“Here is your country. Cherish these natural wonders, cherish the natural resources, cherish the history and romance as a sacred heritage, for your children and your children’s children. Do not let selfish men, or greedy interests, skin your country of its beauty, its riches or its romance.”
Theodore Roosevelt

Monday, September 23, 2013

Silica? or Frac Sand?

We know that the way language is used to frame and discuss an issue can color the way people think about that issue. Some thoughts to ponder:

Silica? or Frac Sand?

I use the terms frac sand, or fracking sand -- NOT silica sand. The fact that frack sounds like an F-bomb is a gift to our movement and we should embrace it and use as much as possible, in my view. (Sure, the sand is used for things other than fracking, but it's fracking that caused the industry to invade our homeland - not glass-making. So we have every reason to say frac sand.)

Industry graphic presentation on silica, in case you're interested.

Note how industry, in this graphic, refers to it as silica -- The term frac sand is not mentioned. (And they use the term fracking only about 3 times total.) This is not by accident.

Natural Gas? or Fracking Gas? 

Likewise, I use the term fracking gas rather than the industry term natural gas. The word natural market-tests extremely well with focus groups. (Check out how many products in the grocery store are labeled "natural." It's not by mistake.) 

We shouldn't help industry fool the public by calling it natural gas -- there's nothing natural about it. We should clearly imply between fracking (which has a largely negative connotation) and this gas (mostly methane) by calling it fracking gas.

Takes awhile to get used to saying fracking gas, but confusion on the part of your listener can often give you an opening to explain why you use that term!

I'd be interested in any thoughts on this.

Jim
P.S. Thanks to Maura Stephens for introducing me to the use of "fracking gas."

Jim Gurley
Winona Area Citizens Concerned About Silica Mining (CASM)
507-523-3113


Sunday, September 22, 2013

Bus Schedule for PROTEST THE FRAC SANDS CONFERENCE!

From: Donna Buckbee tarantulaarms@acegroup.cc
Folks, I need to know by Monday morning by 8 am if you want a seat on the bus. We are renting a 40 seater bus to go to the Twin Cities international conference on investing in sand mining.  See below for departure times and pickup locations.

Free will offering. If you can't afford to pay, come along anyway. Please pass this on to people who may be interested.

 
Bus Arrival Time
Bus Departure Time
Houston Nature Center
11:25pm
11:35pm
Rushford Creamery restaurant
11:55pm
12:05pm
Winona JC Penny’s
12:40pm
12:50pm
Lake City TBD
1:45pm
1:55pm
Wabasha Overflow Lot
(Across from Supervalu)
2:20pm
2:30pm
Red Wing Target parking lot north end
3:10pm
3:25pm
Minneapolis
4:15pm
 

PROTEST THE FRAC SANDS CONFERENCE!
On September 24 and 25 Minneapolis will be hosting the inaugural Frac Sands Conference.  The conference, planned by London-based Industrial Minerals, provides delegates with an opportunity “To unearth business opportunities, learn from suppliers, movers, and consumers of  frac sands and discover what is ahead for the industry at the heart of the boom” (http://www.metalbulletin.com/EventDetails/0/5896/Event.html?LS=IndMin)
Attendees include representatives from Halliburton, US Silica Company, Hi-Crush Partners, Preferred Sands, Canadian Silica Industries, Superior Silica Sands, Victory Silica and many more corporations, companies, and investors interested in massive profits from the frac sand mining industry.   More information about the conference can be found here: http://www.metalbulletin.com/EventDetails/0/5896/Event.html?LS=IndMin
People passionate about preserving the beauty and health of the Driftless Region must come together and show the industry that we oppose all frac sand mining in this delicate and necessary ecosystem, we reject the myth that fracking is a necessary bridge to the future of American energy, and we hold that these sacred bluffs can not be dug up and shipped elsewhere.
In response, activists in Minnesota have planned a rally and demonstration to take place at the first day of the conference:
When: September 24th 5pm-7pm
Where: Outside the conference at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in downtown             Minneapolis.  (we’ll meet on 7th St. Right in front of the hotel)
What: chanting, possibly a march, speeches from Donna Buckbee             (Houston County Protectors) Bill Greendeer (Deer Clan member of the Ho-Chunk Nation) Julie Delacerre (Southwest WI Against Frac Sand Mines) and             more!
 We don’t want to create a space of hate toward conference attendees.  Instead, we hope to begin to inspire a conversion of heart for our greed-based, fossil fuel-addicted society. We hope to create an atmosphere of nonviolence at the rally, but maintain our conviction that frac sand mining is wrong and uphold the seriousness of the industry’s devastating actions.   Our message is direct and simple; we oppose ALL frac sand mining and believe there is no right way to do the wrong thing.
 Please let us know if you plan on coming!  Email us at theryehouse@gmail.com or call Joe at 612-872-2336.
 Thank you for your time, energy, and support!  See you at the rally!
 Sincerely,
The Rye House
 The Rye House is an intentional community and house of hospitality in South Minneapolis.  We are inspired by peace movements including the Civil Rights Movement, the Catholic Worker Movement, and the Food Justice Movement.  More info at theryehouse.org.

