Throughout this semester, I will be gathering information on and creating a series of maps showing topics about frac sand mining in Western Wisconsin. This first post is an introduction to what frac sand mining is, where it takes place in Wisconsin, and the issues surrounding it.
Frac sand and sand frac mining: What is it and where is it?
Frac sand is a particular type of sand that has a quartz sand with high silica content and uniform size and spherical shape (Fig. 1) It is also resistant to large compressive forces--up to several tons per square inch, making it perfect for hydraulic fracturing processes, or "fracing" for short (1). This is where it gets its name.
 |
| Figure 1: Frac sand (right) and regular sand (left). Note the uniformity in size and shape in the frac sand. The white coloration is also an indication of its quartz content (1). |
Wisconsin has an abundant source of frac sand found in sandstone deposits from the Cambrian and Ordovician periods in the western and central regions of the state (Fig. 2)(5). It has been mined for more than 100 years for a variety of purposes such as glass manufacturing and even golf course traps (2). However, recent development of sand frac mining (hydraulic fracturing) as a method of obtaining oil and natural gases has increased the demand for frac sand significantly since its appearance in the late 1990s (4). In fact, in the entire United States, Wisconsin now holds 75% of the market for frac sand according to an article by the Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters (3).
 |
| Figure 2: Frac sand deposits (sandstone) and frac sand mines and processing plant locations in Wisconsin updated in October, 2013. (5). |
 |
Figure 3: Sand frac mining well. A well is drilled
vertically to the rock layer containing oil and natural gas
(in this image it is preresented as the Marcellus Shale),
and then drilled horizontally through the rock layer.
Fissures erupt in the Hydrofrac Zone as a result of
high pressure treated water and kept open by frac sand (2).
|
What are the issues?
One issue facing frac sand mines is sediment dispersal. Mining sand sets free many dust particles into our air containing crystalline silica, a cancer-causing agent (discussed in the video below). Other respiratory issues that can be caused by the silica dust includes silicosis, an irreversible lung disease, and asthma. In June, 2012, the federal government even released a occupational hazard alert after research showed locations near some mines contained as much as 10% more than the recommended silica dust content in the air. (7). Not only does the dust cause respiratory issues, but it can pollute nearby streams and cover roads. In one case, a sediment plume left a 6-inch-deep layer of dust on a nearby road in Trempealeau County (6). Some citizens are also worried about the general effect on the landscape as sand mines are rapidly transforming the natural landscape of Western Wisconsin.
Other issues such as increased rail road usage sparks complains about noise, frequency of traffic increases on roads, and safety associated with the transportation of flammable crude oils across Wisconsin and the questionable ability of old rails to support the movement of heavier loads (8).
How can GIS be used to explore these issues?
GIS can help to understand the issues surrounding frac sand mining in Western Wisconsin. For instanc, it can help to find optimum areas of frac sand mines away from larger towns and residential areas to avoid air pollution for local residents. It can also explore the railroad and vehicular transportation to find what routes are best for transporting sand and the proximity of lakes, rivers and streams to sand mines to lessen the traffic and pollution effects of transporting and mining sand. For this semester's project, I will be using GIS to explore issues in Trempealeau County, Wisconsin by using data on crop land, land use, railroads, and digital elevation models from the USGS, USDA, and Trempealeau County geodatabases.
References:
(1)King, H. (n.d.). "What is Frac Sand?" Geology.com, Geology News and Information. Retrieved 23 Oct. 2015 from http://geology.com/articles/frac-sand/
(2)Mining: Frac Sand. (n.d.) Wisconsin Geological Natural History Survey. Wisconsin Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System, 2013. Retrieved 23 Oct. 2015 from https://wgnhs.uwex.edu/wisconsin-geology/frac-sand-mining/
(3) "Frac Sand Mining," Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters. Mo' Better Communications. Retrieved 23 Oct. 2015 from http://conservationvoters.org/issues/frac-sand-mining/
(4) Lallanilla. "Facts About Fracking," LiveScience. TechMedia Network, 23 Jan. 2015. Retrieved 23 Oct. 2015 from http://www.livescience.com/34464-what-is-fracking.html
(5) "Frac Sand IN Wisconsin Fact Sheet." Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey. Retrieved 23 Oct. 2015 from http://wcwrpc.org/frac-sand-factsheet.pdf
(6) "Frac Sand Mining Company Faces $200,000 in Water, Air Penalties." WisconsinWatchorg. 17 Dec. 2013. Retrieved on 23 Oct. 2015 from http://wisconsinwatch.org/2013/12/frac-sand-mining-company-faces-200000-in-water-air-penalties/
(7) Peeples, Lynne. "Does Frac Sand Mining Rush In Wisconsin Threaten Public Health?" The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com. Retrieved on 23 Oct. 2015 from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/07/frac-sand-mining-wisconsin-health_n_2256753.html
(8) "As Rail Moves Frac Sand across Wisconsin Landscape, New Conflicts Emerge." WisconsinWatchorg. 13 July 2014. Retrieved on 23 Oct. 2015 from
http://wisconsinwatch.org/2014/07/as-rail-moves-frac-sand-across-wisconsin-landscape-new-conflicts-emerge/
No comments:
Post a Comment