WI DNR reconsiders frac-sand mine that would be largest destruction of wetlands in state

Meteor Timber’s wants to fill 16 acres of wetlands. 

It would be the single largest destruction of wetlands for an industrial sand project in the state of Wisconsin.

The permit for a planned frac-sand mine in Jackson and Monroe counties, however, is still up in the air.

The Wisconsin Dept of Natural Resources has agreed to reconsider whether to allow Meteor Timber’s to fill in 16 acres of wetlands in order to create its sand facilities.

Considering the unprecedented scope of the wetland taking, it’s the right choice, says Sarah Geers from Midwest Environmental Advocates.

“I’m not aware of a similar projects that fills this many acres of wetlands – wetlands of such a high quality – with threatened and endangered species potentially on the site,” Geers said.

The DNR has agreed consider, among other things, whether the agency had sufficient information to grant the wetland fill.

“We believe that the case has a reasonably good chance of success,” Geers said, “convincing an administrative law judge that the DNR should not have issued this permit and allowed Meteor Timber’s to fill these high quality wetlands.”