Organizing trip for PROTEST THE FRAC SANDS CONFERENCE!

Subject: PROTEST THE FRAC SANDS CONFERENCE!

Folks,
We can go up on a 45 seat coach if people are interested. Let me know ASAP if you want to reserve a seat. For sure let me know by Sunday night so we can cancel Monday morning if there is insufficient interest. We could leave from Houston sometime early afternoon Tuesday with stops in Rushford, Winona, Wabasha, Lake City and Red Wing. This way we wouldn't have to worry about driving and parking. Let me know. Please pass this on to your groups.
Thanks.
Donna

SEPT 30 - Critical Public Comment Period Ends !

Demand Tough State Air & Water Quality Standards for the Frac Sand Industry

Dear Friends and Neighbors,
   The MPCA borrowed the language for aggregate/construction quarries in the draft for silica sand mining in Minnesota.... as the industry lobbyists were proposing during the last legislative session (that silica sand mining is just like aggregate mining that they've been doing for generations). 
  Now we need to lean together to make our energy felt.
Wishing you well,
Bonita
Forward this message to a friend.
Demand Tough State Air & Water Quality Standards for the Frac Sand Industry
Critical Public Comment Period Ends Sept. 30 
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is taking public comments on how it should regulate the frac sand industry in order to protect air and water. The MPCA needs to hear from you about creating tough standards that put protecting public health and well-being before corporate profits. The frac sand industry complains loudly about any proposed regulation, claiming it is unneeded, while denying its history of polluting air and water and violating regulations. Frac sand corporations operate with a mentality of profit at the expense of the community and the land. Only tough rules aggressively enforced will change this.
In June, Land Stewardship Project members and others met with Gov. Mark Dayton and the MPCA Commissioner. At that meeting, Gov. Dayton told us that he wants tough standards done right. Recently, the Governor advocated a ban on frac sand mining for southeast Minnesota and tough standards for the rest of the state. The MPCA needs to follow through on the Governor’s instructions.
State Standards Must Protect our Air from Frac Sand Pollution. Frac sand is silica sand. Long-term exposure to low levels of silica dust can cause severe health problems including silicosis, an incurable disease that can kill. An effective strategy to regulate silica sand should have these components:
  • Air quality permit required. A “Silica Sand Ambient Air Quality permit” must be created and required for all frac sand facilities (mines, processing and loading facilities, etc.). Requiring a permit to operate gives the MPCA leverage to enforce compliance. Without the threat of being able to shut the operation down by revoking the permit, frac sand facilities can ignore rules and pay fines while continuing to pollute. Meaningful setbacks from adjoining property lines, residences, schools, nursing homes, etc., should be required as part of the permit.
  • Continuous ambient air quality monitoring. All frac sand facilities—mines, processing facilities and loading and transfer stations—should pay for the installation and maintenance of state-of-the-art continuous air monitoring equipment that is overseen by the MPCA. Facilities must not allow silica dust in the ambient air at their property line to exceed the level of safe exposure established by the Minnesota Department of Health
  • Monitoring data is made public. Air monitoring results are available to the public in real time via the web.    
  • Violations have meaningful and immediate consequences. Violations result in substantial fines and the scaling down of operations to make them come into compliance. Swift and meaningful consequences are the only way to ensure compliance from the industry. Repeated violations will result in revocation of the permit.
  • Industry pays. The permit costs cover the cost of regulating the industry, including the air monitoring equipment.
State Regulations Must Protect our Water from Frac Sand Pollution. The processing of frac sand can involve the use of harmful chemicals and millions of gallons of water. Also, frac sand mining can open up conduits that allow surface pollution to enter into the groundwater quickly. This is especially true for southeast Minnesota’s sensitive karst geology. An effective strategy to protect water quality should have these components:
  • Water quality permit required. Frac sand mines and frac sand processing facilities that use water should require an individual water quality permit that requires public notice and allows for public comment. No permits should be allowed within any well head protection area. All chemicals used by frac sand companies must be publicly disclosed. Industry claims of “proprietary information” cannot be allowed to trump the public’s right to know what chemicals they may be exposed to.
  • Disruption of the hydrological function of the landscape must be considered. Frac sand mining could disturb thousands of acres of land in southeast Minnesota’s karst landscape. Karst geology is made up of fractured limestone and is typified by sinkholes that can allow surface pollution to enter groundwater immediately.  Disruption of the landscape through strip mining for frac sand threatens to create many more points of entry for surface pollution to enter the groundwater. This issue has to be addressed up front and cannot be done on a case-by-case basis. The Governor has said he supports a frac sand mining ban in this area of the state and protecting water quality is a good reason to simply declare this region off-limits to frac sand mining and processing.
Take Action! We need people to weigh in from all over Minnesota. While people living in southeast Minnesota and the Minnesota River Valley where frac sand mining is proposed or happening are most directly impacted, we all want to see these beautiful areas of the state protected. We know that without these type of strong regulations, the frac sand industry will continue its track record of abusing the land and people.
  • Send your individual comments about this issue to the MPCA by Sept. 30 at 4:30 p.m. to: Nathan Brooks Cooley, MPCA, 520 Lafayette Road North, Saint Paul, MN 55155; phone: 651-757-2290; e-mail: natan.cooley@state.mn.us. Use the above points and add details that you think are important.
  • Sign LSP’s comment letter by clicking HERE. LSP will submit a comment letter that we would like to be signed by hundreds of Minnesotans. 
  • Forward this e-mail widely. Use you personal contacts to help us increase the number of people engaged and involved in this issue.
For more information on this issue, contact LSP's Bobby King at 612-722-6377 or bking@landstewardshipproject.org.
More background on this issue:
  • Also, read about LSP’s recently released report “The People’s EIS Scoping Document” that calls for the frac sand Environmental Impact Statement on the biggest frac sand mining project ever proposed in southeast Minnesota to be rigorous and comprehensive.

