New panel to offer input on possible silica regs

St. Paul, Minn.-- The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) have announced

the membership of a new joint advisory panel that will guide the agencies as they consider possible rulemaking for the regulation of silica sand operations in Minnesota.

Members of the committee are:

Local government representatives

Beth Proctor, Lime Township

Allen Frechette, Scott County

Keith Fossen, Hay Creek Township

Lynn Schoen, City of Wabasha

Kristi Gross, Goodhue County and Minnesota Association of County Planning and Zoning Administrators

Citizen representatives

Kelley Stanage, resident of Houston County

Katie Himanga, resident of Lake City

Jill Bathke, resident of Hennepin County

Jim McIlrath, resident of Goodhue County

Vince Ready, resident of Winona County

Industry representatives

Aaron Scott, Fairmount Minerals

Mike Wallenius, Unimin Corp.

Brett Skilbred, Jordan Sands and Industrial Sand Council

Tom Rowekamp, Sand Mine Operator in Winona County

Tara Wetzel, Mathy Construction and Aggregate and Ready Mix Association

The MPCA and MDNR decided to establish the panel to provide input as they implement legislation passed in 2013 calling for rulemaking on silica sand operations. The Minnesota Environmental Quality Board will also participate in the advisory committee process to receive advice on rules related to silica sand environmental review.

The committee will have its first meeting Jan. 29 and continue meeting monthly until new rules or rule revisions are proposed. This process is likely to take at least one year. Meetings of the committee will be public, with some held at the MPCA or MDNR offices in St. Paul and some likely in southeastern Minnesota.

For more information about the state’s rulemaking for silica sand, visit http://silicasand.mn.gov/.