You Ask. We Investigate: Sand Mining Concerns

By Mike Conroy

CREATED Jul. 13, 2012

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  • You Ask. We investigate. on NBC26. Neighbors are concerned over a possible health problem near Clintonville. A sand mining pit could soon be going in their backyards. The mining company says the project would be safe and bring jobs to the community. Video by nbc26.com

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CLINTONVILLE, Wis.--"You Ask. We investigate. on NBC26. Neighbors are concerned over a possible health problem near Clintonville. A sand mining pit could soon be going in their backyards. The mining company says the project would be safe and bring jobs to the community.

Mona and Larry Danke have lived outside Clintonville for 15 years. But now, they may have some company.. A.F. Gehler wants to open up about 100 acres of sand mining near the area. But people living in the area are concerned it will be used for "fracing", a process used to find natural gas..

No plans or permits have been filed. But the company is taking samples and the Danke's want to put a stop to this before it starts. "'It will cause a huge problem in the area, and it's health problems, its our water problems, it's the roads." Romona Danke explained.

"There's always a little bit of opposition and most of the time it comes from the unknown." A.F. Gelhar Company Attorney Tom Moniz said. "There are no health or safety issues whatsoever. None whatsoever? Not as far as anything that would be in violation of federal, local or state standards."

But, the Danke's disagree and vow to fight any plans to mine land near their homes. The decision will be made by the county board in September.