tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8218322023789966372024-02-06T20:49:13.128-08:00Frac Sand Mining Fillmore County The world is not changed by those who sort of care. - Sally HogsheadFC Frac Sand Mininghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04417644357574961093noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-821832202378996637.post-41980150252120982432016-05-09T07:49:00.001-07:002016-05-09T07:50:48.190-07:00Rally to Ban Frac Sand Mining <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAbA6ZF2-xTTbt3ONiVQYV904Hhamq689GVmGJ3lDn6XjeTU1vpS4VsfL_gfuyKCrTvSeiSeclDjV6nInG6yzviDhGE-CEiUiU96f3dm1JntnVZsqqbzTRRbAMH1bOEMme7yORvJJYVRWC/s1600/%2521cid_3858D34FBD174096BE5CAD1A7B9FB78ETschumperHP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAbA6ZF2-xTTbt3ONiVQYV904Hhamq689GVmGJ3lDn6XjeTU1vpS4VsfL_gfuyKCrTvSeiSeclDjV6nInG6yzviDhGE-CEiUiU96f3dm1JntnVZsqqbzTRRbAMH1bOEMme7yORvJJYVRWC/s640/%2521cid_3858D34FBD174096BE5CAD1A7B9FB78ETschumperHP.jpg" width="510" /></a></div>
<br />FC Frac Sand Mininghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04417644357574961093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-821832202378996637.post-6766008392705831492015-04-04T10:59:00.001-07:002015-04-04T10:59:03.508-07:00<br />
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<div class="yiv1729761948" id="yiv1729761948yui_3_16_0_1_1427397102940_121804">
<b class="yiv1729761948" id="yiv1729761948yui_3_16_0_1_1427397102940_121803"><span class="yiv1729761948" id="yiv1729761948yui_3_16_0_1_1427397102940_121802" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="yiv1729761948" id="yiv1729761948yui_3_16_0_1_1427397102940_121801" style="color: blue; font-family: Papyrus;">“Here is your country. Cherish these natural wonders, cherish the natural resources, cherish the history and romance as a sacred heritage, for your children and your children’s children. Do not let selfish men,</span><span class="yiv1729761948" id="yiv1729761948yui_3_16_0_1_1427397102940_121807" style="font-family: Papyrus;"> <span class="yiv1729761948" id="yiv1729761948yui_3_16_0_1_1427397102940_121806" style="color: blue;">or greedy interests, skin your country of its beauty, its riches or its romance.” <br class="yiv1729761948" clear="none" />Theodore Roosevelt</span></span></span></b></div>
FC Frac Sand Mininghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04417644357574961093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-821832202378996637.post-9756137630039919352015-03-01T14:23:00.002-08:002015-03-01T14:23:19.784-08:00Tuesday, 3 March is when the Houston County Commissioners will take their final vote on frac sand mining <div dir="ltr">
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Dear Friends,<br /></div>
I am writing with an urgent appeal, the
background of which is below. In essence, <b>this coming Tuesday, 3 March is
when the Houston County Commissioners will take their final vote on frac sand
mining in Houston County.</b> In spite of their vote FOR a ban two weeks ago,
they now seem to be back-pedalinig toward <b>ordinances </b>which will do <b>no
good</b> in truly regulating the industry. (For example, enforcement language
indicates that the County "may" take actions if violations occur, not that it
"may," "shall" or "will.")<br /></div>
Though many of you do not live in
Houston County,<b> <span style="color: red;">we are trying to get as large a turnout as possible at 8:30
for a rally and at 9:00 for the Commissioners' Meeting, at the Houston County
Courthouse in Caledonia, on Tuesday, March 3.</span></b><span style="color: red;"> </span><br /><b><br />We are looking for
people from within an hour radius to come.</b><br /><b><br /></b></div>
<b>If you
cannot come, are there persons whom you could telephone to come?</b> Do you have
friends or neighbors in Houston County whom you could contact about this? Time
is of the essence.<br /></div>
<b>Finally, we are also looking for people to
call or write to Commissioners Walter and Schuldt.</b> If you live outside
Houston County, you should try to include an angle that states your proximity,
interest, or relationship to Houston County.<br /></div>
<b>Please feel free to
forward this email widely, and please feel free to contact me with any
questions.</b> I am aware that there are a few persons on this list whose
opinions on frac sand I do not know. If this has gone to you in error, please
accept my apology. Only the best intentions were intended.<br /></div>
With
many thanks for your consideration, Drue
Fergison<br /><br />----------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Houston County Commissioners Backpedaling on Frac Sand Mining
Ban</span></i></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">At their Feb 24<sup>th</sup>
meeting, Houston County Commissioners backpedaled on the commitment they made
the week before to ban frac sand mining in the County. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">On February 18th,
<b><i>the Houston County Board voted unanimously to add language to the draft
mining ordinance that would ban frac sand mining.</i></b> That
decision was made after a three-hour Public Hearing during which hundreds of
County residents turned out to overwhelmingly voice their opposition to the
mining of silica sand for use in hydraulic fracking.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Since then the County
Board has been pressured by the mining industry and its local allies to abandon
that commitment. It appears a majority of the Board, Steve Schuldt, Teresa
Walter and Judy Storlie, now favor allowing frac sand mining instead of a ban.
</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><b><i><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">(http://www.news8000.com/news/frac-sand-mining-ordinance-vote-delayed-in-houston-county/31459714</span></i></b></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Following a controversial Public
Comment period last Tuesday, Commissioners discussed regulating frac sand mining
in the County instead of prohibiting it. This development comes <b><i>despite
the fact that Houston County Attorney Sam Jandt advised the Commissioners that a
ban on frac sand mining could legally be passed and defended in
Court.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">During the contentious Public
Comment period, <b><i>Charlie Wieser from La Crescent again attempted to bully
the Board into rejecting the ban.</i></b> Wieser, whose brothers Brian and Jeff,
and other family members are heavily involved in the frac sand mining industry,
again threatened that the County would be sued if the Commissioners passed a
ban. (See a video of his comments and frequent updates at </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">www.houstoncountyrealitycheck.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">)</span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Please contact
Commissioners Schuldt and Walter before the Tuesday, March 3<sup>rd</sup>
showdown vote! </span></i></b></div>
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</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">
Teresa Walter 895-2446 or <a href="mailto:teresa.walter@co.houston.mn.us" target="_blank">teresa.walter@co.houston.mn.us</a>
</span></i></b><b><i></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">
Steve Schuldt 724-3639 or <a href="mailto:steve.schuldt@co.houston.mn.us" target="_blank">steve.schuldt@co.houston.mn.us</a></span></i></b><b><i></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Tell them you want a ban on frac
sand mining<b><i>. Tell them that you do not believe their argument that
regulations will protect our county from the destruction of frac sand mining.
</i></b> </span><b><i></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Please try to attend our
“Ban the Sand” rally this Tuesday at 8:30 at the County Courthouse before the
Commissioners’ meeting at 9:00. </span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Ken Tschumper</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Houston County Government
Accountability Project</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="tel:507-894-4248" target="_blank" value="+15078944248">507-894-4248</a></span></div>
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FC Frac Sand Mininghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04417644357574961093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-821832202378996637.post-59592612662129407622015-01-28T21:11:00.001-08:002015-01-28T21:11:32.264-08:00Sunday, February 8, JEM theater in Harmony will present free showings (11:00 am and 2:00 pm) of "I'll Be Me"<div id="yiv0382892386yui_3_16_0_1_1422053487592_13326">
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Sunday, February
8, JEM theater in Harmony will present free showings (11:00 am and 2:00
pm)</div>
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of "I'll Be Me",
documentary of Glen Campbell's farewell tour.</div>
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With free popcorn
and pop!</div>
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Free tickets may
be reserved by emailing or calling Tim Samuelson (tjsamuel@gundersenhealth.org)
at Harmony Care Center 507/886-6544, ext. 103.
