Opponents of frac sand mining are organizing in Winneshiek County

The impact of frac sand mining in Winneshiek County has been modest so far.  But several Winneshiek County residents have been monitoring the controversies in Allamakee County and in Southeastern Minnesota and Western Wisconsin.  That's why they want the public to be educated about the issues involved.

They are organizing a public meeting at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 20th, in the Decorah High School Auditorium to discuss the frac sand issue.

The sand deposits in parts of Winneshiek County can be used in places like North Dakota, where the hydraulic fracturing process ("fracing") is used to give oil companies access to natural gas and oil deposits that previously could not be tapped.

The one-hour meeting on February 20th will include information about the geology of Northeast Iowa, the impact of mining activities on public roads and bridges, and possible public health issues arising from sand-mining activities.  An update of the situation in Allamakee County will also be presented.                                                                                                                                                         

For more information, call Lyle Otte at 382-3137.