Buffalo County is working on changes that would require permit applicants to furnish more details up front about their proposed  frac sand mining projects.
   
Zoning technicians from the county's new Land Resources Department are working with county zoning supervisors and the public in revamping applications for non-metallic mining permits.  Mining of frac-sand or limestone in Buffalo County requires a conditional use permit under a county zoning ordinance that applies to rural towns.
   
Advance supply of more information about proposed mining operations is expected to help streamline the county's zoning process and answer questions often raised about projects before they reach the stage of a public hearing.

Technicians are developing a checklist of mining related standards to apply when reviewing applications for new permits.  The new permit will likely require details about proposed hauling routes and truck counts as well as other road information wanted by the county's highway department.
         
Seven people at a recent zoning meeting advised passing a mining ordinance to regulate frac-sand operations and come up with an overall plan addressing mining issues and concerns.