SEPT 24 - PROTEST THE FRAC SANDS CONFERENCE!

From: Donna Buckbee tarantulaarms@acegroup.cc
Subject: Re: PROTEST THE FRAC SANDS CONFERENCE!
 
Folks, anyone interested in renting a van? a bus? carpooling? to this rally on September 24?
Let me know of your interest in this.
Donna

On Sep 10, 2013, at 5:04 PM, Rye House wrote:
PROTEST THE FRAC SANDS CONFERENCE!
On September 24 and 25 Minneapolis will be hosting the inaugural Frac Sands Conference.  The conference, planned by London-based Industrial Minerals, provides delegates with an opportunity “To unearth business opportunities, learn from suppliers, movers, and consumers of  frac sands and discover what is ahead for the industry at the heart of the boom” (http://www.metalbulletin.com/EventDetails/0/5896/Event.html?LS=IndMin)
Attendees include representatives from Halliburton, US Silica Company, Hi-Crush Partners, Preferred Sands, Canadian Silica Industries, Superior Silica Sands, Victory Silica and many more corporations, companies, and investors interested in massive profits from the frac sand mining industry.   More information about the conference can be found here: http://www.metalbulletin.com/EventDetails/0/5896/Event.html?LS=IndMin
People passionate about preserving the beauty and health of the Driftless Region must come together and show the industry that we oppose all frac sand mining in this delicate and necessary ecosystem, we reject the myth that fracking is a necessary bridge to the future of American energy, and we hold that these sacred bluffs can not be dug up and shipped elsewhere.
In response, activists in Minnesota have planned a rally and demonstration to take place at the first day of the conference:
When: September 24th 5pm-7pm
Where: Outside the conference at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in downtown             Minneapolis.  (we’ll meet on 7th St. Right in front of the hotel)
What: chanting, possibly a march, speeches from Donna Buckbee             (Houston County Protectors) Bill Greendeer (Deer Clan member of the Ho-Chunk Nation) Julie Delacerre (Southwest WI Against Frac Sand Mines) and             more!
 We don’t want to create a space of hate toward conference attendees.  Instead, we hope to begin to inspire a conversion of heart for our greed-based, fossil fuel-addicted society. We hope to create an atmosphere of nonviolence at the rally, but maintain our conviction that frac sand mining is wrong and uphold the seriousness of the industry’s devastating actions.   Our message is direct and simple; we oppose ALL frac sand mining and believe there is no right way to do the wrong thing.
 Please let us know if you plan on coming!  Email us at theryehouse@gmail.com or call Joe at 612-872-2336.
 Thank you for your time, energy, and support!  See you at the rally!
 Sincerely,
The Rye House
 The Rye House is an intentional community and house of hospitality in South Minneapolis.  We are inspired by peace movements including the Civil Rights Movement, the Catholic Worker Movement, and the Food Justice Movement.  More info at theryehouse.org.


