(VIDEOS) A Small Town Debates Silica Frac Sand Mining

 

With over 130 frac sand mine and processing sites in Wisconsin, we have made it a priority to report about the process of one in our area.

Glenwood City may annex the Teigen/Crosby land in order to allow TX company Vista Sand to operate a silica frac sand mine in that location.  The potential “Vista” mine would be located within 1/2 mile from the public school with 650 children and hundreds of staff.

The Glenwood area is unique in its landscape and character.  However, dynamics surrounding frac sand mining in this community are far from rare.  These videos give you the inside feel of the sand story playing out in communities all around the state of Wisconsin.

In this video, more than 40 people packed into a small room in order to voice concerns about frac sand mining within the city limits.  More than half of the registered voters in Glenwood City presented the city council with a petition on Monday, August 12 requesting a referendum vote before the council moves to annex 400 acres of farmland into city limits.

In this video, former Glenwood City Principal Julian Bender presents the referendum petition and each city council member responds.  A referendum would allow residents “to be involved in the process” prior to a land annexation by the city.  However, some council members believe that implementing a new mining ordinance should come first.

More? Glenwood City Council 8/12/13 city meeting addressing frac sand:

• Written summary HERE
• Full audio HERE

 

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WIvoices.org has been closely following this story:

• Mine? Let us vote! Glenwood Area Residents Want Referendum on Frac Sand; 8/16/13
• Inside a Town Meeting on Frac Sand Mining; 3/8/13
• County official comments on Frac Mine; 1/24/13
• Frac Sand Mine Proposed Near School; 9/20/12

The Huffington Post report on Glenwood City frac sand; 6/1/13

 

Want More Information? See WIvoices.org’s Reference Document