This article by Steve Rundio appeared in the LaCrosse Tribune on May 22, 2019.
SPARTA—A group of Monroe County residents is asking the county for a moratorium on sand mining.
Two dozes sand mining opponents appeared at the county’s Sanitation, Zoning and Forestry Committee May 20 to develop an ordinance that bans any new sand mines and the expansion of any existing mines. The committee is in the process of updating the county’s non-metallic mining ordinance.
“An overwhelming number of county residents … do not want another frac sand mine in Monroe County,” said Sandra Humphrey of Tomah.
The meeting was sidetracked over the issue of whether the committee could consider a ban. Committee chair Doug Path said a ban couldn’t be addressed by the committee since it wasn’t on the agenda. He later allowed discussion of a ban under the public comment portion of the agenda.
Curtis Miller of Sparta said a group of sand mine opponents has submitted a “community rights ordinance” to the county and that communities have the right to protect the health, safety and quality of life of their residents.
“You are our representatives,” Miller told the committee. “Later in this meeting, we’ll be needing you to stand up for us.”
Read the rest of this article at its original source HERE.