Frac sand opponents on both sides of the Mississippi River scored local victories this week.
In Buffalo County, Wisc., where a frac sand moratorium is set to be lifted at the end of October, the Board of Adjustment unanimously denied an application for the proposed Seven Sands mine and wash plant. The partnership sought to dig sand from Montana Township and haul it in heavy trucks on winding roads toward the Mississippi for processing. The Cochrane-Fountain City School District was a major foe, arguing that bus routes and students were at risk of harm.
Across the river In Houston County, Yucatan Township passed a year-long moratorium on industrial sand mining. A group of township residents will now form a study group to create a comprehensive land use plan and research all aspects of industrial sand mining. The Land Stewardship Project, with an office in Lewiston, Minn., was pleased with the decision, which temporarily ices at least one proposed frac sand mine.
