Winona County Board members are supporting a request from Fillmore county for a multi-jurisdictional environmental impact statement on proposed frac sand mines in the two counties that are close together.
                 
County Environmental Services Director Jason Gilman said it would be one regional environmental study instead of individual and expensive studies done by both counties on proposed mines owned by Minnesota Sands which has volunteered to have the studies undertaken.

Commissioner Steve Jacob said he wanted to make sure that a regional study would address local Winona County issues and not eliminate any local control over the proposed mines.

Board members also supported Fillmore County's request that the State Environmental  Quality Board serve as the responsible governmental unit and prepare the regional environmental impact statement.