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I understand that
these showings are sponsored by Gunderson-Lutheran, which has received a grant
to increase conversations about Alzeimers Disease.</div>
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Please spread the
word as much as you can. Appropriate for all, including grandchildren,
according to Tim.</div>
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Wishing you
well,</div>
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Bonita</div>
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FC Frac Sand Mininghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04417644357574961093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-821832202378996637.post-17874934084274779952015-01-27T21:15:00.000-08:002015-01-28T21:15:38.980-08:00We just found out a few hours ago about this hearing on frac sand planned by the MN House of Representatives Mining and Outdoor Recreation Committee.<div id="yiv6190082550yui_3_16_0_1_1421961102141_21493">
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Hi folks,</div>
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I wanted to start getting
this news out quickly — feel free to share with others.</div>
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We just found out a few
hours ago about this hearing on frac sand planned by the MN House of
Representatives Mining and Outdoor Recreation Committee. As you can see in the
description below, it's been set up so that they hear only from the frac sand
industry and state agencies — no role for affected citizens. And industry is
given first billing and speaking priority even over the agencies. This is pretty
outrageous.</div>
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It'll be very important to
have some citizens from SE MN there to witness what the industry and agencies
say. If you're interested and able to go up to the hearing, please let me
know.</div>
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Thanks,</div>
<div id="yiv6190082550yui_3_16_0_1_1421961102141_21517">
Johanna</div>
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Johanna
Rupprecht</div>
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<div id="yiv6190082550yui_3_16_0_1_1421961102141_21522">
Policy Organizer</div>
<div id="yiv6190082550yui_3_16_0_1_1421961102141_29250">
Land Stewardship
Project</div>
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Lewiston, MN</div>
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507-523-3366</div>
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jrupprecht@landstewardshipproject.org</div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">From:</span></b><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> Stephanie Lamphere [<a href="mailto:Stephanie.Lamphere@house.mn" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" target="_blank" ymailto="mailto:Stephanie.Lamphere@house.mn">mailto:Stephanie.Lamphere@house.mn</a>]
<br clear="none" /><b>Sent:</b> Thursday, January 22, 2015 10:56 AM<br clear="none" /><b>To:</b> Mining and Outdoor Recreation Policy<br clear="none" /><b>Subject:</b> 1-27-14 House Mining and Outdoor Recreation Policy
Committee Notice</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Below please find a
meeting notice and agenda for the Tuesday, January 27th meeting of the House
Mining and Outdoor Recreation Policy Committee. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Thank
you,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Stephanie</span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">COMMITTEE:
</span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Mining and Outdoor
Recreation Policy</span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">DATE:
</span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Tuesday, January
27th, 2015</span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">TIME:
</span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">2:45pm -
4:30pm</span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">MEETING ROOM:
</span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">10 State Office
Building</span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">CHAIR:
</span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Rep. Tom
Hackbarth</span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">AGENDA:
</span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Informational
Hearing for Silica Sand Mining from Silica Sand Producers and State Agency
Silica Sand Rule-Making Update.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Stephanie
Lamphere<br clear="none" />Committee Administrator - Mining & Outdoor Recreation
Policy<br clear="none" />Minnesota House of Representatives</span></div>
</div>
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<div class="yiv6190082550MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 3.75pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">430 State Office
Building<br clear="none" />651-296-5528<br clear="none" /><a href="mailto:Stephanie.Lamphere@house.mn" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" target="_blank" ymailto="mailto:Stephanie.Lamphere@house.mn">Stephanie.Lamphere@house.mn</a></span></div>
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FC Frac Sand Mininghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04417644357574961093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-821832202378996637.post-61881396475708084672014-12-28T14:07:00.000-08:002014-12-28T14:07:43.167-08:00Frac Sand Mining is NOT Inevitable<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Local activists and public health professionals applied sufficient pressure to get New York Governor Andrew Cuomo to sign legislation </span><a href="http://350.org/press-release/350-org-responds-to-gov-cuomos-fracking-ban-a-huge-win/" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #399800; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">banning fracking</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> statewide. Until the news broke on December 17th, the outcome had seemed uncertain. It's a landmark, a watershed decision: a state has decided that its considerable reserves of fossil fuel will not be extracted for the foreseeable future, that </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/dec/17/new-york-state-fracking-ban-two-years-public-health" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #399800; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">other things</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> -- the health of its people, the purity of its water -- matter more. And once again, the power of citizens turned out to be greater than that of industry.</span>FC Frac Sand Mininghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04417644357574961093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-821832202378996637.post-6673748569024674332014-03-01T11:42:00.005-08:002014-03-01T11:42:52.825-08:00<div id="header-about" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 13px;">
<h1 style="border-bottom-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; color: #222222; float: left; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 33px; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: -1px; line-height: 33px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 15px 0px; width: 610px;">
The Moon</h1>
</div>
<div class="date-comments" style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 13px;">
<div class="fl" style="float: left; padding: 0px;">
<em>Posted on April 14, 2012</em></div>
<div class="fr" style="float: right; padding: 0px;">
<span class="comments" style="background-image: url(http://s0.wp.com/wp-content/themes/pub/inuit-types/images/comments-trans.png); background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin-left: 5px; padding-left: 20px;"><a href="http://thepriceofsand.com/2012/04/14/the-moon/#comments" sl-processed="1" style="color: #777777; font-size: 22px; text-decoration: none;">0</a></span></div>
</div>
<div class="clear" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 13px;">
</div>
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<div class="entry" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; padding: 0px 0px 30px;">
<div style="line-height: 20px !important; padding: 8px 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Moon</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 20px !important; padding: 8px 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After all the sand trains<br />have left this little town<br />When the speculators go<br />and the dust has settled down</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 20px !important; padding: 8px 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What’s left for us to live with<br />except those gaping holes?<br />A company town without a company<br />knocked off-kilter for short-term corporate goals</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 20px !important; padding: 8px 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The paychecks came from New York<br />or someplace far away<br />And when sand prices bottomed out<br />jobs dried up, almost the same day</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 20px !important; padding: 8px 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now we’re left with our questions<br />and a landscape that looks like the moon<br />Frac sand economics<br />boom, boom, BOOM!</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px !important; padding: 8px 0px;">
from http://thepriceofsand.com/2012/04/14/the-moon/</div>
</div>
FC Frac Sand Mininghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04417644357574961093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-821832202378996637.post-61922389915424257522014-03-01T11:34:00.006-08:002014-03-01T11:34:56.616-08:00Locations of 11 Frac Sand Mines (in SE Minn) Proposed by Minnesota Sands, with Proposed Size in Acres<div style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
The map on Land Stewardship Project's website, which shows "Locations of 11 <span class="yiv2889294901mark" id="yiv2889294901misspell-5">Frac</span> Sand Mines (in SE
Minn) Proposed by Minnesota Sands, with Proposed Size in Acres"</div>
<div style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
at http://landstewardshipproject.org/repository/1/968/frac_mine_map.pdf</div>
FC Frac Sand Mininghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04417644357574961093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-821832202378996637.post-4531568976476790412014-02-28T11:57:00.000-08:002014-03-01T11:58:53.709-08:00The Price of Sand<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://thepriceofsand.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Price of Sand</span></a></h4>
FC Frac Sand Mininghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04417644357574961093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-821832202378996637.post-84386769876660494942014-02-03T15:36:00.000-08:002014-02-05T15:43:00.291-08:00Caucus Resolution on Controlling Frac Sand Mining<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Dear Friends and Neighbors,</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"> So do we say we are concerned about the downsides
of <span class="mark" id="misspell-0">frac</span> sand mining and want the State to
help us? We have a chance to show up and speak up for a healthy, sustainable
future -- a couple of hours with our neighbors at the ground level of the
political process.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Wishing you well,</span></div>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Bonita</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div>
</div>
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<b> Attending caucuses tomorrow (Tues.,
2/4) night provides a great opportunity to both pass a resolution on the <span class="mark" id="misspell-1">frac</span> sand issue and get petition signatures</b>.
Attached is a draft resolution and the petition to the Governor. We have just
over 1,000 signatures to date. 4,000 more to go. Please, share this email with
others in your circle who you know attend caucuses. </div>
<div class="yiv0164006247MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="yiv0164006247MsoNormal">
If you don’t know your caucus site you can
find it here: <a href="http://caucusfinder.sos.state.mn.us/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://caucusfinder.sos.state.mn.us/</a></div>
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Find the petition <span class="mark" id="misspell-2">online</span> here: <a href="https://landstewardshipproject.org/forms/fracsandpetition" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://landstewardshipproject.org/forms/fracsandpetition</a></div>
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Thanks,</div>
<div class="yiv0164006247MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="yiv0164006247MsoNormal">
Bobby King</div>
<div class="yiv0164006247MsoNormal">
Land Stewardship <span class="mark" id="misspell-3">Proejct</span></div>
<div class="yiv0164006247MsoNormal">
612-722-6377</div>
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</div>
<div class="yiv0164006247MsoNormal">
<b><u>Caucus Resolution on Controlling <span class="mark" id="misspell-4">Frac</span> Sand Mining</u></b></div>
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</div>
<div class="yiv0164006247MsoNormal">
Whereas, gas and oil interests want to strip
mine for <span class="mark" id="misspell-5">frac</span> sand in Minnesota to be used
in the hydraulic fracturing process for oil and gas. This <span class="mark" id="misspell-6">frac</span> sand is located primarily in the Minnesota River Valley
and the <span class="mark" id="misspell-7">karst</span> area of Southeast
Minnesota;</div>
<div class="yiv0164006247MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="yiv0164006247MsoNormal">
Whereas, the negative impacts of <span class="mark" id="misspell-8">frac</span> sand mining are numerous and include
producing silica dust which causes serious health threats including silicosis;
use of large amounts of water for processing, industrial truck traffic in rural
and agricultural areas; threatening water quality by its use of large amounts of
water and chemical processing and more; </div>
<div class="yiv0164006247MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="yiv0164006247MsoNormal">
Whereas, this industry is relatively new and
state regulations are still being developed for it;</div>
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</div>
<div class="yiv0164006247MsoNormal">
Whereas, the <span class="mark" id="misspell-9">bluffland</span> of Southeast Minnesota is a unique state asset with
its world class trout streams, important bird habitat and flyways, fertile
farmland and beautiful but fragile <span class="mark" id="misspell-10">karst</span>
geology. While including only 3% of Minnesota's land area it provides habitat
for 43% of the state's plant and animal species that are threatened;</div>
<div class="yiv0164006247MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="yiv0164006247MsoNormal">
Whereas, The Critical Areas Act of 1973 gives
the Governor of Minnesota the authority to designate Southeast Minnesota as a
critical area endangered by <span class="mark" id="misspell-11">frac</span> sand
mining and declare a two year moratorium on <span class="mark" id="misspell-12">frac</span> sand mining while protections are put in place;</div>
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</div>
<div class="yiv0164006247MsoNormal">
Whereas, for other parts of the state,
especially the Minnesota River Valley large-scale <span class="mark" id="misspell-13">frac</span> sand mining is occurring, we must have aggressively
enforced state standards to protect air and water quality. </div>
<div class="yiv0164006247MsoNormal">
Therefore be it resolved, ____________________
party is the opposed to the onslaught of the <span class="mark" id="misspell-14">frac</span> sand mining industry being driven by oil and gas
corporations and their political allies and we support:</div>
<ol style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="yiv0164006247MsoNormal">Executive action by the Governor to enact a
two-year moratorium on <span class="mark" id="misspell-15">frac</span> sand mining
in southeast Minnesota. Such powers are granted under the Critical Areas Act,
passed in 1973.
