State seeks input on frac sand regulations

The state's Environmental Quality Board is asking for public input to draft standards designed to help local governments regulate frac sand mining.

The oversight board is developing rules for mining, processing and transporting silica sand - used in hydraulic fracturing.

Winona Assistant City Planner Carlos Espinosa is glad the state is involving the public and local governments in the decision-making proces.

"We've been going through it for the past two to three years here," he said. "So we've learned a lot and to be able to share that with the state, I think it's a great opportunity.

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Espinosa says he plans to submit comments on issues that extend beyond jurisdictional boundaries, like transportation and air quality.

Last month, the board stepped back from its draft standards after activists complained they were looser than some existing local rules, lacked scientific underpinnings, and would undermine local efforts to protect the environment.

Comments can be emailed to silicasand.eqb@state.mn.us or mailed to Jeff Smyser, Principal Planner, Minnesota Environmental Quality Board, 520 Lafayette Road North, St. Paul, MN 55155-4194.

The public input period runs through November 12.

The board will also hold three meetings in Mankato, St. Charles and Wabasha to gather public input.

• October 25, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Blue Earth County Library, 100 East Main Street, Mankato, MN

• October 29, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., St. Charles Community Center, 830 Whitewater Avenue, St. Charles, MN

• October 29, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Wabasha-Kellogg High School, Performing Arts Center, 2113 Hiawatha Drive East, Wabasha, MN