The Associated Press
SHAKOPEE, Minn. - The general public has been given the chance to weigh in on a proposed "frac sand" mine in Scott County.
And information meeting about the Great Plants Sands facility was held on Thursday night.
If approved, the 100-acre mine would be located along Highway 169 near Shakopee.
"Frac sand" is used in the natural gas and oil industry.
Great Plains Sands proposes mining above and below the water table. Site operations would include stockpiling, drying and shipping sand products.
Much of the processing will take place inside buildings. Some operations will run from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday while other operations will run 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Great Plains Sands expects to mine the area for 15 to 20 years, with reclamation following. Reclamation would consist of preparing the site for industrial development as the land is currently zoned for that use.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is taking written public comment on the proposed permit. Comments must be received in writing at the MPCA by 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 27.
Comments, requests and petitions regarding the draft air emissions permit should be addressed to Steven Gorg of the MPCA at 651-757-2396 or steven.gorg@state.mn.us.
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