WI DNR wants to ease emission rules governing sand mining

I know it's hard to keep track of what the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is doing to our state as it implements Scott Walker's anti-science, "chamber of commerce mentality" across the agency, yet there is another example:

The DNR is considering exempting from regulation a certain kind of dangerous air emission - -  very small emitted, so-called fugitive dust particles - - to further help businesses, especially the fast-growing frac sand industry which the agency has previously treated gently.

From the DNR:

 “PM2.5 emissions will not be estimated in an air permit review for fugitive dust sources, mechanical handling, grain handling, and other low temperature particulate sources.”

The DNR would omit frac sand mines as a source of these particles; in 2014, the DNR estimated there were 135 Wisconsin frac mines, processing plants and rail operations.

An earlier blog posting about this issue is here:

To 'Fugitive Dust' In WI Sand Mining, Add Fugitive Enforcement

There is a comment opportunity on the issue that expires at the end of the day tomorrow, Thursday, so weigh in before the deadline.

Below is information from Clean Wisconsin and a form to fill in, or simply email your objection to the DNR at one or both of these email addresses:

John Roth

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Email: John.Roth@Wisconsin.gov 

Kristin Hart

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Email:Kristin.Hart@Wisconsin.gov

There are already too many things in our air and water that can affect our health. We don’t need any more. Right now, the Department of Natural Resources is considering new guidance that would exempt many facilities and operations from limiting their PM2.5 fine particulate emissions. Less than one-twentieth the width of a human hair, PM2.5 pollution particles can get deep in our lungs, even our bloodstreams, harming our respiratory systems and increasing the risk of lung and heart diseases. Children are particularly vulnerable to health impacts from PM2.5 pollution. Under the proposed guidance, one huge exemption would be frac sand mining operations. These operations, which leave our landscape littered with dust, silt and other pollution, already push the limit for the maximum allowable PM2.5 pollution. If this change goes through, the amount of PM2.5 they put out would no longer be regulated to make sure that the surrounding air stays safe. The DNR is accepting comments on this proposed change through THIS Thursday. Weak PM2.5 pollution protections put the health and well being of our families at stake: Contact the Department today and ask them to scrap the proposed changes!