Frac Sand Mining
Intensive sand mining is occurring across large swaths of land in Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, and Michigan because the sand produced there is needed for hydraulic fracturing, a component of oil and gas extraction. With the sand, however, comes a number of air, water, public health concerns. These include but are not limited to:
- Displacing agricultural lands and ecologically sensitive ecosystems,
- Damaging surface water, like streams, and
- Introducing silica sand into the air, which is a human health hazard.
Additionally, community tensions and distrust often follow such a major industrial expansion. Learn more about these issues and more below.
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Frac Sand Mining Impressions
Want to know more about frac sand mining? Hear from nearby residents.