Saturday, September 21, 2013

SEPT 26 - Our Government Institutions Don't Serve Us - By Design

Dear Friends and Neighbors,
  Please respond if you are interested in sharing transportation.
Wishing you well,
Bonita
nestree11402 @yahoo.com

 

A Free Evening Lecture with Paul Cienfuegos:
"Our Government Institutions Don't Serve Us - By Design"

Thu, September 26 at 7:00 PM 
@Decorah Elks Club, 204 W Main St

Did you know that the US Constitution is actually our second constitution, and that the first one was much more democratic? Did you know that state laws prohibit local governments from protecting the health and welfare of their local residents? Did you know that the Supreme Court has been granting constitutional "rights" to corporations since 1819 and continuing to this day, and that corporations now have more Constitutional rights than do We the People?

Come and learn why our local elected officials' hands are tied and what we can do to untie them. Find out about the fast growing Community Rights movement, launched in conservative Pennsylvania farm communities in 2000, which has now spread to 155 communities in nine states
among Republicans, Democrats, Libertarians, Greens, and many others.
Please join us for this provocative evening!
Contact: Liz Rog, 563-382-8013 or liz@decorahnow.com. This event is hosted by the Community Rights Alliance of Winneshiek County, newly formed in May 2013. More info on Paul Cienfuegos: http://celdf.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4f45c6a914459919a14f80ee4&id=e26ab8889d&e=740adfccf9
 
Sept. 27-29:


"Becoming We the People
," with Paul Cienfuegos.  This workshop, a repeat of one we offered this May, is an immersion into Community Rights work, which has over the last 13 years served to protect 150 regions in 9 states from certain corporate harms. Are there any problems in your community caused by the activities enabled by the so-called personhood of corporations?  This workshop will inform you about how you can stop that as others have successfully done. Those of us from Iowa who attended the May workshop are full-speed ahead with this work and have orgainzed this Sept. workshop for you because we feel it's so important.

Here's the site where you can learn more, and a link to the registration site. If you prefer to register with a check or cash, you can send it to Liz Rog at 1591 Manawa Rd, Decorah IA 52101.
Sign up soon--there are 13 spots left of 30 available. Here's what some had to say about Paul's May 2013 workshop in Decorah: 

"I came away from this workshop feeling like I know how to be a better citizen of my country. Paul opened my eyes to parts of our country's history that saddened me, and parts that really inspired me too.  I have a clearer understanding of why everyday people often feel powerless to make change for a better world.  And I now know what we can do about that.  Paul renewed my interest in participating in governance that is truly of, for, and by the people."

 "I was impressed with the democratic vision of the community rights movement.  It's easy to lose faith in democracy when you only watch it operating on the very large, corporate-controlled scale of the federal and even state government--it's much easier, and much more exciting, to imagine democracy among neighbors, in local communities claiming the right to local control.  Paul's history of the United States through the lens of corporate personhood rights helped me to understand why I was skeptical about our large-scale "democracy", and I appreciated the discussion of decolonizing our minds from corporate control.  I believe it's time to put the rights of human beings and of the earth on a higher priority than the rights of corporations, and I'm grateful to Paul for showing us a path to making that happen!"

 "a very enlightening weekend. I found out where my fear of large corporations comes from and how--with compassionate informed neighbors--we can move forward to demand a more just land."

 "Wanting a better world for my daughters convinced me to attend Paul's training.  I moved from feeling ignorant, to oppressed, to empowered.  We can build a world that holds the interest of ourselves, our children, our whole Earth Community at the forefront.  And there are other communities leading the way!  Join me!"

