MADISON, Wis. (WSAU) — Officials from the Department of Natural Resources are taking public comment on a new analysis of the effects of industrial sand mining on the state.
Bureau of Environmental Analysis and Sustainability director Dave Seibert says the document is an evolving look at how sand mining affects Wisconsin. “And that’s really what we’re doing here with this strategic analysis, is pulling together the best scientific, socioeconomic, natural resources information, and providing that out to the public and decision makers.” That includes legislators and department officials who use the document to craft regulations and laws.
The first version of the file was created in 2012, and Seibert says public comment period is the best way for the department to make sure that everything that should be covered in this version of the document is covered. “Are there topics we’re missing, are there topics think we ought to provide information on? Are there specific areas of those topics that people think we ought to be paying attention to?” He says you cna see what’s currently in the file online.
The public comment is open until April 20th, and Seibert says there’s a number of ways to get in contact with the department. “People can comment to us in writing via email, through actual letters if they want to send it in that way, or they can use an online tool that we’ve created where people can fill in information and press send and it will come to us electronically.”
Send your comments to Chris Willger, WDNR, 1300 W. Clairemont , Eau Claire, WI 54701; or to DNROEAAComments@wisconsin.gov
You can find the online survey HERE – http://goo.gl/s3FKWM
The document can be found HERE – http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/EIA/ISMSA.html
