“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, or greedy interests, skin your country of its beauty, its riches or its romance.” 
Theodore Roosevelt

Tuesday, 3 March is when the Houston County Commissioners will take their final vote on frac sand mining

Dear Friends,

I am writing with an urgent appeal, the background of which is below. In essence, this coming Tuesday, 3 March is when the Houston County Commissioners will take their final vote on frac sand mining in Houston County. In spite of their vote FOR a ban two weeks ago, they now seem to be back-pedalinig toward ordinances which will do no good 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.")

Though many of you do not live in Houston County, 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.

We are looking for people from within an hour radius to come.

If you cannot come, are there persons whom you could telephone to come? Do you have friends or neighbors in Houston County whom you could contact about this? Time is of the essence.

Finally, we are also looking for people to call or write to Commissioners Walter and Schuldt. If you live outside Houston County, you should try to include an angle that states your proximity, interest, or relationship to Houston County.

Please feel free to forward this email widely, and please feel free to contact me with any questions. 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.

With many thanks for your consideration, Drue Fergison

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Houston County Commissioners Backpedaling on Frac Sand Mining Ban 

At their Feb 24^th meeting, Houston County Commissioners backpedaled on the commitment they made the week before to ban frac sand mining in the County.

On February 18th, the Houston County Board voted unanimously to add language to the draft mining ordinance that would ban frac sand mining. 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.

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. (http://www.news8000.com/news/frac-sand-mining-ordinance-vote-delayed-in-houston-county/31459714)

Following a controversial Public Comment period last Tuesday, Commissioners discussed regulating frac sand mining in the County instead of prohibiting it. This development comes 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.

During the contentious Public Comment period, Charlie Wieser from La Crescent again attempted to bully the Board into rejecting the ban. 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 www.houstoncountyrealitycheck.com)

Please contact Commissioners Schuldt and Walter before the Tuesday, March 3^rd showdown vote!

             

               Teresa Walter 895-2446 or teresa.walter@co.houston.mn.us

               Steve Schuldt 724-3639 or steve.schuldt@co.houston.mn.us

Tell them you want a ban on frac sand mining. Tell them that you do not believe their argument that regulations will protect our county from the destruction of frac sand mining.  

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.

Ken Tschumper

Houston County Government Accountability Project

507-894-4248

 

Sunday, February 8, JEM theater in Harmony will present free showings (11:00 am and 2:00 pm) of "I'll Be Me"

Sunday, February 8, JEM theater in Harmony will present free showings (11:00 am and 2:00 pm)

of "I'll Be Me", documentary of Glen Campbell's farewell tour.

With free popcorn and pop!

Free tickets may be reserved by emailing or calling Tim Samuelson (tjsamuel@gundersenhealth.org) at Harmony Care Center 507/886-6544, ext. 103.

I understand that these showings are sponsored by Gunderson-Lutheran, which has received a grant to increase conversations about Alzeimers Disease.

Please spread the word as much as you can.  Appropriate for all, including grandchildren, according to Tim.

Wishing you well,

Bonita

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.

Hi folks,

I wanted to start getting this news out quickly — feel free to share with others.

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.

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.

Thanks,

Johanna

Johanna Rupprecht

Policy Organizer

Land Stewardship Project

Lewiston, MN

507-523-3366

jrupprecht@landstewardshipproject.org

From: Stephanie Lamphere [mailto:Stephanie.Lamphere@house.mn]
Sent: Thursday, January 22, 2015 10:56 AM
To: Mining and Outdoor Recreation Policy
Subject: 1-27-14 House Mining and Outdoor Recreation Policy Committee Notice

Below please find a meeting notice and agenda for the Tuesday, January 27th meeting of the House Mining and Outdoor Recreation Policy Committee.

Thank you,

Stephanie

COMMITTEE: Mining and Outdoor Recreation Policy

DATE: Tuesday, January 27th, 2015

TIME: 2:45pm - 4:30pm

MEETING ROOM: 10 State Office Building

CHAIR: Rep. Tom Hackbarth

AGENDA: Informational Hearing for Silica Sand Mining from Silica Sand Producers and State Agency Silica Sand Rule-Making Update.

Stephanie Lamphere
Committee Administrator - Mining & Outdoor Recreation Policy
Minnesota House of Representatives

430 State Office Building
651-296-5528
Stephanie.Lamphere@house.mn

Frac Sand Mining is NOT Inevitable

Local activists and public health professionals applied sufficient pressure to get New York Governor Andrew Cuomo to sign legislation banning fracking 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 other things -- 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.