</li>
<li class="yiv0164006247MsoNormal">The creation of tough state level regulations
on <span class="mark" id="misspell-16">frac</span> sand mining to protect air and
water quality, and the strong enforcement of such.
</li>
<li class="yiv0164006247MsoNormal">Development of community-based renewable energy
production and implementation of effective energy conservation through state
legislative policy and administrative action.</li>
</ol>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
FC Frac Sand Mininghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04417644357574961093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-821832202378996637.post-48103601278070595702014-01-27T15:06:00.000-08:002014-02-05T15:44:01.679-08:00 We need to forward this to any Wisconsin residents<div>
Dear Friends and Neighbors,</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
We need to <b>forward this to any Wisconsin residents</b> we know to generate energy on
these regional issues:</div>
<div style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
Paragraph 2. Sign resolution to stop FSM.</div>
<div style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
Paragraph 3. Sign petition to retain local governmental control.</div>
<div style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
We
can join the effort by connecting with our Wisconsin neighbors who can add their
names.</div>
<div style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
Wishing
you well,</div>
<br />
<div style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
Bonita</div>
<div style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">On Monday, January 20, 2014 2:24 PM,
Patricia J. Popple <sunnyday5@charter.net> wrote:</span></div>
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<div id="yiv6780282159">
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<div class="yiv6780282159gmail_quote">
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<div>
<b>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>Citizens Groups to Lawmakers: Stop Frac Sand Mining and SB 349</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
MADISON--A resolution calling for a ban on frac sand mining and a halt to
attacks on local democracy has been sent to Governor Scott Walker, members of
the Wisconsin Legislature, and State and Federal environmental regulators.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The resolution (<a href="http://www.wnpj.org/pdf/FracSandResolution.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">PDF available here</a>) was created by the Wisconsin
Network for Peace and Justice's Environmental Working Group and has been
endorsed by more than 75 civic and environmental organizations, including 49
Wisconsin groups and 29 groups from seven other states where Wisconsin sand is
used for hydraulic fracturing.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
An additional <a href="http://www.change.org/petitions/governor-scott-walker-wisconsin-lawmakers-and-federal-environmental-agencies-stop-frac-sand-mining-and-environmental-degradation" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">online petition</a> with the same language currently
has 165 individual signers.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It calls for the rejection of SB 349, a bill introduced last fall that
would outlaw local ordinances regulating frac sand mining, local air and water
quality, or blasting. The bill impacts communities facing water contamination
from factory farms and potential iron mining in addition to frac sand areas.
Although the legislation raised an outcry from democracy advocates, it is likely
to be reintroduced in the new session.</div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<div>
The number of frac sand mines in the state has more than doubled in the
past two years, to over 140 facilities in operation or planned, according to
data from the Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism. The industry has
been exempted from environmental impact studies, despite numerous complaints
from nearby residents of 24-hour noise, heavy truck and train traffic, and
cancer-causing silica dust.</div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<div>
The Center <a href="http://www.wisconsinwatch.org/2013/03/03/frac-sand-dnr-violations/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">reported in March</a> that 80 to 90 percent of frac
sand sites receive letters of noncompliance from the Wisconsin Department of
Natural Resources, and up to a fifth of active sites have been cited for
environmental violations, but the DNR can't keep up with all of the industry's
problems. The resolution asks Federal agencies to step in with tougher
environmental enforcement, and ultimately seeks a statewide ban on frac sand
mining.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div dir="ltr">
"Since 2011, Legislative efforts have undermined Wisconsin’s
democratic tradition and conservation heritage by weakening environmental
protections, eroding the authority of the [DNR] to make science-based rules,
preventing DNR enforcement staff from doing their jobs, and reducing public
involvement in the iron mine permitting process," the resolution
says.</div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
"Wisconsin has historically used strong regulation to ensure that a
clean environment is preserved for future generations because our well-informed
citizens have stood up to demand it."</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
The resolution's endorsers are connected by struggles to protect
the water, air, and small farming economy from frac sand mining in Wisconsin and
hydraulic fracturing (or fracking) for natural gas in other states, for which
the sand is used. The resolution cites methane leaks from fracking that
contaminate local aquifers and contribute to global warming.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The resolution also goes beyond local agitation to demand broader solutions
to the underlying driver of the industry, U.S. dependence on fossil fuels. It
calls for improvements to the state's Focus on Energy program and a shift in
national priorities to "energy efficiency and the development of local, clean,
renewable energy sources."</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The Wisconsin Network for Peace and Justice is awaiting a response to the
resolution from state lawmakers and regulators. The resolution and more
information are available online at <a href="http://www.wnpj.org/fracsand" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.wnpj.org/fracsand</a>.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
--------------------------------------------------------------------</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>WHAT:</b> Resolution Opposing Frac Sand Mining Industry and
Environmental Degradation (attached)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>WHO: </b>Sponsored by the Wisconsin Network for Peace and Justice
(WNPJ); endorsed by 78 civic and environmental organizations (49 in-state, 29
out-of-state)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>CONTACT: </b>Carl Sack, WNPJ Staff, <a href="mailto:carl@wnpj.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" ymailto="mailto:carl@wnpj.org">carl@wnpj.org</a>, <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=821832202378996637" rel="nofollow">(608) 250-9240</a>; Pat Popple, Frac Sand Activist, <a href="mailto:sunnyday5@charter.net" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" ymailto="mailto:sunnyday5@charter.net">sunnyday5@charter.net</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
FC Frac Sand Mininghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04417644357574961093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-821832202378996637.post-4740810851927300962014-01-21T15:12:00.000-08:002014-02-05T15:12:42.648-08:00We need quick response to gather thousands of signatures on this petition<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dear Friends and Neighbors,</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b> We need quick response to gather thousands of signatures on this <a href="http://landstewardshipproject.org/organizingforchange/fracsandorganizing">petition</a> </b>(you can find it in right hand upper corner of landstewardshipproject.org/organizingforchange/fracsandorganizing)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please sign and forward to any Minnesota resident you know who might sign (and continue to forward for more signatures).</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wishing you well,</span></div>
<br />
<div style="font-size: 16px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bonita</span></div>
FC Frac Sand Mininghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04417644357574961093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-821832202378996637.post-31757727077593185732013-09-12T21:03:00.002-07:002013-09-12T21:03:56.481-07:0011 Ways Frac Sand Mining Will Change YOUR Life<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">11 Ways Frac Sand Mining Will Change YOUR Life</span><span style="font-family: Palatino Linotype; font-size: 20pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.25in; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">(For more information, visit </span></i><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.sandpointtimes.com/"><i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">www.sandpointtimes.com</span></i></a></span><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">1. If you work…………………………….A Small Number of
Short-term Jobs</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Studies show frac sand mining
represents a boom and bust cycle, where a smaller-than-expected number of jobs
are created for local communities. These jobs are of limited duration.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">2. If you own
a house……………….......</span></b><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Decreased Home Values<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Nobody wants to live next to frac
sand mines. Not even the people who own them. A 2006 Auburn University study
discovered homes within a three-mile radius of a mining operation experience a <b>permanent </b>reduction in value: 30% next
to the mine; 14.5% a mile away; 8.9% two miles away; 4.9% three miles away.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: windowtext;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">3. If you
pay taxes………………………..<a href="" name="_GoBack"></a>Higher Taxes<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">When a road built to last 20 years
only lasts two, somebody must pay to fix it. When property values decline due
to frac sand mining activity, somebody has to make up the difference in tax
collections. Some Wisconsin</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">counties have tried to offset the harm done by frac
sand mining by increasing permit fees. Barron County’s permit review fee, which
was $750, now runs as high as $10,000—just to cover staff time. And they’re
still not breaking even.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">4. If you drive…………………………….Poor and Dangerous
Roads</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">One mine can generate hundreds of trucks each day.
Sand truck traffic can turn a 20-year road into a two-year road. It can also
create hazards for pedestrians, children and vehicles—<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">not to mention noise and air pollution.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">5. If you breathe………………………….</span></b><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Increased Risk of
Lung Diseases</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Frac sand trucks spit out quantities of frac sand
dust and generate dangerous levels of diesel exhaust. The sand itself is a
health risk. According to H. Carpenter of the MN Dept. of Health, “Silica sand
is toxic.” It causes silicosis, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease, kidney cancer, liver cancer and immune system problems—many of which
are irreversible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">6. If you drink water…………………….</span></b><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Polluted Water and
Dried-Up Wells<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Our region sits atop a porous geological formation called “karst” where
underground water flows swiftly and unpredictably. Chemicals used to wash sand
break down to create acrylamide—a neurotoxin linked to cancer and infertility.
This washing also uses tremendous amounts of water, which can lower water
levels enough to dry up nearby wells. This is already happening in Sparta, Wisconsin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">7. If you’re an angler………………………..</span></b><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Damaged
Fishing</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">We have some of the best trout streams in the state, if not the country.
