Background About Sand Mines

What's behind the sand mine boom? Monroe County--and much of this part of the state of Wisconsin--has just the right kind of sand needed for hydrofracking. That's the process of shooting a cocktail of chemicals, sand and water at shale in order to extract natural gas from the shale. It's a highly controversial form of mining. Sand mining carries its own risks for neighbors of sand mines. And there are other problems as well. Click here for more information. And click here for a first-hand report about life next to a sand mine--and what happens to property next to sand mines.