The Moon

Posted on April 14, 2012

0

The Moon

After all the sand trains
have left this little town
When the speculators go
and the dust has settled down

What’s left for us to live with
except those gaping holes?
A company town without a company
knocked off-kilter for short-term corporate goals

The paychecks came from New York
or someplace far away
And when sand prices bottomed out
jobs dried up, almost the same day

Now we’re left with our questions
and a landscape that looks like the moon
Frac sand economics
boom, boom, BOOM!

from http://thepriceofsand.com/2012/04/14/the-moon/

Locations of 11 Frac Sand Mines (in SE Minn) Proposed by Minnesota Sands, with Proposed Size in Acres

The map on Land Stewardship Project's website, which shows "Locations of 11 Frac Sand Mines (in SE Minn) Proposed by Minnesota Sands, with Proposed Size in Acres"

at  http://landstewardshipproject.org/repository/1/968/frac_mine_map.pdf

The Price of Sand

The Price of Sand

Caucus Resolution on Controlling Frac Sand Mining

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

  So do we say we are concerned about the downsides of frac 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.

Wishing you well,

Bonita

   Attending caucuses tomorrow (Tues., 2/4) night provides a great opportunity to both pass a resolution on the frac sand issue and get petition signatures. 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.

If you don’t know your caucus site you can find it here:  http://caucusfinder.sos.state.mn.us/

Find the petition online here: https://landstewardshipproject.org/forms/fracsandpetition

Thanks,

Bobby King

Land Stewardship Proejct

612-722-6377

Caucus Resolution on Controlling Frac Sand Mining

Whereas, gas and oil interests want to strip mine for frac sand in Minnesota to be used in the hydraulic fracturing process for oil and gas. This frac sand is located primarily in the Minnesota River Valley and the karst area of Southeast Minnesota;

Whereas, the negative impacts of frac 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;

Whereas, this industry is relatively new and state regulations are still being developed for it;

Whereas, the bluffland 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 karst 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;

Whereas, The Critical Areas Act of 1973 gives the Governor of Minnesota the authority to designate Southeast Minnesota as a critical area endangered by frac sand mining and declare a two year moratorium on frac sand mining while protections are put in place;

Whereas, for other parts of the state, especially the Minnesota River Valley large-scale frac sand mining is occurring, we must have aggressively enforced state standards to protect air and water quality. 

Therefore be it resolved, ____________________ party is the opposed to the onslaught of the frac sand mining industry being driven by oil and gas corporations and their political allies and we support:

1. Executive action by the Governor to enact a two-year moratorium on frac sand mining in southeast Minnesota. Such powers are granted under the Critical Areas Act, passed in 1973.
2. The creation of tough state level regulations on frac sand mining to protect air and water quality, and the strong enforcement of such.
3. Development of community-based renewable energy production and implementation of effective energy conservation through state legislative policy and administrative action.

We need to forward this to any Wisconsin residents

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

  We need to forward this to any Wisconsin residents we know to generate energy on these regional issues:

  

 Paragraph 2. Sign resolution to stop FSM.

  Paragraph 3. Sign petition to retain local governmental control.

We can join the effort by connecting with our Wisconsin neighbors who can add their names.

Wishing you well,

Bonita

On Monday, January 20, 2014 2:24 PM, Patricia J. Popple <sunnyday5@charter.net> wrote:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Citizens Groups to Lawmakers: Stop Frac Sand Mining and SB 349

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.

The resolution (PDF available here) 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.

An additional online petition with the same language currently has 165 individual signers.

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.

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.

The Center reported in March 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.

"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.

"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."

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.

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."

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 www.wnpj.org/fracsand.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

WHAT: Resolution Opposing Frac Sand Mining Industry and Environmental Degradation (attached)

WHO: Sponsored by the Wisconsin Network for Peace and Justice (WNPJ); endorsed by 78 civic and environmental organizations (49 in-state, 29 out-of-state)

CONTACT: Carl Sack, WNPJ Staff, carl@wnpj.org, (608) 250-9240; Pat Popple, Frac Sand Activist, sunnyday5@charter.net

We need quick response to gather thousands of signatures on this petition

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

  We need quick response to gather thousands of signatures on this petition (you can find it in right hand upper corner of  landstewardshipproject.org/organizingforchange/fracsandorganizing)

Please sign and forward to any Minnesota resident you know who might sign (and continue to forward for more signatures).

Wishing you well,

Bonita

11 Ways Frac Sand Mining Will Change YOUR Life

11 Ways Frac Sand Mining Will Change YOUR Life

(For more information, visit www.sandpointtimes.com)

1.    If you work…………………………….A Small Number of Short-term Jobs

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.

2.    If you own a house……………….......Decreased Home Values

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 permanent reduction in value: 30% next to the mine; 14.5% a mile away; 8.9% two miles away; 4.9% three miles away.

3.    If you pay taxes………………………..Higher Taxes

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 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.

