"Over the past few weeks it has become clear that a number of 'frac' sand mining and sand processing operations have plans to develop in Izard County. The need for sand for gas drilling, especially in the Fayetteville shale, is driving this development. This particular company is planning a large open quarry mine and already has a stormwater permit for 240 acres in a 1000 acre area they own with a multimillion dollar plant proposed. Unimen, the sand plant that has been in Guion for years has filed for permits to expand. At least one other plant has filed for permits.
People involved with Friends of Mill and Piney Creeks (FMCPC) have been leading an effort, with our partnership to understand and grasp the significance of this development and how it will affect our watershed and the streams in their area which flow into the White River from Piney Creek. The City of Calico Rock is considering drilling 3 wells for this company.
Quarry mines usually become big holes in the ground. Large scale quarry mining could change the entire character of our area. The Quorum Court should take action immediately to slow this process down until they can determine exactly what is going to happen and assure there is no risk to our water and property."
According to an informal poll on the website of the White River Current newspaper, 21 people have voted in favor of the sand mine so far, and 136 have voted against it.
Please visit these websites for more information:
Friends of the North Fork and White Rivers blog
Article from The Baxter Bulletin newspaper, October 19, 2009: Applications almost ready for new mine site near Calico Rock
Article from The Baxter Bulletin newspaper, October 8, 2009: Sand mining consultants meet with Calico Rock Residents
TAKE ACTION:
Contact the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) and voice your concerns:
ADEQ Email Form
Teresa Marks, Director
5301 Northshore Drive
North Little Rock, AR 72118-5317
(501) 682-0744
For Local Field Office Contact Info, click HERE.
Calico Rock Mayor and City Council Members:
Ronnie Guthrie 297-8786
Lynna Stanley is 291-3769
Greg Hamby 297-8879
Charles Francis at the paper 297-3010
Darrell Brown 297-8556
Cindy Wildhagen 297-8542
Steve Marsee 297-2756
Fred Blickle 297-4244
Fred Blickle 297-4244
2 comments:
Look at the Brady, TX area for an indication of the long-term effects of silica sand mining.
The clean water will diappear-the quality of life-tourism etc will be impacted and once people thinkingof retiring or moving to the area hear about the mining-forget it-The best way to fight it is to getpeople to sign on aninst it-get politicians to back you-if they don't most likely they're inbed with the $$$ comin fromit-local organizations should get miving with printed letters or emails to local and satte representatives and reporters and TV statiuons should be used in the movement-the sooner the better. Chruches- organizations-schools etc should help the process-The national Parks-you'll find out who your friends are right away and who might be getting kickbacks.
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