A proposed sand mine in Chippewa County is already causing some concern among people living there.

Canadian Sand and Proppant Company was just given the go ahead to build a processing plant in Chippewa Falls.

Now it's looking at a piece of farmland where it can mine the sand.

The proposed 80-acre sand mind would be in the Township of Howard.

That's near Colfax.

And it's leaving some people living there, concerned about their community.

Neighbors Kasey Schindler and Jeff Bennesch found out about the proposed sand mine last week, and they're not happy about it.

Jeff Bennesch says, "I'm really concerned about the safety of the commuters on the road and I'm concerned about the quality of the roads."

Kasey Schindler says, "This sand mine will jeopardize the safety of our community, our neighbors, the kids that ride the school buses every day."

The sand mine location will literally be right out their front door.
But they say, they're not the only ones who should be worried.

Jeff Bennesch says, "If taxes have to be raised to rebuild infrastructures after they're gone, adjoining landowners and other residents, if they have to replace wells, it's going to be expensive and to us, there is no benefit.

Manager of Canadian Sand and Proppant Company, Gary Stone, says he understands the concerns, and says the company does have the community in mind.

Gary Stone says, "We're in the process of locating multiple sites and my goal is to rail in 50-75% of the materials so we don't have, that just reduces the amount of truck traffic in Chippewa County."

And says he's excited to work in Chippewa County.

Gary Stone says, "The City and County has been very supportive and great to work with and see as a positive with the community."

Vernon Schindler, Chairman of the Township of Howard Board, says the permitting process for the sand mine is in its earliest stages.
He says there will be a Plan Commission meeting on June 16 at the Howard Town Hall.

...And says the commission will listen to public comment that night.

Schindler says it could be two to three months before the town board makes a decision.