Show Your Support for Holding the Sand Mining Industry Accountable

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

  We want to pack the rooms for these hearings.  This is an excellent chance to combine energy on this issue that affects the future of us all. 
  Carpooling gives more time to connect with each other.  I'll be leaving from Lanesboro should anyone wish to share the ride.  You can contact me at 507-467-2157.
 
  About Tuesday, June 24, Houston County Commissioners' Meeting:  "Erickson Issue" is on their agenda, but Monday's hearings will probably determine what the Commissioners do Tuesday.

Wishing you well,
Bonita

Show Your Support for Holding the Sand Mining Industry Accountable

On Monday, June 23, there will be two important court hearings regarding the Erickson silica sand mine in southeastern Minnesota's Houston County. For background on the situation, please see three recent Land Stewardship Project blog posts: “EQB Fails to Address Citizen Concerns on Erickson Sand Mine Decision,” “Citizen Action in SE MN Blocks Illegal Permitting of Erickson Silica Sand Mine” and “EQB Tables Erickson Mine EIS Question.”

A hearing on the writ of mandamus, a legal action taken by Houston County citizens to prevent approval of this silica sand mine, will take place before Judge Robert  Birnbaum at 10 a.m. on Monday, June 23, in Courtroom #3 of the Winona County Courthouse, 171 W 3rd St., Winona, Minn.

Another hearing will take place before Judge Terrence Walters at 3 p.m. on Monday, June 23, at the Wabasha County Justice Center, 848 17th St. SE, Wabasha, Minn. The purpose of this hearing is to ask Judge Walters for clarification of how his previous ruling dismissing a 2012 lawsuit brought by Minnesota Sands and the Ericksons against Houston County affects the permitting of the mine.

There will not be an opportunity for the public to speak at either of these court hearings, but attendance is important to show how many people are concerned about this issue and to support the Houston County residents who have taken legal action to protect their community.

The situation remains fluid and there may be further changes; updates will be provided as soon as possible. Please contact me at 507-523-3366 or jrupprecht@landstewardshipproject.org with questions.

Thank you,

Johanna Rupprecht, Land Stewardship Project organizer

 

P.S. I also want to call your attention to a new Land Stewardship Project fact sheet, “Frac Sand Mining: A Threat to the Land, People & Communities.” It’s a basic primer that should be a helpful resource in conversations you have about this issue with family, friends and neighbors.