FARMING FOR SAND? Proposed Bridgeport Sand Mine Will Change the Face of the Driftless Region Forever BRIDGEPORT, WI MARCH 7TH, 2014: This week residents from the Town of Bridgeport began circulating a recall petition, aimed at recalling two Town of Bridgeport Supervisors. Township Chairman John Karnopp and Township Supervisor Mike Steiner approved the permit of an open pit frac sand mine within the town, and within 500 feet of the Wisconsin River, despite substantial opposition by their constituents. Over the last two years, many local residents, farmers, property owners and taxpayers have expressed concern over locating an open pit frac sand mine in the Town of Bridgeport. Residents have shared their legitimate concerns with elected officials at Town Hall meetings, public forums, and through a circulated petition, all to no avail. Loren Fishler, Bridgeport resident, dairy and beef cattle farmer further explains his frustrations, “Our (residents’) voices are being ignored. Elected officials should listen to the people who voted them in and they should make decisions based on the best interest of everyone in the community.” Fishler’s son Mark agrees stating, “In there hurry to get the mine approved, they did not follow their own procedures, and failed to address how the proposed mine will decrease residential property values.” Other local residents agree with Fishler, and many are frustrated with the decisions that their elected officials are making about the proposed frac sand mine in Bridgeport. Dan Linder further explains, “I am not very fond of recalls, especially after the state wide (gubernatorial) recall from two years ago. That experience turned me off to the recall process. However, with all that has happened in Bridgeport regarding the proposed frac sand mine and our elected officials’ total disregard for the electorate’s concerns, I feel this recall should take place.” Mark Fishler, another life-long Bridgeport resident, agrees, “Our Town Board needs to operate in a more transparent manner.” As a member of the Bridgeport community he feels that it is important for his elected officials to make informed decisions. “When the vote came up for the sand mine, the Town officials did not allow discussion with the public. Based on the elected officials’ comments, it appears that they lack knowledge and the understanding of how frac sand mining works.” Local resident and Doctor of Chiropractics (Dr.) Arnie Steele explains why so many residents are opposed to the open pit frac sand mine, “We are concerned about the known risks and danger for serious health problems associated with exposure to silica dust.” In addition to being concerned about the dust coming from the proposed sand mine, Dr. Steele worries about the sheer number of large trucks that will be driving up and down scenic Hwy 60, twenty-four hours a day filled with sand. He is also incredibly concerned about the safety of his grandchildren, who like to play outside in the fresh air in the yard, which is located next to Hwy 60. “My biggest concern with the frac sand mine is the impact on local property values,” explains Sheila Linder, a Bridgeport resident and property owner. “The property value of land, homes within three quarters of a mile of the proposed mine, will experience a 30% decrease in value. Whereas homes within one mile radius of the proposed mine would see a 15% decrease in value.” “Destroying the God-given pristine farmland of the Driftless region, that has some of the highest quality soil in the area in order to ‘farm sand’ for the next sixty years, will change the face of our region,” explained Loren Fishler. As a farmer and steward of the land, he believes that “farming sand” will lead to the downfall of several local farms around the proposed mine site. Mark Fishler is very concerned about the impacts of the noise generated from continuous blasting on his beef cattle as well as and the impacts of the drifting sand dust on the health of his livestock, crops and his garden. The recall petitioners have 60 days from certifying the petitions, or until April 28, to gather the necessary signatures for a recall election. If they are successful, the recall election would likely occur in early July.
Posted on: Wed, 12 Mar 2014 14:33:37 +0000
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