Over the past two years, frac sand mining in Wisconsin has exploded – growing by 160% between 2011 and 2012 alone. PK Hammel of Madison Action for Mining Alternatives joined Tony Casteneda on the Thursday 8 O’Clock Buzz to discuss the the effects of fracking on communities and action to stop it.
The frac sand mines, according to Hammel, raise a number of serious health and standard of living concerns. For example, light pollution, truck traffic and silica sand in the air are all conditions around mines. According to one fracking contracter, “In Minnesota I have a bookcase of regulations, but in Wisconsin they can fit in a filing cabinet.” This lack of regulation and government intervention is allowing a free-for-all on Wisconsin farmland, says Hammel.
Moreover, although fracking is hailed as a job creator, the actual number of jobs it creates are small compared to the jobs it displaces – in tourism, farming, and rural community services.
Madison Action for Mining Alternatives is hosting Stand Against the Sandstorm this coming July 20th, an event to inform citizens about the effects of fracking. There will be speakers and a showing of the film Price of Sand.