State geologist says frac sand regulations might have to be made locally

The State Geologist for Iowa, Dr. Robert Libra, gave a one hour presentation Monday on the geology of frac sand mining, discussing water tables and health concerns and the demand for silica sand.

But Libra's biggest contribution to the discussion about frac sand rules might have been when he discussed whether the issue is being talked about in the State Capitol.  "I don't think you have Des Moines' attention," he told a crowd of around 50 people Monday afternoon.

Dr. Libra says that's because frac sand is found almost exclusively in Allamakee, Clayton and Winneshiek counties--not enough counties to make it likely the state legislature will step in.

He told the audience there are no know health concerns at this time arising from the use of polyacrylamides to clean the water used in frac sand mining.  However, he did say that acrylamides which attact to the polyacrylamides are categorized as cancer-causing.

Dr. Libra also said the demand for silica sand has slumped lately as oil production has declined, but he predicted there will always be an interest in frac oil drilling and, by extension, frac sand mining. He said county officials should pay attention to sand mining's impact on water tables and should establish setbacks from coldwater streams.

Libra also predicted that in a few years almost half of all U.S. oil production will come from frac oil wells.