St. Croix 360

River stories to inspire stewardship.

  • Share News
  • Event Calendar
  • About
    • Contact
    • Subscribe
  • Support

Proposal rejected to expand frac sand mine next to river

Burnett County has denied a request to increase activity at the mine near Grantsburg due to concerns about water quality and noise.

By Greg Seitz | October 11, 2012 | 2 minute read

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email
  • Print
  • More
  • LinkedIn
  • Tumblr
  • Pocket
  • Telegram
Grantsburg frac sand mine aerial photo

Grantsburg frac sand mine (Photo courtesy Ryan Rodgers)

A proposal to expand the frac sand mine next to the St. Croix River which made headlines in May for spilling sediment into the river has been rejected by Burnett County.

The mining company had applied for permission to use explosives in the operation and to expand the hours during which mining and truck hauling would be allowed. Both requests were denied after the county’s Land Use and Information committee heard opposition from neighbors at a meeting last week.

The Burnett County Sentinel reported that local outfitter Jerry Dorff of Wild River Outfitters said the mine had the potential to hurt his business:

“We own a business within a mile and a half of the mine and we serve paddlers on the river,” Jerry Dorff said. “We can hear them the way it is.”

“We live and work in a national park, and for that privilege, we must be mindful of how we use the land surrounding the park,” Deb Ryun, executive director of the St. Croix River Association. “Those others that make a living from the river— outfitters, river guides, restaurants, and other tourist industries, all can and will be affected.”

Dorff estimates his business alone puts 3,000 paddlers on the section of river next to the mine.

“We have outfitted paddlers who have camped at Sandrock Cliffs who have complained about the noise,” Dorff pointed out. “Our concern is the noise from the mine and what the mine is doing to the value of the river.”

Continue reading…

The company told the planning committee that they can still operate the mine without the changes to their permit.

Looking to the near future, committee members raised concern about the prospect of the truck hauling which will begin from the mine to a processing plan in Minnesota. Hauling is expected to include 12-15 trucks per hour along Highway 70 between Grantsburg and Sunrise, MN.

 

Conservation news on St. Croix 360 is supported by the St. Croix River Association, which works to protect, restore and celebrate the St. Croix River and its watershed.

Related articles:

Follow

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Features

Cold comfort

New preserve will let students, community, and anglers experience the Kinnickinnic River

Legislators seek to stop commercial turtle harvesting in Minnesota

St. Croix 360 is now 100% supported by readers.

Click here to contribute →

 

Latest News

Afton State Park Phenology Feb. 19 to March 4, 2021

Spring is coming: Officials provide first St. Croix River flood forecast of season

Tax dollars work for water: Legacy Amendment funds will help protect St. Croix River

Watch: A guy’s goats keep him company while he swims the icy St. Croix

Afton State Park phenology update: Winter wildlife from owls to snow fleas

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy

About

St. Croix 360 builds support for river stewardship, and connects people and organizations. It is an independent news source produced by Greg Seitz, with past support from the St. Croix River Association.

Donate to St. Croix 360 today »

Story of 360

One of the biggest challenges facing the St. Croix River is harmful blooms of algae in in the lower river, due to excess nutrients in runoff. The goal is to restore the river by reducing phosphorus levels to 360 tons/year. Learn more »

Share Your News

St. Croix 360 is powered by a broad community of St. Croix River-loving people. Please visit our submission page to send tips, press releases, and other news.

Submit an Event

Lower St. Croix: St. Croix 360 partners with online calendar St. Croix Splash.

  • Submit your events to Splash.
  • Share it with St. Croix 360 for promotion.

For events elsewhere in the watershed, contact St. Croix 360 directly.

St. Croix 360 Syndication

To help increase awareness of the St. Croix River, news organizations and other outlets are free to share St. Croix 360 content, as long as you follow a few simple rules.

Republish St. Croix 360 stories »

Partners

  • St. Croix River Association
  • St. Croix Watershed Research Station
  • ArtReach St. Croix
  • You and all St. Croix 360's readers!
Handcrafted in May Township, Minnesota. Please contribute today »
loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.