
A new Policy Study from The Heartland Institute addresses the potential impacts of frac sand mining on public roadways. The study provides an overview of successful methods used to minimize potential damage to roadways while maximizing the benefits of industrial sand mining to the community.
Read MoreStudy: Frac Sand Mining a Boon for Employment, Earnings, Economies
A new Policy Study from The Heartland Institute shows industrial sand mining has been “a significant driver of economic growth across the Upper Midwest.” If done in an environmentally responsible manner, the study finds, “it can be an important source of employment and earnings for decades to come.” The study, titled “Economic Impacts of Industrial Silica Sand (Frac Sand) Mining,” is the second in…
Read MoreThis Week’s Market Buzz
At an open house on frac sand mining issues at the Howard Town Hall in Colfax, Wisc., organized by the Madison-based nonprofit group Midwest Environmental Advocates and local opponents of frac sand mining, community members spoke about the impact of mining on their lives. It is the first of three such meetings to be held in Western Wisconsin, according to…
Read MoreThis Week’s Market Buzz
Canadian National Railway Co. reported better-than-expected fourth-quarter earnings and boosted its dividend, but lagged its main Canadian rival in a key efficiency measure. CN Rail said it is aiming to increase shipments of crude oil and frac sand in 2015 despite a steep decline in the price of oil. “There’s a lot of investments that are being made by our customers…
Read MoreWisconsin DNR Facing Permit, Research Questions
According to WSAU radio in Wisconsin, the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has continued to let new frac-sand mines open, even though the agency’s environmental regulations expired nine months ago.
Read MoreFrac Sand Insider Conference a Huge Success
More than 200 people gathered in Pittsburgh Nov. 16-18 for Rock Products’ second Frac Sand Insider conference. Both the number of exhibitors and attendees exceeded the first show, held in Pittsburgh last year. “We are extremely pleased with how this event turned out,” said Tim Fearney, show director. “Our exhibitors made some good connections, and the educational sessions have been informative and well-attended.” The…
Read MoreReport Claims Frac Sand Companies Disregard Regs
A new Land Stewardship Project report claims to show that the frac sand mining industry in Wisconsin is systemically disregarding state regulations, a red flag to communities in Minnesota that are grappling with the onslaught of this industrial activity. The report, which is reportedly based on an analysis of public data and news reports, also documented over a dozen instances…
Read MoreStudy Drums Up Fear on Frac Sand
Frac sand mining poses a little-understood threat to human health, the environment, and local economies, according to a report issued by the Civil Society Institute’s Boston Action Research (BAR) and released in cooperation with Environmental Working Group (EWG) and Midwest Environmental Advocates (MEA).
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