Model zoning standards for Minnesota's frac-sand mining industry got their first public hearing Wednesday at a meeting of the state Environmental Quality Board and quickly came under fire by mining opponents.
In spirited but orderly testimony, more than 20 "fractivists'' complained that the board's initial attempt at developing model standards for use by local units of government was a step backward.
"Throw this out and start over," said Keith Fossen, an elected township official who lives near Red Wing.
Jeff Smyser, the board's principal planner, opened the hearing in St. Paul with an acknowledgment that the initial draft was rushed to meet an Oct. 1 deadline set by the Legislature. He promised that changes will be made to the document based on continued input from local authorities, citizens and industry representatives.
"We are nowhere near being finished," Smyser said.
David Williams, a township official from Fillmore County, called the document "a poor joke to most of the residents of southeastern Minnesota."
Many who testified were angry that the initial draft suggests that mines be set back only 500 feet from residences. Others raised concerns that the document doesn't address chemical use by the mines, nor does it offer local authorities the option of completely banning frac sand operations from certain areas.
The first draft of suggested standards also fails to adequately address southeastern Minnesota's sensitive karst geology, critics said.