Trout fishing is a huge economic generator. To keep sand mining activity from
raising the temperature of these streams, killing the fish, Minnesota Trout
Unlimited wants it restricted to areas well above the water table and well away
from trout streams.</span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">8. If </span></b><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">you rely on tourism</span></b><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">…………………..</span></b><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Decreased Tourism Revenues<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Tourism in Southeast Minnesota generates nearly
$800 million in gross sales, $40 million in sales taxes and nearly 13,000 jobs.
Will people still come here if the frac sand mines do? Dr. Tracy Sides has
visited our region for years to bicycle with friends. She said, “Bicyclists
care about frac sand mining because degraded scenery undermines both cycling
and tourism.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">9. If you treasure animals and plants…………Irreversible
Ecosystem Damage<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Our bluffs are home to the Upper Mississippi </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">National
Wildlife and Fish Refuge and host to a wide variety of rare species, which
would be negatively impacted should frac sand mining be allowed to disturb
their delicate habitats and ecosystems.</span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">10. If you love the Blufflands…………………..Lost
Heritage and Landscape</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Who wants our magnificent blufftops to be
flattened? Who wants the heritage of our area— going back to settlement days of
the 1850s—with its multi-generational family farm traditions, to be compromised
in any way</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">?
In Wisconsin, already 10,000 acres of <b>farm
land</b> have been made non-productive for the foreseeable future. Could anything
be worth giving up our way of life and our land traditions?</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">11. If you believe </span></b><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">in
fairness…………………..</span></b><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">You’ll</span></b><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span></b><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Pay for Others’ “Rights”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Some say, “It’s my land and I have the right to do
whatever I want with it.” Should someone have the “right” to lower their
neighbors’ property values, expose children to lung diseases, dry up wells?
Should they have the “right” to chase away the tourists many depend upon for a
living? Should they have the “right” to wreck our roads we all use and poison our
water we all drink—then expect the rest of us to pay to fix the unfixable?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
FC Frac Sand Mininghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04417644357574961093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-821832202378996637.post-3515291872656007412013-08-26T20:20:00.000-07:002013-09-02T20:20:51.393-07:00Will you sign this petition?<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt;">
<div style="right: auto;">
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Subject:</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> President Obama: Ban Fracking on
Public Lands</span></div>
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<div style="font-size: 12pt;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />Hi,<br /><br />I signed a petition to Sally Jewell,
Secretary of the Interior and President Barack Obama which says:<br /><br />"I am
calling for a ban on fracking on all federal lands. <br /><br />This land is our
land and should be managed for the good of the people, not corporate profits for
the oil and gas industry. <br /><br />The Bureau of Land Management's proposed rules
for regulating hydraulic fracturing on Federal and Indian lands are not only
weak, but they do not take into account all of the harmful processes required to
frack for oil and gas. <br /><br />The best way to protect our air, water, wildlife,
climate and public health is simply to prohibit this inherently dangerous form
of fossil fuel extraction on public lands."<br /><br />Will you sign this petition?
Click here:<br /><br /><a href="http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/president-obama-ban-fracking?source=s.em.mt&r_by=2963628" target="_blank">http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/president-obama-ban-fracking?source=s.em.mt&r_by=2963628</a><br /><br />Thanks!<br />A.
Renee Bergstrom, Ed.D.<br /><a href="mailto:bergstrom.renee@earthlink.net" ymailto="mailto:bergstrom.renee@earthlink.net">bergstrom.renee@earthlink.net</a><br /><br /></span></div>
</div>
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FC Frac Sand Mininghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04417644357574961093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-821832202378996637.post-47177125116293453272013-07-31T19:32:00.000-07:002013-08-06T19:32:30.434-07:00Frac Sand Mining in Wisconsin: A One-Day Seminar Aug 1<h2 class="title">
Frac Sand Mining in Wisconsin: A One-Day Seminar on Regulatory and Environmental Issues</h2>
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<div class="description">
Learn about the perspectives of the environmental, citizen, industry, town and county from a panel of experts. Following the event there will be a panel discussion with Q&A.</div>
</div>
FC Frac Sand Mininghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04417644357574961093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-821832202378996637.post-22610864388052831042013-07-16T19:27:00.000-07:002013-08-06T19:28:00.020-07:00Land and Mining Rights Issues at the Commonweal, July 24<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">On Wednesday,
July 24 at 7:30pm the Commonweal is hosting a staged reading of Robert
Schenkkan’s The Kentucky Cycle. This is one in a series of 5 plays we are
reading this season to continue the celebrations surrounding Season 25 at the
Commonweal. The readings honor our love of great plays and allow us to further
connect with our community.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> It is
our hope that you will join us for the reading and that you will extend the
invitation to your contact lists of individuals who share your commitment to and
love of the region.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> The
Kentucky Cycle is a series of nine one-act plays that explores American
mythology through the intertwined histories of three fictional families
struggling over a portion of land in the Cumberland Plateau. The stories span
200 years of American history from 1775 to 1975.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> We
have chosen to read two of the nine episodes, Tall Tales and Fire in the Hole.
The two stories focus on both land and mining right issues and hold a mirror up
to our own situation, as we find ourselves caught between the land that we love
and the mining companies bent on engaging in activity that will lead to its
destruction.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Again,
it is our hope that you will invite as many people as you can whom you feel
would benefit from the power of these stories.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank
you. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><var id="yui-ie-cursor"></var> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><a href="wlmailhtml:{62EAD28E-B95E-4805-9D15-3B1CF80BBA0F}mid://00000171/" rel="nofollow"></a>Jeremy van Meter</b></span></span>
</span><div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 14px;">Communications Manager / Resident Ensemble
Member</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Commonweal Theatre
Company</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">507.467.2905 ext.
211</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #1c51a8;"><a href="http://www.commonwealtheatre.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.commonwealtheatre.org/</span></a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1c51a8;"><br /></span>
</span><div>
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<span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #500050;"><b><span style="color: #e36c0a;"><span style="color: #000099;">CONNECT TO THE
COMMONWEAL</span></span></b></span><span style="color: #500050;"><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/CommonwealTheatre" rel="nofollow" style="color: #000099;" target="_blank"><b>Facebook</b></a><span style="color: #000099;"><b> | </b></span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/commonweal" rel="nofollow" style="color: #000099;" target="_blank"><b>Twitter</b></a><span style="color: #000099;"><b> | </b></span><a href="http://commonwealtheatre.wordpress.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #000099;" target="_blank"><b>Curtain Up!
Blog</b></a><span style="color: #000099;"><b> | </b></span><span style="color: #000099;"><b><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/CommonwealTheatre" rel="nofollow" style="color: #1c51a8;" target="_blank">YouTube</a></b></span></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #000099; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<div>
<span style="color: #000099; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Mediums, crime-solvers,
spirits, and villains. It's summer at the Commonweal with <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gefoukanfRs&feature=c4-overview-vl&list=PLRKAuB3cFITQPDMP2LGczV8usKdl2ZhPk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure</a> and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QB9aUSGX-wk&list=PLRKAuB3cFITQPDMP2LGczV8usKdl2ZhPk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Blithe Spirit</a>.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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FC Frac Sand Mininghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04417644357574961093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-821832202378996637.post-66664345022513775312013-07-08T11:09:00.003-07:002013-07-08T11:09:53.829-07:00Are you concerned about the destructive impacts of frac sand mining in southeast Minnesota? Do you want to learn more about the Environmental Impact Statement beginning
this summer on 11 proposed mines in Fillmore, Houston and Winona counties, and
help make sure this study includes the impacts that are of greatest concern to
you? Please join with others to make your voice heard.<br />
<br />
<div id="yiv2080002858">
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Attend the Land Stewardship Project’s
</span></span></div>
</div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><strong><span style="font-size: 28pt;">People’s EIS Kickoff Meeting
</span></strong></span></span>
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<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong><span style="font-size: 26pt;">Tuesday, July 9,
2013 </span></strong></span></span>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;">6:30 pm-9:00 pm
(registration & snacks at 6 pm) </span></span></span>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Montini Hall
at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><a href="http://goo.gl/maps/Yh7TR" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">103 N. Mill St. (Hwy. 43)</a>, Rushford, MN </span></span></span>
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<span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">The event is free of charge, but if you plan to attend,
please RSVP to Johanna Rupprecht at 507-523-3366 or <a href="http://us.mc1612.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=jrupprecht@landstewardshipproject.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" ymailto="mailto:jrupprecht@landstewardshipproject.org">jrupprecht@landstewardshipproject.org</a>.</span></span>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">An
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is beginning this summer on <span style="color: red;">11 frac sand
mines proposed in Fillmore, Houston and Winona counties </span>by a company formed in
2012 known as Minnesota Sands. Under Minnesota state law, an EIS is intended to
be a comprehensive study of the environmental impacts of a proposed project,
along with its economic, employment and sociological impacts. It is much more
in-depth than the brief Environmental Assessment Worksheets (EAWs) that have so
far been done on parts of this proposed mining project (see
below).</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">This EIS will be carried out by the
Environmental Quality Board (EQB), a Minnesota state agency. The entire process
will likely take a year or more, and the EQB is now in the very earliest stages,
just beginning to set the scope of the study. EQB staff have met with Minnesota
Sands’ representatives, but they have not yet heard from the people whose lives,
homes and communities would be affected by these proposed
mines.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><strong><br /></strong></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><strong>We must speak up now to make sure
the scope of the EIS includes all of the many concerns local people have about
the destructive impacts of frac sand mining.</strong> </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">This industry exists to
benefit corporate oil and gas interests while threatening our health, safety,
quality of life, air, water, farmland, wildlife habitat, trout streams, roads
and bridges, property values, tourism and recreation, local economies, and
more.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">At
the People’s EIS Kickoff Meeting, you will learn more about how an EIS works and
how to be involved throughout the process. Most importantly, you will have the
chance to share your concerns about the impacts of this proposed mining project
on your home community and our broader region, and hear the concerns of
neighbors in other affected communities. This input will be compiled into a
report to be presented to the EQB to make sure the voices of local citizens are
heard from the very beginning of the EIS process.</span></span></div>
<h3 style="line-height: 100% !important;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Did you
submit a comment in February on the EAWs on the Yoder and Dabelstein mines?
