Exercise 4: Overview of Sand Mining in Western Wisconsin Overview

What is Sand Frac Mining?
Within the US, sand has been mined for many of years to support industries such as glass and petroleum. According to the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey, sand mining in the form of frac sand mining has become a popular mining method. The process of fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, has lead to advances in oil and gas extraction techniques. The abundant sand resources within Wisconsin have lead to a high demand for frac sand mining within various areas of the state.

Location in Wisconsin
According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, sand mining in Wisconsin occurs within the west-central portion of the state. The frac sand and sand mine distribution within Wisconsin can be seen in a Figure 1 below, created by the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey.



Figure 1: Map of frac sand distribution and frac sand mines within WI. (2007). Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey.

Issues With Sand Frac Mining in Western Wisconsin
Furthermore, according to the DNR, sand frac mining can impact environmental quality in several ways. For example, it can have negative impacts on air quality, land quality, and water resources. Issues associated with air quality are due to the wind dispersal of crystalline silica dust generated while sand fracing. Dust inhalation is of concern as well as asesthetic impacts on property. The mines can also affect water resources if the stockpile comes in contact with ground water, streams, rivers, wetlands, or stormwater systems. There are also concerns with the impacts on managed lands, in areas where nature based outdoor activities typically occur. Aside from silica dust pollution, noise and light pollution can be a problem as well, affecting near by residents and wildlife. Along with environmental impacts, the frequent transportation of the heavy sand loads to their ultimate dump site is expected to have impacts on road conditions.

Future GIS Work in this course related with Sand Frac Mining
Later this semester we will use GIS analysis tools in relation to sand mining in Wisconsin. For example, we will use ArcGIS software to calculate the best possible sand mine routes by determining statistics such as which facilities are the best for the sand mine drivers to bring their loads. We will also be geocoding mines within Wisconsin based on their addresses.

Citations
Figure 1: Map of frac sand distribution and frac sand mines within WI . (2007). Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey. Retrieved from http://wcwrpc.org/frac-sand-factsheet.pdf

Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey (2012). Frac sand in Wisconsin. Retrieved on 10/20/2015. Retrieved from http://wcwrpc.org/frac-sand-factsheet.pdf

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (2012, January). Silica Sand Mining in Wisconsin. Retrieved on 10/20/2015. Retrieved from http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/Mines/documents/SilicaSandMiningFinal.pdf

Star Tribune (2014, October). Wisconsin Country Shuts Down Frac Sand Operation Running Wild. Retrieved on 10/20/2015. Retrieved from http://www.startribune.com/wisconsin-county-shuts-down-frac-sand-operation-running-wild/278463561/