To: Governor Tim Walz
Protect Minnesota from fracking industry's frac sand mining rush
We must address the potential dangers of frac sand mining and take action to protect our health and our environment—before it’s too late. Minnesota needs a moratorium on new frac sand mines while the state studies the negative impacts of this industry, how to properly regulate it, and whether or not it should be banned in Minnesota.
Why is this important?
You may know that hydraulic fracturing for natural gas, or “fracking,” is polluting drinking water and impacting air quality in communities from Pennsylvania to Colorado. But fracking has had another, less publicized consequence that hits closer to home: demand for silica sand, or "frac sand," which is used in the hydraulic fracturing process, has gone through the roof. As a result, large-scale frac sand mining operations have descended on central and southern Minnesota—and our waterways, landscapes and public health could suffer the consequences.
Major concerns associated with frac sand mining include:
-Polluted wastewater leaks from frac sand mines, which endangers waterways such as the Mississippi, St. Croix and Minnesota River basins;
-Groundwater depletion as a result of excessive use by the frac sand industry;
-Air pollution and environmental degradation as a result of transporting industrial machinery, equipment and millions of tons of sands;
-The destruction of rural lands important for wildlife, agriculture, and tourism;
-Respiratory disorders from breathing silica sand dust.
Now is the time to address the potential dangers of frac sand mining and ensure that Minnesota is properly protected.
Major concerns associated with frac sand mining include:
-Polluted wastewater leaks from frac sand mines, which endangers waterways such as the Mississippi, St. Croix and Minnesota River basins;
-Groundwater depletion as a result of excessive use by the frac sand industry;
-Air pollution and environmental degradation as a result of transporting industrial machinery, equipment and millions of tons of sands;
-The destruction of rural lands important for wildlife, agriculture, and tourism;
-Respiratory disorders from breathing silica sand dust.
Now is the time to address the potential dangers of frac sand mining and ensure that Minnesota is properly protected.