DNR approves sand mining project with large wetlands loss

A timber company`s plans to develop a $65 million sand processing facility between Tomah and Black River Falls that would destroy a large swath of wetlands were approved by the Department of Natural Resources on Friday.

Meteor Timber is proposing to construct a plant and rail transfer site in Monroe County where sand from a nearby mine it owns would be shipped to drillers in Texas and North Dakota, where production is ramping up.

Sand is a key ingredient in fracking and is used under pressure with water to prop open pockets of oil and gas...

Another story here (More details):

DNR green lights Monroe County frac operation; permit allows Meteor to fill 16¼ acres of wetlands

   ...more

Ken Notes: I have suggested that these projects will be difficult to stop, but we should be able to regulate them fare better than we do.

Things to consider:
What is the exit strategy for the site?
Are there fees in place to address impact on infrastructure?
Are neighboring landowners protected from devaluation and impact on land use?
If sensitive lands are directly or indirectly affected, is there an offset?
If foreign prices cause sites to go dormant how are they maintained during this period?

I am sure there are more and I would be happy to work with your local officials to address these issues. Note this is best done before the request for a mine is even made....