"I have been very sad for a very long time, seeing our personal lives, our health and our world threatened by all of the corporate harms we seem so powerless to affect. And for the first few hours in the workshop, Paul's history of our democracy-- and how it has been, from the beginning, torn asunder by a system stacked in favor of corporations-- brought back all of the sadness and helplessness. But it also made me realize this sadness is a natural response to what we and our non-human allies have been experiencing. And the workshop didn't end there; it provided us with tools to work on the local level to protect our natural environment (which is what sustains us after all is said and done). It inspires me to think of coming together with friends and neighbors (and the friends I haven't met yet in my community). And I could see potential for networks of communities coming together to weave a web of protection. Now I see what Paul was talking about happening all over the world. There are no guarantees, but there never have been. It gives us a challenge worth taking on."
Also! You're Invited to   Democracy School   
Fri. Nov. 1, 6:30-9:30 pm and Sat, Nov. 2, 9am-5pm
Friday 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm and Saturday Sept. 28:  9:00 am – 5:00 pm Have you ever wondered why large corporations can overrule what people and communities want for themselves and their future?   Ever wondered why you lose your civil rights when you walk across your employer’s doorstep? Or how it is that your once beautiful land, clean well water, or pristine fishing area can be ”permitted” to be destroyed by industrial pollution whether you like it or not? Democracy School explores how it came to be that large corporations have more rights than American people, towns, cities and counties. It examines the way our constitution was reinterpreted and laws enacted to shift power from real people to “corporate persons.” Democracy School explores why big government now enforces the rights of big corporations to extract resources (natural and financial) of people and communities across the country.  Democracy School also shows you how some communities – beginning with tiny, conservative farming communities in Pennsylvania – are fighting back to protect their lives and livelihoods. HERE IS WHAT OTHER PARTICIPANTS HAVE TO SAY:  …taught me a new, empowering way to protect the environment, reclaiming local control… Mary Ann Kae …will never read a newspaper through my old lens again; enlightened on how process works… Maria Ross …awed by small, conservative communities that stood up to government-sanctioned corporate abuse ... Judy Hopkinson  …not realize how little legal power communities have when corporations want their way … Cynthia Sheldon  …first-hand knowledge of ways to bring power back to the people real examples of success… Marian BeddillDemocracy School is presented by the
Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund, CELDF.org
REGISTER:  Make checks payable to Democracy School, Decorah  and send along with registration form to: Liz Rog, 1591 Manawa Rd, Decorah IA 52101. INQUIRIES should be directed to Registrar at <liz@decorahnow.com>  or 563-382-8013 Cost: Sliding scale, $75-$175  includes curriculum & lunch. Pay as you are able. Interested in donating to our scholarship fund or requesting a scholarship? Contact Registrar. 25 participants maximum Forward freely! Hoping to see you in Decorah in Sept. or November, Liz Rog for the Community Rights Alliance of Winneshiek County To subscribe to our newsletter click here.
-- Jane Skinner PeckAdjunct Professor, 
Dance and Theater Dept. 
Winona State University
Artistic director, 
Dance Revels Moving History33939 Golden Drive
Lanesboro, MN 55949http://www.janepeck.com/revels@janepeck.com

Saturday, September 14, 2013

Trempealeau County is virtually under siege by frac sand mining, processing, and trans-load stations companies/corporations!

Issue #24                                       DATE: September 13, 2013
 
Trempealeau County is virtually under siege by frac sand mining, processing, and trans-load stations companies/corporations!

Even though a moratorium (see attached) based on health issue concerns was passed on August 19, 2013, mining companies are lining up at every available moment to obtain permits for THEIR interests.

It is obvious that no county, no town, no city is immune. We must all support and work on issues together. Never has there been a time in this state when the work of the citizenry is so crucial. Please be involved in someway wherever your talents lead you, to attend meetings, to speak out, to write letters to legislators, the overseeing agencies, or to local officials! Your help is urgently needed; the work can not be left up to a few! Our lives and those of future generations must be protected! It is takes time and human energy to make a difference. Commit yourself to making that difference!

Even though the moratorium went into effect on August 30, 2013, High Crush has made application promising 70 jobs. They have pushed for annexation into Independence and Whitehall to avoid county regulations. Covered conveyors will be on the landscape and will be placed 25 feet high over county road Q. Developers agreements with Whitehall, Independence and the Town of Lincoln will be negotiated. These rough notes contributed by an attendee of the meeting tell a great deal of the story!
Hi Crush
70 jobs
Annexation of Independence and Whitehall landowners signed petition

Covered Conveyor 25 feet high over road Co Road Q Divided two annexations. 
development agreements with 
Town of Lincoln
Whitehall & Independence 

