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EQB Opens Public Meetings On Silica Sand Mining

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Environmental Quality Board opens a series of public meetings in greater Minnesota on Friday to gather input on plans for a set of model standards for regulating the mining, processing and transportation of silica sand used by the oil and gas drilling industry for hydraulic fracturing.

Friday's meeting is from 2- 4 p.m. at the Blue Earth County Library in Mankato. Two others are set for next Tuesday in St. Charles and Wabasha. The EQB says it will announce dates and sites for future meetings later. The board took public testimony at its September meeting, and is also taking written comments.

The meetings proceed from a legislative directive for the EQB to consult with stakeholders interested in regulation of silica sand-related activities in Minnesota.

(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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