</span></span></h3>
<div style="line-height: 100%;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">When two of Minnesota Sands’ proposed mines
(the Yoder and Dabelstein mines in Saratoga Township, Winona County) went
through the EAW process this winter, the county received 75 comments from local
citizens, state agencies and other experts overwhelmingly calling for an
in-depth EIS. If you are one of those who commented, bring the issues you raised
at that time to the People’s EIS Kickoff Meeting on July 9. If not, come anyway
to share the concerns you have about the proposed mines in: Saratoga Township;
Pilot Mound Township, Fillmore County; and Yucatan and Houston townships,
Houston County. This proposed project would also have direct impacts on
residents in a much broader area; the truck hauling routes and final sand
processing destinations have yet to be disclosed for most of the
mines.</span></span>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong><span style="font-family: times new roman;">If you have questions or to RSVP, contact
LSP's Johanna Rupprecht at 507-523-3366 or <a href="http://us.mc1612.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=jrupprecht@landstewardshipproject.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" ymailto="mailto:jrupprecht@landstewardshipproject.org">jrupprecht@landstewardshipproject.org</a>.</span></strong></span></div>
FC Frac Sand Mininghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04417644357574961093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-821832202378996637.post-31079448838992200362013-07-08T10:11:00.000-07:002013-07-08T11:12:14.049-07:00Did you submit a comment in February on the EAWs on the Yoder and Dabelstein mines?<div id="yiv2080002858">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 100%;">When two of Minnesota Sands’ proposed mines
(the Yoder and Dabelstein mines in Saratoga Township, Winona County) went
through the EAW process this winter, the county received 75 comments from local
citizens, state agencies and other experts overwhelmingly calling for an
in-depth EIS. </span><span style="background-color: magenta; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 100%;"><b>If you are one of those who commented, bring the issues you raised
at that time to the People’s EIS Kickoff Meeting on July 9.</b></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 100%;"> If not, come anyway
to share the concerns you have about the proposed mines in: Saratoga Township;
Pilot Mound Township, Fillmore County; and Yucatan and Houston townships,
Houston County. This proposed project would also have direct impacts on
residents in a much broader area; the truck hauling routes and final sand
processing destinations have yet to be disclosed for most of the
mines.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
</div>
<br />
<div>
<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you have questions or to RSVP, contact
LSP's Johanna Rupprecht at 507-523-3366 or <a href="http://us.mc1612.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=jrupprecht@landstewardshipproject.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" ymailto="mailto:jrupprecht@landstewardshipproject.org">jrupprecht@landstewardshipproject.org</a>.</span></strong></div>
FC Frac Sand Mininghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04417644357574961093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-821832202378996637.post-44816439185873376262013-06-25T17:16:00.001-07:002013-06-25T17:16:09.067-07:00EIS on 11 proposed frac sand mines<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dear Friends and Neighbors,</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> An Environmental Impact Statement on <b>11 proposed frac sand mines i</b>n
Fillmore, Houston, and Winona counties is beginning this summer, led by the
Environmental Quality Board (a MN state agency). </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> You are invited to a Land Stewardship Project event to help make sure
this study starts off right, and the scope includes all of the many concerns
local people have about the impacts of this destructive industry.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"> Come to learn more, share your concerns, and get involved.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <b>Tuesday, July 9</b>, 2013, 6:30-9:00 pm (registration 6:00)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Montini Hall at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Rushford, MN</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Participation by each of us is important in the EIS process.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Details will be coming from Land Stewardship Project, Johanna Rupprecht
(507-523-3366) or <a href="mailto:jrupprecht@landstewardshipproject.org">jrupprecht@landstewardshipproject.org</a>.</span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
FC Frac Sand Mininghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04417644357574961093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-821832202378996637.post-85227656731965769382013-06-18T17:18:00.000-07:002013-06-25T17:19:22.748-07:00<div id="header" style="background-color: white; float: left; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; padding-bottom: 30px; padding-top: 30px; width: 610px;">
<div class="blog-title" style="line-height: 55px;">
<a href="http://thepriceofsand.com/" style="color: #222222; font-size: 50px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">The Price of Sand</a></div>
<div class="blog-description" style="color: #666666;">
a documentary about silica mines, small towns and money</div>
</div>
<div class="post-2 page type-page status-publish hentry post" style="background-color: white; float: left; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 30px; width: 610px;">
<div id="header-about">
<h1 style="border-bottom-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; color: #222222; float: none; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 33px; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: -1px; line-height: 33px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 15px 0px; width: 610px;">
“The Price of Sand”, a documentary film about frac sand mining</h1>
</div>
<div class="entry" style="color: #333333; padding: 0px 0px 30px;">
<div style="line-height: 20px !important; padding: 8px 0px;">
“The Price of Sand” is a documentary about the frac sand mining boom in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Due to a rapid increase in demand, pure silica sand has become a valuable commodity, and mines are opening here at a rapid rate.</div>
<div style="line-height: 20px !important; padding: 8px 0px;">
The silica used in hydraulic fracturing (aka : “fracking”), has other uses– glass manufacturing and toothpaste, for instance — and a few established mines have been in operation here for decades. But now, new companies have arrived, and land with accessible silica deposits is selling for high prices.</div>
<div style="line-height: 20px !important; padding: 8px 0px;">
In addition to a bonanza for a few lucky landowners, the new mines promise jobs and economic stimulus for the small towns and rural areas nearby.</div>
<div style="line-height: 20px !important; padding: 8px 0px;">
<strong>The Film</strong></div>
<div style="line-height: 20px !important; padding: 8px 0px;">
Two years ago, an oil company bought a tract of land in near my mother’s house, in rural Goodhue County, Minnesota. The prospect of an open pit mine led to the formation of an opposition group, a series of public meetings, and a temporary county moratorium on frac sand mining.</div>
<div style="line-height: 20px !important; padding: 8px 0px;">
I’m a filmmaker, so I visited people who live near existing mines and interviewed them. They told me stories–intense truck traffic, plummeting property values, toxic silica dust–a catalog of complaints that surprised me with its variety and intensity. I made clips from the interviews and posted them on YouTube.</div>
<div style="line-height: 20px !important; padding: 8px 0px;">
YouTube shorts can provoke discussion (56,000 views so far), but the story of this mining boom is more complex. Good people are on both sides of the issue, and sometimes the facts aren’t obvious. “The Price of Sand” is a 1-hour documentary film that grew out of my short YouTube video project–more extensive, with new stories–a more comprehensive look at what’s happening.</div>
<div style="line-height: 20px !important; padding: 8px 0px;">
<em>The goal of this project: </em><em></em><em> find the real price of frac sand. Not just in dollars, but in friendships, communities and the future of our region.</em></div>
<div style="line-height: 20px !important; padding: 8px 0px;">
<strong>Jim Tittle • St. Paul, MN • director</strong></div>
</div>
</div>
FC Frac Sand Mininghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04417644357574961093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-821832202378996637.post-21123514988014660242013-06-13T20:58:00.002-07:002013-06-13T20:58:34.258-07:00Good news (in other places)<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody>
<tr><td valign="top"><blockquote style="border-left: rgb(16,16,255) 2px solid; margin-left: 5px; padding-left: 5px;">
<div id="yiv627234064">
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody>
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<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> We can continue to inform ourselves and others.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wishing you well,</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bonita</span></div>
<blockquote style="border-left: rgb(16,16,255) 2px solid; margin-left: 5px; padding-left: 5px;">
<div id="yiv627234064">
<div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mora County, NM has banned </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">fracking</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The state of Vermont has banned fracking</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Florence Township in Goodhue County has banned frac sand mining</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hay Creek Township in Goodhue County has banned "large scale mining" and
"mineral processing"</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm told the city of Caledonia has banned nude dancing in bars (well, you
said anything, right? And, this is in Houston County)</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Below is a long list of bans and moratoriums on fracking: </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You'll need to go through them to separate "bans" from "moratoriums". But,
these are just a few resources I came up with after searching around this
morning:</span></div>
<div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">REALLY GOOD SUMMARY </b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">of towns/states/countries:</span></div>
<div>
<u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></u></div>
<div>
<u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://keeptapwatersafe.org/global-bans-on-fracking" rel="nofollow" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">http://keeptapwatersafe.org/global-bans-on-fracking</a>/</span></u></div>
<div>
<u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></u></div>
<div>
<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The USA</span></strong></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>The State of Vermont</strong>
</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">May 17, 2012: Vermont became the first state to ban the controversial
natural gas drilling practice known as hydraulic fracturing, or fracking. Governor Peter Shumlin signed the ban into law Wednesday afternoon.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>New Jersey, NJ</strong>
</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>May 17, 2012: TRENTON, N.J.</strong> - The New Jersey Legislature
has accepted Gov. Chris Christie’s recommendation for a one-year ban on a
natural gas drilling process known as hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, rather
than continue to pursue a permanent ban.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>June 30, 2012 New Jersey Legislature Bans All Fracking
Waste </strong>Mindful of a court ruling in 1978 striking down a law they passed
banning waste disposal from other states, New Jersey legislators this week
passed a new law banning all disposal of fracking wastewater within its borders,
even if the waste water is produced within New Jersey. The new law is aimed at
prohibiting shipment of 1.3 billion gallons of fracking waste water already
generated in neighboring Pennsylvania from being shipped into New Jersey for
deep well injection.
