Fractured: perceptions of the frac sand mine industry in the Chippewa Valley

Abstract

This project is an attempt to gain a better understanding of public opinions about sand mine expansion in west-central Wisconsin. Opinions on the expansion of mining are mixed, with many stating this expansion is a good thing for Wisconsinites. They claim the mines and processing centers are increasing jobs in the area, which will, in turn, boost the local economies. Others have concerns about the potential environmental impacts of the mining. There are many unanswered questions, however, involving health effects, environmental degradation, and economic usefulness. This project will attempt to gain further statistical knowledge on this topic. We explore three themes that are correlated to environmental and economic issues. They are: Awareness/Education, Opinion, and Involvement. Previous research has shown the importance of the public’s opinion of developing environmental concerns, but such research has not been conducted in the context of frac sand mining (Hunter & White, 2009). With all of the controversy behind hydraulic fracturing, frac sand mining remains an understudied topic. This research is an attempt to understand the social, economic, and political dynamics of frac sand mining and how/why it affects local stakeholders.