Silica Sand Mining: Put Environmental Controversy to Rest

There’s no doubt Wisconsin has some of the best sand in the world. The state’s Department of Natural Resources knows it — they are even quoted as such in a 2013 article on WisconsinWatch.org relating to the sand mining industry.According to the Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism, which sponsors the website, the Badger State is the nation’s number one producer of sand used in hydraulic fracturing — accommodating at least 124 permitted or operational facilities to mine, process and ship the sand to other states.With all that mining comes some controversy, of course. Citizens often speak out about possible negative