The Winona County Planning Commission on Thursday night voted to recommend an application for a new frac sand mine near Saratoga Township southeast of St. Charles.
                  
The public hearing included several county residents both for and against the mine.

Bruno Borsari said the frac sand industry is not a good fit in the Winona area because of environmental issues of water, air and soil.

Board Chair Robert Patterson says there are 3 dozen general conditions on the mining project, including setbacks, dust control and hours of business.         

According to the application, the mine would be open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. five days a week, though trucking would only take place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.    The 20-acre site is owned by David and Sherry Nisbit.
  
In other business, the commission voted to recommend to the full board that Winona County serve as the responsible government unit in directing an environmental assessment worksheet for the proposed rail loading site in St. Charles Township.