Pass legislation that provides a moratorium on any new or expanding frac sand mining operations until a Generic Environmental Impact Statement (GEIS) is completed and meaningful state level standards are established.
Why is this important?
I care about this issue because of my 20 years as a public health professional and 15 years of bicycling in SE Minnesota.
Numerous experts and state agencies (eg, MN Department of Health, MN Pollution Control Agency) have raised serious concerns about the potential health effects of industrial frac sand mining to nearby residents and tourists. Silicosis, lung cancer, asthma, contaminated drinking water, and increased vehicular accidents are devastating long-term consequences to risk for short-term financial gain.
