Letter: Mining regulations work

To the Editor:

It would appear I’ve ruffled some feathers and opened a can of worms with my recent letter (R-E, May 23). For the record, my name is John Litsenberger, not Listenberger.

I’m sorry Ms. Meyer views my presence on the Goodhue County Mining Study Committee as a conflict of interest (R-E, June 13). Since our duty as a committee, is strictly advisory and we are not a rule-making entity, I don’t quite make that connection.

As one of two members with a mining background and the only one having experience in the mining of frack sand, I have strived to maintain a role as educator.

All of us take our role seriously, recognizing that the issue of silica sand mining, processing and transportation is not one to be taken lightly. We have been given very specific goals to meet and will do so.

It is important to recognize that, like it or not, frac sand mining and processing is here. Consequently, it is in everyone’s best interest that the County Board has the best information available so as to pass the regulations needed that will govern this industry and protect citizens’ health and safety. If I can contribute to that, then I’ve done my civic duty.

Ms. Meyer also makes some broad negative comments on the mining industry. While I will not deny there have been multiple examples of pollution, health issues in the past, this industry, like others, has grown up. The nation’s miners supply needed commodities to the citizens and industry, just as do millions of individuals and businesses. If this makes them greedy, then our farmers, hardware businesses, grocery stores, etc. fall into the same category.

This industry has a legitimate role. And, like any industry, it has its place and requires regulations.

This county will be protected. The bluffs will not disappear in a cloud of silica dust, the roads will not be ruined by a train of trucks and our air and water will not be polluted. Believe it or not, silica sand operations can, with the proper guidelines and regulations, be a good neighbor.

John Litsenberger

Red Wing

Tags: opinion, letters