</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>July 15, 2012 Secaucus, NJ - </strong> bans ‘fracking’ (<em>Local
officials also call for statewide and national ban.</em>) The mayor and Town
Council banned fracking and fracking waste water in Secaucus at the June 26
council meeting in a resolution that states that the drilling process causes
environmental hazards.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Pittsburgh, Pa</strong>
</span></li>
<li><em style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">November 16, 2010: </em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In a historic vote, the City of Pittsburgh today
adopted a first-in-the-nation ordinance banning corporations from natural gas
drilling in the city (Pittsburgh is finding it difficult to enact the ban
because of ‘variances’ issued by the State’s Public Utilities Commission
overruling their decisions)</span><strong style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </strong></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Morgantown, WV</strong>
</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">June 6th 2011: Morgantown City Council went ahead on Tuesday evening with
its proposed ban on fracking concerning the drilling of Marcellus Shale. The
council approved the first reading of the ordinance which would prohibit
fracking in the city and within one mile of the city limits as
well.<strong> </strong>
</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">15th August 2011: On Friday, Monongalia County Judge Susan Tucker ruled
Morgantown’s ordinance to be invalid, clearing the way for Northeast to resume
drilling. In the court’s opinion, Tucker said the state had exclusive control of
regulation. Tucker also noted strides made by the state to implement
comprehensive rules for drilling.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Syracuse, N.Y.</strong>
</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">October 24, 2011: SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Syracuse common councilors ban
hydrofracking in the city.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>North Carolina, RALEIGH 1st July 2012-</strong>- Governor Bev Perdue
vetoed the controversial fracking bill Sunday, the last day she had to act
before it would have become law.The governor said she supports hydraulic
fracturing, also known as “fracking,” but believes additional safeguards are
needed in the bill. Without those safeguards in place to protect drinking water
and the health of North Carolina families, Perdue said she was forced to veto
the bill.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">New York State</span></strong></li>
</ul>
<div>
<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Woodstock enacts ban on hydrofracking – <strong>Jul 22,
2012</strong></span></strong></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Town Board on July 17 delivered the first blow of a proposed two-punch
combination aimed at banning hydrofracking in Woodstock, unanimously adopting a
zoning amendment that prohibits the controversial natural-gas extraction method
and related activities within the town’s borders.</span></div>
<ul>
<li><strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By a vote of 5-1-1, Village of Owego passed a 1-year moratorium –
31st July 2012 </span></strong></li>
</ul>
<div>
<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Animated film of bans, moratoriums and groups in New York
State</span></strong></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DYJIdBfVvCt8%26feature%3Dcolike&h=vAQF1e6hk&s=1" rel="nofollow" style="color: blue;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJIdBfVvCt8&feature=colike</span></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• Two legislative bills on hydrofrack drilling were considered by the
legislature. The Assembly passed an extension of the current moratorium through
June of 2012. The Senate did not act on a parallel bill and the issue is closed
for the present.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• NYS Executive Order calling for a drilling moratorium by former Governor
Paterson has been affirmed by Governor Cuomo.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• Yates County resolution unanimously passed calls for similar protection
treatment of their watershed as that in NYC and Syracuse watersheds.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• The Town of Jerusalem (Yates) enacted a moratorium ordinance for their
entire township. The one-year moratorium begins when the Supplemental Generic
Environmental Impact Statement (SGEIS) relating to the extraction of natural gas
by the process of high-volume hydraulic fracturing now under review by the New
York State Department of Environmental Conservation is finalized.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• The Town of Milo is drawing up a moratorium statement for board
action.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• Dewitt, Tully, Marcellus and Skaneateles have enacted moratoria
laws.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• Highland, (Sullivan Co) is developing a moratorium statement.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• Buffalo has banned hydrofrack drilling and wastewater disposal in their
city.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• Sullivan County is the first county in New York State to enact a
moratorium.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• Lumberland (Sullivan Co) is considering a moratorium statement.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• Town of Ulysses is establishing “industrial zones” attempting to restrict
the negative impact of drilling in their water supply.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• Tompkins County has enacted a ban on fracking on county land.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• Broome County: Ban on hydrofracking on county lands. Waste restrictions
for fracking cuttings and flow back water established.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• Ontario, Sullivan and Onondaga Counties have enacted bans on fracking on
county owned land.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• Ulster County has banned hydrofrack drilling on county owned lands.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• Gorham in Ontario County enacted a moratorium ordinance.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• The towns that ring Cooperstown’s reservoir, Otsego Lake — Middlefield,
Otsego, Butternuts, and Cherry Valley — are moving to ban or restrict natural
gas drilling and high-volume hydraulic fracturing.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• Springfield has adopted local laws prohibiting heavy industry, including
gas drilling.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• The Medical Society of the State of New York has gone on record
supporting a moratorium on gas drilling using high volume hydraulic
fracturing.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• Cooperstown’s Chamber of Commerce has issued a position statement
supporting a total ban on fracking due to the impact it will make on their
watershed, farming and tourism.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• A group of residents have launched a petition drive designed to ban the
use of high-volume, slick water hydraulic fracturing in the Town of Caroline,
Tompkins County.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• The Village of Penn Yan will not accept any hydrofracking wastewater for
processing at the village wastewater treatment plant.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• New York City has called on the US Congress to remove hydrofrack
drilling’s exemption from the Safe Water Drinking Act.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• The Skaneateles Town Board has initiated plans for a ban in their
township.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• The Otsego County Planning Board approved changes to Middlefield’s master
plan and zoning law that would specifically prohibit heavy industry, including
gas and oil drilling.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• The Board of Trustees of Bassett Medical Center, based in Cooperstown,
New York, views the issue of hydrofracking as a public health issue of the
highest priorityand resolves that the hydrofracking method of gas drilling
constitutes an unacceptable threat to the health of patients, and should be
prohibited until such time as it is proven to be safe.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• A consortium of interested citizens is planning for a unified moratorium
and eventual ban of hydrofrack drilling in the entire Keuka Lake watershed
region. To date the towns of Barrington, Milo and Jerusalem have adopted
ordinances on a moratorium. Wayne has prepared a resolution for
consideration.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• Lebanon town board members adopted a memorializing resolution that calls
on the New York State Legislature and Governor Andrew Cuomo to repeal and reform
compulsory integration laws in the State of New York that currently govern
natural gas development.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• A petition drive has resulted in the Dryden Town Board unanimously
passing a resolution to move forward with an ordinance to ban fracking.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• The Croton Watershed Clean Water Coalition, Inc. has sued the Department
of Environmental Conservation (DEC) in New York State Supreme Court to declare
High Volume Horizontal Hydraulic Fracturing in New York State Forests contrary
to the New York State Constitution and applicable environmental laws.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• The Otsego Town Board clarified a long-standing prohibition against heavy
industry, including fracking for natural gas, in the town’s land use law. By
this vote the town, which includes most of the Village of Cooperstown,
reaffirmed its home rule right to prohibit drilling through local ordinance.
They also approved revisions to its land-use law that strengthen a ban on gas
drilling and hydrofracking within the town. The law now specifies that while the
removal of gravel, rock, stone, sand, fill, topsoil or “unconsolidated” minerals
has been allowed, extraction of natural gas and petroleum is not
permitted.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• The Common Council of Oneonta voted to ban all forms of natural gas
drilling in city limits.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• The Town of Wales adopted a community rights ordinance that bans
“fracking.” The ordinance establishes a Bill of Rights for Wales residents and
“recognizes and secures certain civil and political rights of the residents to
govern themselves and protect themselves from harm to their persons, property
and environment.”</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• The exploration of land for natural gas by horizontal drilling and
hydraulic fracturing is prohibited in the Town of Camillus.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• Brighton became the first municipality in Monroe County to take a
position on hydrofrack drilling calling for a state-wide moratorium.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• Kirkland has adopted a one-year moratorium on hydrofracking.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• New Hartford has adopted a six-month moratorium on hydrofrack drilling
for natural gas</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• October 24, 2011: SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Syracuse common councilors ban
hydrofracking in the city.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>August 14th 2012 Saint Johnsville Village, NY,
USA</strong> unanimously passed a one year moratorium on hydrofracking and its
related activities.</span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Buffalo, NY</strong>
</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Feb 8, 2011 6: The city of Buffalo, New York, banned the natural gas
drilling technique of hydraulic fracturing on Tuesday, a largely symbolic vote
that demonstrates concern about potential harm to groundwater from mining an
abundant energy source.The city council voted 9-0 to prohibit natural gas
extraction including the process known as “fracking” in which chemicals, sand
and water are blasted deep into the earth.
</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Albany, NY (Capitol of NYS) banned hydraulic fracturing within the city
limits of the City of Albany in May, 2012. Mayor Jennings didn’t veto it.
</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Sept 2012 The Rochester Town Board </strong>voted to ban hydraulic
fracturing at its August 30 meeting, to the applause of a town hall packed with
residents eager for the decision. Although passing the ban was one of the first
things the board did that evening, celebrants were still toasting with champagne
in the town hall parking lot when the meeting adjourned over an hour later.
