The Winona County Board of Commissioners next Tuesday, February 5th, is expected to set a date for a public hearing on two proposed frac sand mines in Saratoga Township.
                 
The public comment period on environmental reviews of the Dabelstein and Yoder proposed sand mines has ended, and the board now has the option to host a public hearing on the documents.
                 
While there is no statutory requirement for the hearing, the board has been providing additional opportunites for public comment in the past on other issues.  Following a public hearing the board will be required to decide on issuing a permit for the mines.
                 
The county continues to review a third request for a mining permit submitted by the Nisbit family, also in Saratoga Township.  Tuesday's meeting is at 9:00  a.m. at the County Government Center.