Total ban on frac sand mining in Houston County fails to pass

Houston County will not be the first county in MInnesota to ban frac sand mining.

Houston County commissioners on Tuesday reversed course on a frac-sand ban, voting 3-2 against the total ban, then also failing to approve an ordinance to limit the size and operation of frac sand mines.

Tuesday morning's meeting was so contentious that several people were ejected ffrom it.

The Houston County board 10 days ago voted unanimous in favor of the frac sand ban in a preliminary vote.  But they were unable to agree Tuesday on what approach to take to frac sand mining.

Houston County's moratorium on silica sand mining expires on Thursday.  That means mining regulations will revert to the existing ordinance which does not specifically mention silica sand.