Winneshiek County supervisors discuss frac sand mining

Winneshiek County supervisors on Monday began a process that could lead to a moratorium on frac sand mining in the county.

Supervisors unanimously passed a resolution to schedule a discussion on the issue next Monday.  At that time supervisors will be presented with a resolution asking the county's Planning & Zoning Commission to make a recommendation on whether a moratorium should be put into effect.

County supervisors Dean Thompson and Dennis Krslbroten have been studying the issue.  Thompson said Monday, "Our intent is not to interfere with current sand mines."  Karlsbroten noted, "Adjacent counties (to us) have already proposed moratoriums."

Thompson said he and Karlsbroten have talked with public officials in Minnesota and in Iowa, as well as attending several meetings of Winneshiek County Protectors, the local group that has formed to discuss the frac sand mining issue.  Thompson says Winneshiek County needs zoning language and comprehensive plan language in place to be prepared for any request for an industrial sand mining operation.