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Wisconsin DNR to assess frac sand mines

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources will seek public input on industrial sand mining. The effort will be part of a broader agency strategic analysis to update a 2012 report on sand mining in the state.  DNR staff will collect input in February and March as to what topics should be addressed in the report.  This is in response to a petition from citizens and Midwest Environmental Advocates requesting a strategic analysis under NR 150 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code.

The process includes a public comment period and review of a draft report before the final document is presented to the Natural Resources Board.

There are more than 100 mines in Wisconsin supplying 75 percent of the sand used for hydraulic fracking in the United States. Concerns have been raised about the effects on surface water, ground water, air pollution and infrastructure caused by the mines and the lack of sufficient regulation of them.

 

The DNR board also approved the 2014 Wisconsin bear season quota of 4,750 at their meeting Tuesday. This is an increase of 50 from last year.  DNR will issue a record 10,690 permits to Wisconsin bear hunters.  The quota was set with the intention of reducing the bear population in northwest Wisconsin and stabilizing the population in the rest of the state.  The season will run from September 9th through October 13th.

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