The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has postponed its decision on issuing a permit for a proposed frac sand mine in Ste. Genevieve County.
The department’s Land Reclamation Commission voted Thursday to table its decision for two weeks so it can determine if the mine’s location would violate a federal non-discrimination act.
Michael Miller lives near the proposed mine area. He told the commission that because of this law, a teacher is sent to his granddaughter‘s home for her schooling. She is unable to attend school because of a health condition. Miller said that qualifies his granddaughter’s house as a school.
He then cited a DNR statute that says a permit cannot be issued for a mine within 1,000 feet of a school. His granddaughter’s home is 400 feet from the proposed mine.
“I truly believe the intent of [statute] 444.771 was for the safety [and to] provide a quiet and undisturbed atmosphere so our children of Missouri could have an opportunity for a better education.”
Several of Miller’s neighbors also voiced concerns about the proposed mine’s location, including detrimental effects to their health and businesses. Once the commission determines if Miller’s claim holds merit, the members will meet again and vote to approve the permit, deny it, or table it again.