4.    If you drive…………………………….Poor and Dangerous Roads

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—

not to mention noise and air pollution.

5.    If you breathe………………………….Increased Risk of Lung Diseases

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.

6.    If you drink water…………………….Polluted Water and Dried-Up Wells

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.

7.    If you’re an angler………………………..Damaged Fishing

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.

8.    If you rely on tourism…………………..Decreased Tourism Revenues

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.”

9.    If you treasure animals and plants…………Irreversible Ecosystem Damage

Our bluffs are home to the Upper Mississippi 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.

10.    If you love the Blufflands…………………..Lost Heritage and Landscape

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? In Wisconsin, already 10,000 acres of farm land have been made non-productive for the foreseeable future. Could anything be worth giving up our way of life and our land traditions?

11.    If you believe in fairness…………………..You’ll Pay for Others’ “Rights”

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?

Will you sign this petition?

Subject: President Obama: Ban Fracking on Public Lands

Hi,

I signed a petition to Sally Jewell, Secretary of the Interior and President Barack Obama which says:

"I am calling for a ban on fracking on all federal lands.

This land is our land and should be managed for the good of the people, not corporate profits for the oil and gas industry.

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.

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."

Will you sign this petition? Click here:

http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/president-obama-ban-fracking?source=s.em.mt&r_by=2963628

Thanks!
A. Renee Bergstrom, Ed.D.
bergstrom.renee@earthlink.net

Frac Sand Mining in Wisconsin: A One-Day Seminar Aug 1

Frac Sand Mining in Wisconsin: A One-Day Seminar on Regulatory and Environmental Issues

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.

Land and Mining Rights Issues at the Commonweal, July 24

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.

 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.

 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.

 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.

 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.

Thank you. 

 

Jeremy van Meter

Communications Manager / Resident Ensemble Member

Commonweal Theatre Company

507.467.2905 ext. 211

http://www.commonwealtheatre.org/

CONNECT TO THE COMMONWEAL
Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Curtain Up! Blog  |  YouTube

Mediums, crime-solvers, spirits, and villains. It's summer at the Commonweal with Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure and Blithe Spirit.

 

Are 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.

Attend the Land Stewardship Project’s

People’s EIS Kickoff Meeting

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

6:30 pm-9:00 pm (registration & snacks at 6 pm)

Montini Hall at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church,

103 N. Mill St. (Hwy. 43), Rushford, MN

The event is free of charge, but if you plan to attend, please RSVP to Johanna Rupprecht at 507-523-3366 or jrupprecht@landstewardshipproject.org.

An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is beginning this summer on 11 frac sand mines proposed in Fillmore, Houston and Winona counties 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).

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.

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. 

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.

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.

Did you submit a comment in February on the EAWs on the Yoder and Dabelstein mines?

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.

If you have questions or to RSVP, contact LSP's Johanna Rupprecht at 507-523-3366 or jrupprecht@landstewardshipproject.org.

Did you submit a comment in February on the EAWs on the Yoder and Dabelstein mines?

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.

If you have questions or to RSVP, contact LSP's Johanna Rupprecht at 507-523-3366 or jrupprecht@landstewardshipproject.org.

EIS on 11 proposed frac sand mines

Dear Friends and Neighbors,   An Environmental Impact Statement on 11 proposed frac sand mines in Fillmore, Houston, and Winona counties is beginning this summer, led by the Environmental Quality Board (a MN state agency).    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.   Come to learn more, share your concerns, and get involved.    Tuesday, July 9, 2013, 6:30-9:00 pm (registration 6:00)   Montini Hall at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Rushford, MN     Participation by each of us is important in the EIS process.   Details will be coming from Land Stewardship Project, Johanna Rupprecht  (507-523-3366) or jrupprecht@landstewardshipproject.org.

The Price of Sand

a documentary about silica mines, small towns and money

“The Price of Sand”, a documentary film about frac sand mining

“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.

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.

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.

The Film

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.

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.

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.

The goal of this project:   find the real price of frac sand.  Not just in dollars, but in friendships, communities and the future of our region.

