Frack Sand Mining In Minnesota: Random Update -- The State Will Allow Permitting Process Along Trout Streams

The StarTribune is reporting:

In a retreat from tough language that would have banned frac sand mining within a mile of any trout stream in southeastern Minnesota, state officials have reached a compromise that would allow the industry to encroach on the areas as long as they follow a new permitting procedure overseen by the Department of Natural Resources.

As part of the deal, Sen. Matt Schmit, D-Red Wing, said he won’t initiate a fight on the Senate floor to amend the game and fish bill with the stronger trout stream setback language that was initially supported by Gov. Mark Dayton.

The road to the compromise started late last week in a meeting Dayton arranged with Schmit, industry representatives, three state agency heads and organized labor. The new language, in addition to an assortment of other checks on the fast-growing industry, are planned to be finalized this week in the environment-finance bill.

This was an interesting statement, some indication the state is ... fill in the blank:

Jason George, legislative and political director for Local 49 of the International Union of Operating Engineers, said the deal worked out in Dayton’s office last week strikes a good balance. George fought successfully against a proposed moratorium and other statewide involvement in the frac sand industry to protect jobs in the state.

“We’re going to have an industry in Minnesota, and it will be done the right way,” he said.