Letter: Does mining align with our vision?

To the Editor:

Silica sand mining is the most challenging issue our community has faced in some time. If residents pay attention to anything, this should be it. If we don’t join together, we can kiss quality of life goodbye.

Midland Texas Co.’s silica sand mining project will up-end all that is right within the Hiawatha Valley. Water and air quality, river, bluff and valley vistas will be challenged; much will be destroyed. Inevitable infrastructure improvements due to truck traffic will stretch already thin government budgets and lead to a decrease in services and an increase in taxes to cover expenses related to the meager 33-40 jobs the folks supporting this endeavor are touting.

The silica sand process will place regional water resources at risk. The proven health concerns with breathing in silica dust make air quality the second point to nip this project in the bud.

The natural gas exploration frenzy taking place across this county is another too-good-to-be true exercise in the rush toward energy independence. Silica sand fuels this process with short-term benefits for a few; long-term devastation for families and communities.

The Midwest is scrambling to grasp what in blazes is going on. Find a computer and Google Pennsylvania fracking, Delaware or New York. You will find heartbreaking stories of corporate bullying and secrecy, polluted water and children getting sick — all due to fracking gone wild.

We take for granted that public servants will do the right thing. Don’t. There is a difference between “more” jobs and “good” jobs.

What exactly is our vision? Has it changed?

David Korten, economist and co-founder of the Positive Futures Network, states “It is our right and responsibility to protect the geographic boundaries that define the private and public interest and resources of those who live within these boundaries. Furthermore, we have a collective right to use the human, social and natural capital that we create, protect, and preserve in ways that maximize our individual and collective well-being as we choose to define it. Others are welcome to participate in our economy, but only so long as they honor our rules and values.”

We need to protect our personal and business investments. Is it a value-add for us? Does it align with our sense of place? Think about this and enter the conversation.

Barbara Gunderson

Red Wing

Tags: opinion, letters