Jim Tittle • St. Paul, MN • director

Good news (in other places)

We can continue to inform ourselves and others. Wishing you well, Bonita Mora County, NM has banned fracking The state of Vermont  has banned fracking Florence Township in Goodhue County has banned frac sand mining Hay Creek Township in Goodhue County has banned "large scale mining" and "mineral processing" I'm told the city of Caledonia has banned nude dancing in bars (well, you said anything, right? And, this is in Houston County) Below is a long list of bans and moratoriums on fracking: 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: REALLY GOOD SUMMARY of towns/states/countries: http://keeptapwatersafe.org/global-bans-on-fracking/ The USA The State of Vermont 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. New Jersey, NJ May 17, 2012: TRENTON, N.J. - 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. June 30, 2012 New Jersey Legislature Bans All Fracking Waste 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. July 15, 2012  Secaucus, NJ -  bans ‘fracking’ (Local officials also call for statewide and national ban.) 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. Pittsburgh, Pa November 16, 2010: 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)  Morgantown, WV 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.  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. Syracuse, N.Y. October 24, 2011: SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Syracuse common councilors ban hydrofracking in the city. North Carolina, RALEIGH 1st July 2012-- 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. New York State Woodstock enacts ban on hydrofracking – Jul 22, 2012 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. By a vote of 5-1-1, Village of Owego passed a 1-year moratorium – 31st July 2012  Animated film of bans, moratoriums and groups in New York State http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJIdBfVvCt8&feature=colike • 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. • NYS Executive Order calling for a drilling moratorium by former Governor Paterson has been affirmed by Governor Cuomo. • Yates County resolution unanimously passed calls for similar protection treatment of their watershed as that in NYC and Syracuse watersheds. • 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. • The Town of Milo is drawing up a moratorium statement for board action. • Dewitt, Tully, Marcellus and Skaneateles have enacted moratoria laws. • Highland, (Sullivan Co) is developing a moratorium statement. • Buffalo has banned hydrofrack drilling and wastewater disposal in their city. • Sullivan County is the first county in New York State to enact a moratorium. • Lumberland (Sullivan Co) is considering a moratorium statement. • Town of Ulysses is establishing “industrial zones” attempting to restrict the negative impact of drilling in their water supply. • Tompkins County has enacted a ban on fracking on county land. • Broome County: Ban on hydrofracking on county lands. Waste restrictions for fracking cuttings and flow back water established. • Ontario, Sullivan and Onondaga Counties have enacted bans on fracking on county owned land. • Ulster County has banned hydrofrack drilling on county owned lands. • Gorham in Ontario County enacted a moratorium ordinance. • 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. • Springfield has adopted local laws prohibiting heavy industry, including gas drilling. • The Medical Society of the State of New York has gone on record supporting a moratorium on gas drilling using high volume hydraulic fracturing. • 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. • 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. • The Village of Penn Yan will not accept any hydrofracking wastewater for processing at the village wastewater treatment plant. • New York City has called on the US Congress to remove hydrofrack drilling’s exemption from the Safe Water Drinking Act. • The Skaneateles Town Board has initiated plans for a ban in their township. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • A petition drive has resulted in the Dryden Town Board unanimously passing a resolution to move forward with an ordinance to ban fracking. • 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. • 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. • The Common Council of Oneonta voted to ban all forms of natural gas drilling in city limits. • 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.” • The exploration of land for natural gas by horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing is prohibited in the Town of Camillus. • Brighton became the first municipality in Monroe County to take a position on hydrofrack drilling calling for a state-wide moratorium. • Kirkland has adopted a one-year moratorium on hydrofracking. • New Hartford has adopted a six-month moratorium on hydrofrack drilling for natural gas •   October 24, 2011: SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Syracuse common councilors ban hydrofracking in the city. . August 14th 2012 Saint Johnsville Village, NY, USA unanimously passed a one year moratorium on hydrofracking and its related activities. Buffalo, NY 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. 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. Sept 2012 The Rochester Town Board 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. 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. Pennsylvania:  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. 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.  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. •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. 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. Cresson has enacted legislation banning fracking. Washington Township has banned fracking. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania City Council unanimously passed the pro-moratorium Resolution on Marcellus Shale Drilling Environmental and Economic Impacts. 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. Philadelphia refuses to purchase Marcellus Shale gas as the dumping of flow back waters is polluting their water supply. 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. 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. 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.  Baldwin Borough Council adopted a community rights ordinance that bans the corporate extraction of natural gas. 30th June 2012 Legislators Pass Moratorium on Gas Drilling in Bucks, MontCo 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. Arkansas • 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. Arkansas has a ban on 4 out of more than 500 frack fluid waste-water injection wells because of their 4.7/9 earthquake. Maryland • The first community in Maryland, Mountain Lake Park, adopted an ordinance banning corporations from natural gas drilling. • 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). • Governor Martin O’Malleyhas signed an executive order for a three year moratorium on drilling in MD while studies continue. New Jersey • 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. Ohio • 22nd August 2012: 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. 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. 28th August 2012 - Jefferson twp in Crawford county passed an extraction and injection well resolution banning fracking activity in the township Virginia • 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. Texas • 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. 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. West Virginia • Wellsville has banned fracking. • Lewisburg has banned fracking within their city limits. • Morgantown banned fracking in the city and within one mile of the city limits as well. 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.