</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The town joins an estimated 35 that have passed an outright ban on the
controversial gas-mining practice in the state. A hundred other municipalities
have moratoria in place while they study the issue, and 60 more have passed
resolutions either in support of the practice, or opposing a statewide ban.
Governor Cuomo is expected to announce a decision on whether it will be
permitted in New York State or not in the very near future.</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pennsylvania: </span></strong></div>
<div>
<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In February, the legislature passed Act 13, which eliminated local
zoning for natural gas operations, which include drilling, compressor stations
and pipelines. Passed with support of Republican lawmakers from the Southeast,
Act 13 was hailed by the governor, lawmakers and the natural gas industry as
crucial because it provided uniformity and consistency for developing shale gas
drilling policy.</span></strong></div>
<div>
<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Effectively, this has deprived all the communities from having any
power to protect themeselves from the rape of their land, posioning of their
water, and harm to people, animals and crops.</span></strong></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Pittsburgh adopts the first-in-the-nation community rights ordinance which
elevates the right of the community to decide, and the rights of nature over the
“rights” associated with corporate personhood. The City Council unanimously
adopted this ordinance banning corporations from conducting natural gas drilling
in the city.
</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">•Lehman Township in Luzerne County PA NEVER passed a moratorium or ban, the
township supervisors voted down CELDF ordinance to protect and preserve
township land and water.
</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Board of Supervisors for Licking Township, Clarion County, PA, voted
unanimously on Wednesday to adopt an ordinance banning corporations from dumping
“fracking” waste water in the township. The Licking Township Community Water
Rights and Self-Government Ordinance is the first ordinance of its kind adopted
in Pennsylvania to confront the threat of Marcellus Shale drilling.
</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cresson has enacted legislation banning fracking.
</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Washington Township has banned fracking.
</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Philadelphia, Pennsylvania City Council unanimously passed the
pro-moratorium Resolution on Marcellus Shale Drilling Environmental and Economic
Impacts.
</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Borough Council of West Homestead, Pennsylvania, unanimously adopted an
ordinance that enacts a Local Bill of Rights, along with a prohibition on
natural gas extraction to protect those rights. The bill, titled “West Homestead
Borough’s Community Protection from Natural Gas Extraction Ordinance;
establishes specific rights of West Homestead residents, including the Right to
Water, the Rights of Natural Communities, the Right to a Sustainable Energy
Future, and the Right to Community Self-Government.
</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Philadelphia refuses to purchase Marcellus Shale gas as the dumping of flow
back waters is polluting their water supply.
</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Collier Township upgraded its natural gas drilling ordinance to enhance
their Marcellus Shale ordinance that would push drillers farther away from
schools and provide baseline measurements for noise levels at drilling sites.
</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">United Methodists representing 950 churches across central and Northeast
Pennsylvania passed a resolution calling for a temporary halt in gas well
drilling in the Marcellus Shale as well as an impact tax on those places where
drilling already has taken hold.
</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Religious groups such as the Sisters of Saint Francis of Philadelphia have
advocated against fracking and in April, 2011, America, the national magazine of
the Jesuits editorialized very critically about the process.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Baldwin Borough Council adopted a community rights ordinance that bans the
corporate extraction of natural gas.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>30th June 2012 Legislators Pass Moratorium on Gas Drilling in Bucks,
MontCo </strong>The provision was attached to a state budget measure which
lawmakers approved late Saturday night. Companies that want to drill for natural
gas in Bucks or Montgomery counties will have to wait. State lawmakers on
Saturday night approved a moratorium on gas drilling in Bucks, MontCo and parts
of Lehigh, Berks and Chester counties. The moratorium will affect any oil or gas
operations in the South Newark Basin, which underlies a swath of territory
extending from Bucks through MontCo and into Berks County.</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Arkansas</span></strong></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• A class-action lawsuit has been filed against companies that drill for
natural gas in central Arkansas. The suit is asking for millions of dollars in
relation to the earthquakes associated with the fracking process the companies
use. The damages enumerated in the suit are property damage, loss of fair market
value in real estate, emotional distress, and damages related to the purchase of
earthquake insurance.</span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Arkansas has a ban on 4 out of more than 500 frack fluid waste-water
injection wells because of their 4.7/9 earthquake.</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Maryland</span></strong></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• The first community in Maryland, Mountain Lake Park, adopted an ordinance
banning corporations from natural gas drilling.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler has sent a letter to Chesapeake
Energy Corporation and its affiliates, notifying the companies of the State of
Maryland’s intent to sue for violating the federal Resource Conservation and
Recovery Act (RCRA) and the Clean Water Act (CWA).</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• Governor Martin O’Malleyhas signed an executive order for a three year
moratorium on drilling in MD while studies continue.</span></div>
<div>
<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">New Jersey</span></strong></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• The New Jersey Assembly voted to ban hydraulic fracturing in NJ in a
bipartisan overwhelming vote (58 to 11, 8 abstained), following the landslide
vote 32-1 earlier in the day by the NJ Senate. New Jersey is the first state
legislature to ban fracking.</span></div>
<div>
<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ohio</span></strong></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• <strong>22nd August 2012: </strong>Wellsburg City Council approved an
ordinance prohibiting natural gas drilling in or within one mile of the city as
concerns mounted about the city’s water being contaminated by procedures in
hydrofrack drilling. A reservoir serving the city is beside property that
Chesapeake Energy is leasing for drilling.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A pair of proposed deep brine injection wells in Weathersfield Township got
the attention of residents and trustees. Now, opposition is growing next door in
Niles. “The property’s adjacent right to Niles, also it’s five blocks from
downtown so we’re very concerned,” Niles Mayor Ralph Infante said. Niles joined
Weathersfield Township trustees on Wednesday, passing a resolution to ban all
injection wells in the city and township. That includes the proposed site off
state Route 169 next to Niles Commerce Park.</span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">28th August 2012 - Jefferson twp in Crawford county passed an extraction and
injection well resolution banning fracking activity in the township</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Virginia</span></strong></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• George Washington National Forest has disallowed horizontal drilling for
natural gas within its 1.1 million acres of territory while opening up segments
of the forest to the potential for wind energy construction.</span></div>
<div>
<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Texas</span></strong></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• Texas Gov. Rick Perry has signed a bill requiring drillers to publicly
disclose the chemicals they use when extracting oil and gas from dense rock
formations, the first state to pass such a law.</span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Moratorium in the city of Grand Prairie, TX (a suburb of Dallas) until
January 2013 on drilling activities within 3,000 feet of water retention
structures. It’s been called potentially catastrophic by the United States Army
Corps of Engineers. Chesapeake and XTO placed the community in jeopardy by
already drilling and fracking in very close proximity to the local Joe Pool Dam.
Right hand did not know what the left was doing….it’s a mess.</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">West Virginia</span></strong></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• Wellsville has banned fracking.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• Lewisburg has banned fracking within their city limits.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• Morgantown banned fracking in the city and within one mile of the city
limits as well.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8 April 2012: Kaikoura District Council voted 6 to 2 to declare itself a
frack-free zone (NZ). It will be revisited after the independent investigation
by Dr Jan Wright of the Parliamentary Commission for the Environment (PCE) due
out at the end of the year. This resolution followed a request in February for a
moratorium from Central Government until the study but that was denied.<span id="yiv627234064OLK_SRC_BODY_SECTION">
<div style="display: inline; font-size: small;">
<div>
</div>
</div>
</span></span></div>
<div style="display: inline; font-size: small;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</blockquote>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</blockquote>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
FC Frac Sand Mininghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04417644357574961093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-821832202378996637.post-3517880523379028542013-06-13T20:50:00.001-07:002013-06-13T20:51:22.445-07:00FREE INFORMATIONAL MEETING: EFFECTS OF FRAC SAND MINING ON AIR QUALITY AND YOUR HEALTH<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Join us as we attend a talk presented by Crispin Pierce, PhD, Professor of Environmental Public Health at UW-Eau Claire.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://regionalfracsandmining.blogspot.com/2013/06/free-informational-meeting-effects-of.html">More info....</a></span>FC Frac Sand Mininghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04417644357574961093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-821832202378996637.post-52301000952856764832013-06-09T21:34:00.003-07:002013-06-09T21:34:38.893-07:00June 11 - FILM: The Price of Sand<div>
<div class="yiv966100606WordSection1">
<div class="yiv966100606MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Lucida Console'; font-size: 9pt;">Tuesday, the Winona County
Board approved the first frac sand mine in the County!</span></div>
<div class="yiv966100606MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Lucida Console'; font-size: 9pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="yiv966100606MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Lucida Console'; font-size: 9pt;">It's even more important to see "The Price of Sand."<br /><br />Doug</span></div>
</div>
<div class="yiv966100606MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNM8Zpekv-DUasBnbbNTdTCyYfebuZKRJI3XXqjzgjhV8D5qojwtEDGAlcY0cboofSCA8ZI7PMrBPBnsHZ64s_biaPIfyz2BUDdGBzUQaijJaGRetNynuXYhtHQPjJBijQobDFSlf-pLT5/s1600/!cid_1_3629701230@web161206_mail_bf1_yahoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNM8Zpekv-DUasBnbbNTdTCyYfebuZKRJI3XXqjzgjhV8D5qojwtEDGAlcY0cboofSCA8ZI7PMrBPBnsHZ64s_biaPIfyz2BUDdGBzUQaijJaGRetNynuXYhtHQPjJBijQobDFSlf-pLT5/s640/!cid_1_3629701230@web161206_mail_bf1_yahoo.jpg" width="494" /></a></div>
<div class="yiv966100606MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Calibri', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
FC Frac Sand Mininghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04417644357574961093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-821832202378996637.post-3951303441411476962013-05-28T15:25:00.000-07:002013-05-28T15:22:31.248-07:00Gov. Dayton still needs to hear from us to give the provisions strength.<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'times new roman'; font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Take
Action!</strong></span><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The test of the provisions will be, “Do they make a
difference on the ground?” That will depend on how aggressively the Dayton
administration implements and enforces these laws. We will be pushing for the
DNR, MPCA and Environmental Quality Board to use this new authority to put the </span><span style="font-size: 15px;">well-being</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> of rural communities before profits for the outside investors driving
the frac sand industry. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><strong>1. Contact Governor Mark Dayton at
651-201-3400 or 800-657-3717, or e-mail him</strong> <strong><a href="http://mn.gov/governor/contact-us/form/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE</a></strong>.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 40px;">
<strong style="font-family: 'times new roman'; font-size: 11pt;">Suggested message</strong><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">: “I was
disappointed that in the end you did not support a hard setback of a mile from
trout streams for frac sand mines. These most sensitive areas of southeast
Minnesota should have been clearly put off limits to the frac sand industry. We
know from looking at western Wisconsin that without strong regulation the frac
sand industry will pollute our air and water, destroy our roads and harm the
local economy. The Legislature has now given the MPCA, DNR and Environmental
Quality Board new authority to control the frac sand industry. I am calling on
you to direct these state agencies to adopt strong controls that put the </span><span style="font-size: 15px;">well-being</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> of the community before corporate profits for the frac sand industry.
