DNR Orders Houston County Silica Mine to Shut Down

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has ordered a southeastern Minnesota frack sand mine to stop operating.

The DNR says the Erickson silica sand mine in Houston County is within a one-mile buffer zone from Ferndale Brook. So according to a recent state law, the mine needs a DNR permit to operate, not just the permission of Houston County.

DNR water registration supervisor Tom Hovey says the mine must cease operations until it applies for and receives a trout stream setback permit. KAGE radio reports Erickson mine must submit a mining and reclamation plan, complete a hydrological evaluation and have a site visit from affected agencies.

The mine has five business days to inform the DNR it has ceased operations.