One-On-One: Regulating silica 'frac' sand mining
Go Deeper.
Create an account or log in to save stories.
Like this?
Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.
There's been a boom recently in the use of hydraulic fracturing or "fracking" to pull oil and natural gas from rock formations.
The pressurized water used in fracking is combined with sand. Silica sand, found in Minnesota and Wisconson, is perfect for this purpose because of its size, shape and mineral composition.
Along with the boom in fracking is an explosion in silica sand mining. Six silica sand mines are currently up and running in Minnesota, but five counties have passed moratoriums on new mines. It's an issue that sparks some controversy. This week, for example, a Twin Cities based conference on the subject has been peppered with protesters.
As part of our One-on-One series of debates, MPR's Cathy Wurzer welcomes two men with differing perspectives on how this industry should be regulated. State Sen. John Howe is a Republican who represents the Red Wing area, which is rich in silica sand. Fred Corrigan is the executive director of the Aggregate and Ready Mix Association of Minnesota.
Turn Up Your Support
MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all.
Dear reader,
Your voice matters. And we want to hear it.
Will you help shape the future of Minnesota Public Radio by taking our short Listener Survey?
It only takes a few minutes, and your input helps us serve you better—whether it’s news, culture, or the conversations that matter most to Minnesotans.
