MinnesotaCounty passes frac sand ban, first in the state to take such a stand

Sand mining in Minnesota and Wisconsin boomed and waned along with the oil and gas production practice known as hydrofracking.  The particular kind of sand found in parts of southeast Minnesota was in huge demand by exploration companies, which use it to prop open cracks in the underground shale formations that produce oil and natural gas.  Mining supporters in Winona County have said they’re trying to protect private property rights, provide jobs and preserve the region’s chance to cash in on changes in the nation’s oil industry. Commissioner Steve E. Jacob, who voted against the ban, said he wanted to find “common ground and compromise” by regulating the number of sand mines in the county, but despite approval by the planning commission, it was voted down by the majority County Board.“It was a rural versus city issue, and I voted in favor of my district,” Jacob said. “We’ve been fighting this issue for five years now.”Opponents fear destruction of scenic bluffs along the Mississippi River, health problems from blowing silica sand dust, contamination of groundwater, and damage to roads and more accidents from the trucks that cart sand to and from transportation hubs.