Conservation Voters Call on DNR to Deny Frac Sand Greenwashing
Urges DNR to Reject Smart Sand Green Tier Application
Madison – Conservation voters statewide are calling on the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to reject the Green Tier application recently submitted by Smart Sand Inc., an out-of-state frac sand mining company with a history of environmental violations.
“By allowing proven bad actors like Smart Sand to greenwash Wisconsin voters, the DNR will undermine the validity of all other business that have received Green Tier status over the years,” said Anne Sayers, Program Director at Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters.
Smart Sand has a processing capacity of over one million tons of sand per year on its more than 1,000 acres in Oakdale. In the two short years that they’ve been in operation in Wisconsin, they were already issued a Notice of Violation for failure to comply with Wisconsin air pollution standards.
The Green Tier program was created in 2004 to reward companies for superior environmental performance. In order to qualify, it requires that companies have a demonstrated commitment to protecting the environment.
“Smart Sand simply hasn’t met the criteria required by the Green Tier program. In fact, in their short history, they’ve already been cited for an air pollution violation. Considering Smart Sand for Green Tier is a mistake that’s easily solved by rejecting the application,” concluded Sayers.
Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters’ letter to the DNR is included below.
Gregg Breese
Wisconsin DNR
101 S. Webster St.
P.O. Box 7921
Madison, WI 53707
Dear Mr. Breese,
Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters urges you to reject Smart Sand, Inc’s application for Green Tier status.
Smart Sand, Inc. has been operating in Wisconsin since 2012. During this time, the company has not exhibited a standard of operation consistent with the mission and the language of Green Tier. In August 2012, Smart Sand was cited with a Notice of Violation for failing to comply with their air pollution control construction permit.
Given this infraction and the short period of time the company has operated in Wisconsin, it cannot be said that Smart Sand, Inc. has exhibited a history of reliability in their environmental practices.
The Green Tier program is a helpful tool in building public understanding of companies’ environmental practices. Please maintain a high standard for designating those who truly have a history of engaging in thoughtful and successful environmental management practices – reject Smart Sand, Inc.’s application to the Green Tier Program.
Sincerely,
Kerry Schumann
Executive Director
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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