Howard sand mine deal hailed as model for others!
Sand in Demand- Mining companies have shown particular interest in the sand available in parts of the Upper Midwest, including western Wisconsin, because it has just the right characteristics for hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking,” and is close enough to the surface to make its removal economically viable.The sand grains are the ideal size, shape and hardness to keep existing cracks in the rock open, making it easier to extract natural gas.
- Sand Mine Agreement
- The developer’s agreement between the Chippewa County town of Howard and EOG Resources of Texas stipulates:- EOG Resources will replace any water wells if contaminated. EOG also will test for the chemical known as acrylamide, a possible human health hazard.- Noise levels from the site must not top 60 decibels at the boundary of the property.- Blasting will be allowed only between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.- Light pollution must be controlled, with lights not pointed up and away from the site.
– A fair market property value guarantee for homes that are adjacent to the sand mine. EOG will either buy the property at market value or will make up the difference if the property is sold below market value.
– EOG will obtain a 20-year license and will not have to reapply every year.
– There will be no mining, blasting or hauling from the site from May 1 through Oct. 15 each year. The company will be allowed to prepare the land and work on reclamation only.
– The company will be allowed to haul sand 24 hours a day, six days a week, through the late fall, winter and early spring months, except during peak travel times. Sand won’t be hauled to the plant on Sundays.
– The company cannot haul more than 600,000 tons of material from the mine site. The company will provide a monthly report to the town of Howard with an updated total on how much material has been removed.
– Trucks will be allowed to use county highways only to get from the mine site to the sand processing plant in the northeast corner of Chippewa Falls.
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