I want you to make it clear that the DNR’s policy should be that issuing “trout
stream setback” permits for frac sand should happen rarely, if ever. Also, the
MPCA needs to establish an enforceable air quality standard for silica dust at
frac sand facilities. This needs to be monitored at the property line and if
exceeded, the operation needs to be shut down until it can comply. Long-term
exposure to silica can cause serious health problems, including
silicosis.”</span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 40px;">
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><strong>2. Thank Sen. Matt Schmit via
e-mail at <a href="http://us.mc1612.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=sen.matt.schmit@senate.mn" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" ymailto="mailto:sen.matt.schmit@senate.mn">sen.matt.schmit@senate.mn</a> or by
writing him at 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Capitol, Room G-24, St.
Paul, MN 55155-1606. </strong></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Let Sen. Schmit know you appreciate that he stood
with us and fought to the end even when that meant standing up to powerful
special interests and some Senate leaders. The bills he authored gave us the
opportunity to fully address the scope of the problem, to show the depth of
local opposition to the frac sand industry and what a comprehensive state level
solution would look like.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><br /></span></span></div>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">For more information on this issue, contact
LSP's Bobby King at 612-722-6377 or <strong><a href="http://us.mc1612.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=bking@landstewardshipproject.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" ymailto="mailto:bking@landstewardshipproject.org">bking@landstewardshipproject.org</a></strong>.</span></span></div>
FC Frac Sand Mininghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04417644357574961093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-821832202378996637.post-26274601125753113032013-05-28T15:20:00.000-07:002013-05-28T15:20:35.445-07:00Provisions pass that can make a difference if implemented aggressively by the Dayton administration. <div id="yiv543811147">
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><strong><span style="color: maroon;">Wrap-up & Action to Take on MN State
Legislation to<br />Control Corporate Frac Sand
Interests</span></strong></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><em><span style="font-size: 14pt;">We Fell
Short on our Legislative Goals but Important Progress was
Made </span></em></strong></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><strong><br /></strong></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><strong>During the recently adjourned
session of the Minnesota Legislature, frac sand provisions were passed and
signed into law, but they did not include a moratorium or a hard setback from
trout streams</strong>. The provisions were part of the <a href="http://www.revisor.mn.gov/laws/?id=114&year=2013&type=0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><strong>Omnibus Environment and Agriculture Finance
bil</strong>l </a>signed by Governor Mark Dayton this week.The Senate floor vote
on a setback from trout streams for frac sand mines ultimately did not happen.
Before the vote could happen, Gov. Dayton met with industry representatives and
withdrew support for a hard setback of a mile. After that, legislative leaders,
industry representatives and state agency representatives developed provisions
short of that, which were eventually added into the omnibus bill. (<strong><a href="http://us.mc1612.mail.yahoo.com/mc/showMessage?.rand=198344045&mid=2_0_0_1_4364052_ALHTi2IAAIT6UaDa4AbzZHo9Hb0&fid=Inbox#provisions" rel="nofollow">Details on those provisions are
below</a></strong>.)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><strong>We called for legislation that put
rural communities before corporate profits</strong>. We started the legislative
session calling for a comprehensive approach to the threat the frac sand
industry poses to southeast Minnesota. We called for an in-depth study that
would be used to establish strong state-level regulations and appropriate fees
and taxes. We wanted a moratorium to be in place while the study was being
conducted and regulations adopted. This approach would also keep local control
strong, allowing local government to keep their right to set stronger controls
if they felt they were necessary</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><strong>We had a big impact at the
Capitol</strong>. LSP members and others packed hearing rooms. At the first
three hearings, the rooms were filled to capacity with more supporters in
overflow rooms. Literally busloads of southeast Minnesotans and others were at
the Capitol to demand strong action. We garnered front page coverage in the
<em><a href="http://www.startribune.com/politics/191942801.html?refer=y" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><strong>Star Tribune</strong></a></em>, the
<strong><em><a href="http://www.winonadailynews.com/news/local/article_830cf1c8-b2d8-11e2-949e-0019bb2963f4.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Winona Daily News</a></em></strong>, the<em> Winona
Post</em>, <em>Red Wing Republican Eagle</em>, the <em>Rochester
Post-Bulletin</em> and many other papers time and time again. The <strong><em><a href="http://www.winonadailynews.com/special-section/fracsand/article_9dc0800a-82fb-11e2-a35c-0019bb2963f4.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Winona Daily News</a></em></strong> and
<strong><em><a href="http://www.startribune.com/opinion/editorials/206869321.html?refer=y" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Star Tribune</a></em></strong> weighed in with
editorials in favor of what we were working for. Dozens of letters to the
editors from around the region were published. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><strong>The movement to control frac sand
mining was strengthened</strong>. Local activists from around southeast
Minnesota came together time and time again and made deeper connections on bus
rides to the Capitol. The Land Stewardship Project, Save the Bluffs, Houston
County Protectors, Winona Area Citizens Concerned About Silica Mining, Minnesota
Trout Unlimited, Friends of Wabasha, Audubon Minnesota and others worked as an
effective and unified coalition. The new documentary <strong><em><a href="http://thepriceofsand.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Price of
Sand</a></em> </strong>was shown to crowds who moved from education to
action.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><strong>Sen. Matt Schmit of Red Wing took
up this cause with us.</strong> Sen. Schmit authored legislation that put a
comprehensive approach forward, incorporating all the elements of what we
wanted. Sen. Schmit pushed to the end to get as much passed as possible. Without
his leadership, it is likely that no meaningful legislation would have passed.
All the other legislators from the heart of southeast Minnesota — <strong><a href="http://www.winonadailynews.com/news/opinion/letters/article_a406539e-c307-11e2-b858-0019bb2963f4.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sen. Jeremy Miller (Winona)</a></strong>, Rep. Greg
Davids (Preston), Rep. Gene Pelowski (Winona), Rep. Tim Kelly (Red Wing), and
Rep. Steve Drazkowski (Mazeppa) — all sided with frac sand interests in opposing
a moratorium, and none proposed any meaningful legislation on the
issue.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><strong><a href="" name="provisions" rel="nofollow"></a>Provisions pass that can make a difference if implemented
aggressively by the Dayton administration. </strong>In the end, we did not win
the comprehensive approach that was necessary to fully protect southeast
Minnesota. Here is a summary of the most important pieces that did pass and how
they could be helpful if aggressively implemented:</span></span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">In
southeast Minnesota, frac sand mines within a mile of a trout stream are
prohibited unless granted a “trout stream setback permit” from the Department of
Natural Resources (DNR). The DNR Commissioner testified at the legislature that
a mile setback is necessary to protect trout streams. We need the DNR to be
consistent and deny these permits.</span></span>
</li>
<li><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Local governments can now extend
moratoriums on frac sand facilities until March 2015 regardless of how long
moratoriums have already been in place. State law limited local moratoriums to
two years at most and some local governments are approaching this
limit..</span></span>
</li>
<li><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">The
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) must create rules to address silica
dust from frac sand projects. We need the MPCA to use this authority to set an
ambient air quality standard this is enforceable at the property line of the
frac sand facility.</span></span>
</li>
<li><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">The
DNR must create rules for reclamation of frac sand mines. Among other things,
this must include posting a bond so that frac sand companies that go out of
business or go bankrupt don’t shift this reclamation cost onto the
public.</span></span>
</li>
<li><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">For
two years, the threshold for environmental review for frac sand mines is lowered
from 40 acres to 20 acres and the environmental review requires studies dealing
with water quality and quantity, air quality and traffic impacts.
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</li>
<li><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">During this two-year period, the
Environmental Quality Board must update its environmental review rules to better
address the frac sand industry. We need to ensure that, among other things, the
new rules set strict standards on cumulative impacts and defining as one project
multiple mines that will be operated or managed by the same
owners.</span></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">All the provisions that passed in the bill
can be found <a href="http://landstewardshipproject.org/repository/1/844/frac_sand_provisions_from_bill_hf_976.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE</a>. If you have other ideas about how these
should be implemented or how they can help on the ground let us
know.</span></span></div>
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