Conservation director to discuss permitting process
Dan Masterpole will present “Industrial Sand Mine Permitting and Reclamation” at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 21, at the Waupaca Area Public Library.
Hosted by Winchester Academy , this is the last program in a series about industrial hydraulic fracturing or frac sand mining.
In Wisconsin, industrial sand mining and processing represent an important and developing sector of the state’s economy. Masterpole’s program is an overview of collaborative efforts to limit and evaluate the impacts of non-metallic mining using Wisconsin’s administrative rules.
In Chippewa County, the industry has become well established, having evolved through the permitting and production phases of development.
At present, there are 10 industrial sand mines that have been permitted by Chippewa County under local authority for non-metallic mine reclamation, delegated under Wisconsin statutes. Of these, five are in full or partial production, with several entering the planned reclamation phase of mining operations.
Non-metallic mining is an extractive industry that inherently impacts land and water resources.
This program will highlight the approach that has been used by Chippewa County, working with industry stakeholders to address public concerns, limit mine impacts, and advance non-metallic mine reclamation. His expertise and experience will help Waupaca County residents sort through the myriad factors involved in the sand mining process.
Masterpole serves as director of the Chippewa County Department of Land Conservation and Forest Management. He works with the general public, local elected officials, public agencies, and a broad range of stakeholders to develop and implement conservation programs to address local needs.
The mission of his department is to encourage “stewardship for sustainability” to support a productive economy and quality environment.
Masterpole, a native of Iowa, received a bachelor’s degree in urban and regional studies from Minnesota State University- Mankato and graduate degrees in water resources management and soil science from the University of Wisconsin- Madison.
The program is free and open to the public. Cookies and coffee are served at 6 p.m. and the program begins promptly at 6:30 p.m.
Winchester Academy programs are funded through sponsors and tax-deductible donations. Masterpole’s program is sponsored by Ruby and Barry Shaw.
For more information, check winchesteracademywaupaca.org, follow on Facebook, or contact Executive Director Ann Buerger Linden at 715-258-2927 or [email protected].