Bookmark the Center’s frac sand project page to stay abreast of what’s happening in the industry.

A new report says that the overall economic impact of frac sand mining will be minimal, and cautions communities to consider the potential costs of mining along with the benefits.

Frac sand mining has surged in Wisconsin in recent years, growing from a handful of sites to more than 110 permitted facilities. This project page is home to all of our coverage, including maps, charts, and other resources.

Audio from Minnesota Public Radio News on the difference between the two states’ approaches to regulating the growing frac sand mining industry.

Minnesota Public Radio News hosts a Q&A with Minnesota Chief Geologist Tony Runkel on frac sand mining.

Competing studies are under way to assess air pollution from Wisconsin’s frac sand industry, and the author of one said current state law isn’t protecting people well enough. A separate study, meanwhile, will examine the impact of frac sand mines on water.

Nearly a fifth of Wisconsin’s 70 active frac sand mines and processing plants were cited for environmental violations last year, as the industry continued to expand at a rapid clip.

A brief run-down of the permits required to open a frac sand mine or processing plant.