ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A state board has extended the comment period on proposed standards for regulating Minnesota's sand mining industry.
The Minnesota Environmental Quality Board on Monday extended the comment period by two weeks, to Jan. 27.
Speakers at the first public hearing on the proposed standards this month had asked the board to extend the 30-day public comment period. They said the holidays gave them too little time to prepare detailed written responses.
The nonbinding guidelines are meant to provide local governments with tools to help them regulate silica sand projects, including mines, processing facilities and transportation hubs.
The silica sand mining industry has boomed in recent years because it provides a critical component that oil and gas drillers use for hydraulic fracturing, or fracking.
(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
More Time To Comment On Minn. Sand Mine Standards
/ CBS Minnesota
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A state board has extended the comment period on proposed standards for regulating Minnesota's sand mining industry.
The Minnesota Environmental Quality Board on Monday extended the comment period by two weeks, to Jan. 27.
Speakers at the first public hearing on the proposed standards this month had asked the board to extend the 30-day public comment period. They said the holidays gave them too little time to prepare detailed written responses.
The nonbinding guidelines are meant to provide local governments with tools to help them regulate silica sand projects, including mines, processing facilities and transportation hubs.
The silica sand mining industry has boomed in recent years because it provides a critical component that oil and gas drillers use for hydraulic fracturing, or fracking.
(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
Featured Local Savings
More from CBS News
Emerald Ash Borer larvae found in Minnesota's Rock County
Asian Minnesotan Day at State Capitol to focus on supporting women entrepreneurs
Lakeville teachers' union files intent to strike before rally outside school board meeting
Minnesota company using special technology that helps increase capacity of power lines