EQB releases draft Model Standards and Criteria for silica sand mining

MN Environmental Quality Board

News Release

For release: December 13, 2013
Contact: Megan Eischen 651-757-2704


EQB releases draft Model Standards and Criteria for silica sand mining


Saint Paul, Minn.— The Minnesota Environmental Quality Board releases a draft today of the Silica Sand Model Standards and Criteria entitled “Tools to Assist Local Government," a toolbox of regulatory approaches that local governments can use to address impacts from the mining, processing, and transporting of silica sand. These guidelines, mandated by the 2013 legislature, provide information and recommendations related to a number of issues, including such things as water quality, natural vegetation and wildlife habitat, air quality and transportation.


A subcommittee of the EQB will discuss the draft document on Wednesday, Dec. 18 from 1-4 p.m., at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, 520 Lafayette Road N., St. Paul. The meeting will include presentations from state agencies as well as an opportunity for public comment. Written comments will also be accepted at silicasand.eqb@state.mn.us
until January 13, 2014.


The demand for silica sand has increased in recent years because of its use in oil and natural gas extraction. Regulation of sand mining is largely under the authority of local governments.


The draft of the Silica Sand Model Standards and Criteria can be found here: http://www.eqb.state.mn.us/documents/Tools%20for%20Local%20Govt%20draft%20DECEMBER%2013_2013.pdf

###