Land Use Agreement with Town??
Concerns property value guarantees 
Well water guarantees
Tax loss due to annexation. 
Air DNR
Storm water  DNR & County

Reclamation with City not county
2% moisture wet sand
They have air quality waivers at their other mines. 
Fabric filters 1/2 - 2 microns 
94% of water is recycled
Press plate 
Clarifier
100-250gal / mn. 
Floculants are used enzymatic polyacralamide 
Testing  water no acrylamides found. 
Questions
Rail cars visibility low 
Conveyors 4 ft clearance Total 6 ft high 
20-40 ft berms at dry plant 
No plans to sell any sand outside US
Goes to eagle ford and Bakken

Benefits to cities ?? 
Good paying jobs
Consistent wages don't lay off workers 
Set the bar for the industry??

Transparency 
No talk with people 2000 ft from rail. 
Limits 
Dry plant completely enclosed insulated 
Fans are noisy 
Local partners kicked under the bus? Ownership not local

Public filings available Haliburton SEC check?? Yes they are a customer 
Didn't answer questions about how much land they have in mind ?? 
Acreage ?? 1000 acres  they purchased it all 
Owned?? Expansion ?? Yes have taken cores in other area 
75 million invested 
Wyville sand all contracted. 
High Cap wells in Augusta problems DNR
Mt Simon aquifer is deeper 350 gal/ mn
Here 600 gal/ mn similar to irrigation well 
Arcadia
Hi crush purchased propert in Irvin's coulee 
How many Years   30 years agreements to buy out 


Badger mining neighbors. Felt they were run off their property by attrition. 
Barbara Gronemus 
Wants them to name the landowners
Respect for them they wouldn't name them. 
Ship east and west through Whitehall 
Blocking crossing  railroad liable 
Wells depth high cap wells 160 MtSimon residential shallower ?? 
200 feet deep higher up

Friday, September 13, 2013

DNR denies hearing to frac sand foes

Happy Friday the 13th, my friends!

Maybe it's the date, but here is some news from Wisconsin: 



Crawford Co, WI, the subject of the first story, is located south of La Crosse about an hour near Prairie du Chien. Edie, who is quoted in the article, is a great friend, leader and ally to all in the movement. (The Pattison frac sand mining company is the same one that has done its best to hurt the charming little city of McGregor, Iowa, a Mississippi River town just across from Crawford Co. Pattison is a greedy, power-hungry, and spiteful company.)

And it looks like the now-dead  $100M St Charles / Mn Proppant sand plant is going to pop up in Trempealeau Co.  Texas company Hi-Crush wants to spend  $80 million on building theirs. The county won't let them (moratorium), so they're working on getting annexed. That's what we call "investment for the long haul." Imagine the profits to be made -  $500 Million? $1 Billion? How about $20 Billion?  This ain't going away anytime soon, I'm afraid.

Well, as we're all aware, sometimes it's a step forward and a step back. We in the movement, though, have momentum -- we have to realize that. We are having a HUGE effect in all 3 states, no question. (Even tho sometimes it doesn't seem like it.) So we pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and move forward!

In solidarity,

Jim

ACP offering a 2nd guided bus tour by Ken Schmitt


BUS TOUR
Due to the success of the first bus trip through the heart of frac sand land, ACP will be offering a 2nd guided tour by Ken Schmitt on October 5th.
 
 
Dear Friend:
You are invited to a Second Frac Sand Bus Tour, on Saturday, October 5th
 
Our first privately chartered Frac Sand Bus Tour on Tuesday, August 6th, was a huge success.  The bus was full with 55 passengers, with 13 people on a waiting list.  This is a real eye-opener!  There is nothing like direct experience with a dozen or more closely located frac sand strip mines to wake a person up to the details of an issue that is so extremely important to the Driftless Area in Iowa, Wisconsin & Minnesota.  
 
Passengers learned about the enormous changes taking place as a result of industrial-size strip mining away scenic landscapes for frac sand; and were very complimentary with an abundance of positive comments for our tour guide and the overall learning experience.  Many participants urged us to organize a second bus tour.  We have done that, and have incorporating improvements.  Hence, our personal invitation to join a second bus tour to experience the reality of industrial frac sand mining.  While the first was scheduled for mid-week, the second tour is scheduled for a weekend, and some distance in the future, to accommodate even the busiest individuals.
 
