DOJ now handling two sand mining pollution cases in western Wisconsin

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The Wisconsin Department of Justice is now handling two pollution cases from western Wisconsin. Both are focused on the region’s booming sand mining industry.

One case involves sediments discovered flowing into the St. Croix River, which is federally protected as a national scenic river way. The second case involves air pollution and a case from last March when huge amounts of mud flowed down a hill in Trempealeau County, impacting a stream and wetland.

Several sand companies have located in that part of the state in the last two years, formed to supply the growing hydraulic fracturing industry. It has meant many needed jobs to the region, but has brought on many environmental questions.

Tags: western wisconsin, news, government, environment