Legalectric

At the February 11, 2015 meeting of the Silica Sand Advisory Panel, at least two of the agency speakers said they wanted comments on the rule drafts in 30 days or so, and that 30 days is almost up.  BUT, it’s been hard to find those drafts, and it’s even harder to make comments on something not findable!  They are not posted on the Advisory Panel site.

Also, I’ve heard several times that “the legislature will block these new rules” or some such, and I can’t get a read on what exactly is the concern, but the legislature isn’t going to block rulemaking because there’s nothing the legislature can do to block a rulemaking proceeding, it does not require legislative approval.  Now they could change the law, and repeal the rulemaking requirement, but change the law?!?!  That’s highly unlikely “they” could.

The deadline is extended to March 18 via an email from Nathan Cooley, MPCA:

Dear Panel Members and Alternates,

In addition to the reminder of a deadline to provide your input (which Heather asked me to extend from Friday 3/13 to Wednesday 3/18/2015), staff have asked me to forward working copies of preliminary draft working language in MS Word format to improve input convenience:

Thanks!

Sincerely,

 

Nathan Brooks Cooley

Rulemaking Coordinator

651-757-2290 v

651-297-8676 x

Big thanks to Nathan Cooley and Catherine Neuschler of the MPCA for being responsive and coughing up the drafts!  Both PDFs and WORD are below, because track changes may be helpful:

PDF Draft Rules:

DNR Rule (pdf) Draft Silica Sand Reclamation Rule_2015_03_03

MPCA Air Emissions (pdf) 20141125 Draft Silica Sand Emission Rule (3)

MPCA Air Monitoring (pdf) EXHIBIT M

EQB Rule (pdf) Preliminary EQB_Draft Rules_ Definitions__2_19_2015

WORD Draft Rules (for track changes comments):

DNR Rule (docx) Draft Silica Sand Reclamation Rule_2015_03_03

MPCA Air Emissions (docx) 20141125 Draft Silica Sand Emission Rule (3)

MPCA Air Monitoring (docx) EXHIBIT M

EQB Rule (docx) Preliminary EQB_Draft Rules_ Definitions__2_19_2015

Have at it, folks, and get your comments to your Silica Sand Advisory Panel Representatives:

Local government representatives

• Keith Fossen, Hay Creek Township
• Allen Frechette, Scott County
• Kristi Gross, Goodhue County and Minnesota Association of County Planning and Zoning Administrators
• Beth Proctor, Lime Township
• Lynn Schoen, City of Wabasha

Citizen representatives

• Jill Bathke, resident of Hennepin County (MCEA)
  
• Katie Himanga, resident of Lake City
• Jim McIlrath, resident of Goodhue County
• Vince Ready, resident of Winona County
• Kelley Stanage, resident of Houston County

Industry representatives

• Doug Losee, Unimin Corp.
• Tom Rowekamp, IT Sands LLC
• Aaron Scott, Fairmount Minerals
• Brett Skilbred, Jordan Sands and Industrial Sand Council
• Mike Wallenius, Unimin Corp.
• Tara Wetzel, Mathy Construction and Aggregate and Ready Mix Association