The next exceptional Frac Sand Bus Tour will take place Saturday, October 5th.  You are invited to reserve one of 55 comfortable seats on our chartered air-conditioned, restroom equipped bus.  Learn the inside story from an expert tour guide who lives in a rural area surrounded by the hill-removing strip mines. He gives eloquent and objective descriptions of how mining got started in his township; how mines actually function; and what industrial strip mining has done to property values, to small communities, to rural roads and bridges, to traffic, to groundwater aquifers, to air quality, and to entire landscapes and qualify of life.  
 
Reservations are to be made with payment of $20 per person to Allamakee County Protectors - Education Campaign, P.O. Box 32, New Albin, Iowa 52160.  Check or cash only please.  This is a 501 ( c ) 3, not for profit corporation, and payments made to "ACP - Education Campaign" are tax deductible. 
 
Passengers may bring small coolers with snacks and drinks.  The bus company forbids glass  bottles.  We will also stop for lunch where 3 fast food options are located side-by-side. We will emphasize on-bus conversations and camaraderie among passengers going to and from the mining areas, and we will have drawings for prizes.  Candies and drinking water will be provided. Cameras of all types are encouraged. Frac sand miners do not allow visitors to actually go into mine areas, but the views will amaze anyone who has not actually seen numerous industrial frac sand mines of several types. 
 
Our private bus leaves the large parking lot at the baseball field in Lansing, Iowa, at 7 AM sharp.  Depending on who reserves seats, we may also pick up passengers in New Albin at the City Park on Main Street, and at the Kwik Star station beside the stoplights in La Crescent, MN.  If you care about the implications of industrial strip mining eliminating entire landscapes to get frac sand within the scenic and productive blufflands of the Driftless Area, this tour is not to be missed.  The tour will take approximately 10 to 11-hours.  Questions, if any, should be emailed to: ACP-EC President,  Ric.Zarwell@mchsi.com .
 
Reservations will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis.   Names and phone numbersmust be provided for each person who wishes to reserve a space on the bus.  You will be notified if a seat is reserved for you.  Refunds will be made until September 30, but not later unless the tour is cancelled.   Your willingness to educate yourself with first-hand, on-site knowledge about this critically important issue is greatly appreciated.
 
Thank you.

 
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
  We can always benefit from combining energy with others who are concerned about this regional issue.
Wishing you well,
Bonita

----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Robert Nehman <isisjoy520@aol.com>
To: camerons11@yahoo.com
Sent: Friday, September 13, 2013 1:12 AM
Subject: Allamakee County Protectors Update, P&Z meetings, Bus Tour

Allamakee County Protectors     News Update     9/13/13
Hello from beautiful Knoxville, Tennessee where I am presenting FRAC SAND LAND and premiering my new video Machinery Destruction at the 2013 Fractivist Conference this weekend.  I have traveled to the conference being held at the University of TN. Knoxville in hopes to see some old friends and meet new ones.  Here is a link to the events happening over the 3 day event. http://earthroot.net/frackconference/
Here is an important article that was just released this week concerning the U of T and how they will not be fracking on property owned by the University of TN. This is a huge victory that has taken a decade to achieve.   http://www.desmogblog.com/2013/09/09/university-tennessee-frackademia-program-put-to-rest
This is one less place OUR sand will not be used.  It is important for us to educate ourselves and each other about where and how our sand is used by this industry.
Dallas, Texas  City Council just passed a vote to not allow fracking in Dallas and has proposed some of the strongest setbacks the oil and gas industry has seen. This is another place our sand will not be shipped to.  http://www.texasobserver.org/dallas-city-council-rejects-fracking/
If the fracking for natural gas and oil takes a dive so does the demand for frac sand.
Wouldn’t it be nice if we all woke up tomorrow in a frack free world where our precious bluffs and hills would no longer be at risk?
This is where you come in! 
                                    
