Chippewa Herald – Impact of Frac Sand Mining on Rural Homeowners in Blair and Taylor, WI

The image is an aerial map illustrating the location and extent of the Smart Sand Inc. frac sand mine near Blair and Taylor, Wisconsin. The map covers an area of approximately 500 acres and is outlined with an orange border that delineates the boundaries of the mine and associated railway. The main mine area, where the sand extraction occurs, is labeled prominently within this boundary.

In the lower left corner of the map, an inset provides a detailed view of a nearby residential area along Rabbit Run Road. This inset specifically highlights the location of Gloria Schultz’s house, marked with an orange circle, showing its proximity to the mining operation. The homes in this area are depicted as small, yellow rectangles, clustered close to the mine’s boundary.

The surrounding landscape is shown in various shades of green and brown, representing agricultural fields, forested areas, and undeveloped land. The map also includes labels for local roads and landmarks, providing context to the mine’s location in relation to the broader area.

The text at the top of the image states that residents like Gloria Schultz have raised concerns about the impact of frac sand mining on soil and air quality. The source of the map is credited to Google Earth, with graphic elements provided by Mapcreator.io, OSM.org, and Lee Enterprises.

The image conveys a clear understanding of the mine’s physical footprint and its proximity to residential areas, emphasizing the environmental concerns of local homeowners.

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