                                                 PLAN TO ATTEND  
Allamakee County Planning and Zoning meetings regarding the development of  ordinances pertaining to frac sand mining. WE need as many people to show up and voice their concerns and ideas about what they would like to see drafted within the ordinances to protect our sensitive area here in N.E. Iowa.
These forums are open to the public. If you are unable to attend or would like to comment on a subject that has already been covered please feel free to contact us or the Planning and Zoning Commission.  
                               Here is the Schedule.
The forums will be held in the Farmers and Merchants Savings Bank Community Room, 201 Main Street, Waukon, Iowa from 5:30 to 6:30 PM.  The forum dates and topics will be;
August 26th, 2013.                                     Water Quality and Quantity
September 10th, 2013                              Economic and Social Impacts
September 17th, 2013                              Roads and Dust Control
October 8th, 2013                                      Setbacks to surrounding Uses
October 15th, 2013                                                Noise and other Nuisance Conditions
Once again I have tried to keep this update short, but with so much happening so fast in the world of frac sand mining and fracking it’s hard to stop when all of the information is important and connected.
Watch for another newsletter coming soon with additional dates you will not want to miss.  Save the date for  Saturday October 19th, in Lansing, IA. more on that later.
Here are a few frac sand mining photos, image 496 is Pattison Sand Co's. new hole in the ground in Clayton, IA
For now,
Robert  
Robert Nehman, Vice President
Allamakee County Protectors
P.O. Box 32 New Albin, Iowa 52160
Email: isisjoy520@aol.com  
Phone: 608-385-3111

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Decision to be made on the issue at Wed., Sept 18 Environmental Quality Board Meeting -- Big Step in the Wrong Direction!

URGENT:  Please call or email the 6 officials listed below. Suggested message is at bottom. 
Take the time to do this today! 

We will have to live with the results for years to come.
Jim (call before 9pm with questions)
507-523-3113
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"Draft Model Standards and Criteria for Silica Sand" -- Big Step in the Wrong Direction!
Decision to be made on the issue at Wed., Sept 18 Environmental Quality Board Meeting
The MN Legislature told the Environmental Quality Board (EQB) to create “model standards and criteria for mining, processing and transporting silica sand.”  
EQB has released a draft that is shockingly weak.  
For frac sand operations:
  • Setback from dwellings: only 500 feet
  • Setback from property line only 100 feet
  • Hours of operation 7 am-8 pm Monday through Saturday.


These model standards are for local governments to consider when creating or amending their local ordinances. They are not required to use them.  However, if weak standards are adopted by the EQB, the frac sand industry and their allies will hold them up as endorsed by the EQB Maintaining or passing stronger local ordinances would become difficult.  (The full set of draft standards and criteria are on the EQB website here.  Click on the link for the Board Packet and go to page 13.)
         
The EQB should pass standards that help local organizing for strong ordinances, not undermine it. These draft standards and criteria if adopted would undermine the many existing local ordinances that are substantially stronger than them. They would undermine local organizing to pass strong county and township ordinances and frac sand bans.  
An alternative approach that would help local organizing. The EQB should lay out standards and criteria that cover a spectrum of goals that local communities may want to achieve with a local ordinance.  These goals should range from a frac sand ban to strong local standards to protect specifically identified areas of concern such as air quality, health, property values, roads, water quality, etc. The EQB needs to actively solicit input from impacted citizens which they have not done.  The EQB should propose nothing that is weaker than what many county and townships have already adopted.
TAKE ACTION! 
At their 9/18 meeting EQB Board will discuss this draft and decide whether or not to move forward with it. The EQB is the Commissioners of 9 state agencies and 5 citizen members. A full list of EQB Board members, along with contact information is HERE.
CONTACT THESE KEY DECISION-MAKERS:
  • Dave Frederickson, MN Dept of Agriculture Commissioner and EQB Chair, 651-201-6219 or Dave.Frederickson@state.mn.us
  • John Stine, MN Pollution Control Agency Commissioner and EQB member, 651-757-2014 andmailto:John.Stine@state.mn.us/
  • Tom Landwher, Department of Natural Resources Commissioner and EQB Member, 651-259-5022 
  • Dr. Edward Ehlinger, Department of Health Commissioner and EQB member, 651-201-5810
  • Will Seuffert, EQB Executive Director, Will.Seuffert@state.mn.us
  • Gov. Mark Dayton, 651-201-3400 or 800-657-3717 or use this email form.

SUGGESTED MESSAGE: 
Good to add personal details and put into your own words: 
I am very disappointed in how weak the EQB’s “Draft Model Standards and Criteria for Silica Sand Activities” are. For example, the draft proposes as a model that a frac sand operation be only 500 foot from a dwelling and only 100 foot from a property line.
  
This draft was developed with no input from residents living near an existing or proposed mine.
This draft undermines local organizing efforts to pass strong ordinances and outright bans as well. It also undermines existing ordinances that are much stronger than the proposed model standards.
This proposed draft is so far from what an acceptable end product would be that it must be scrapped entirely and a draft created that has input from those living near existing or proposed frac sand facilities. 

Circulating this fundamentally flawed document any further will only call into question whether or not the EQB fully understands the magnitude of the frac sand issue.”