FairmountSantrol Sand Mine
Written by Tyler Aken
Our first stop of the day was to the FairmountSantrol sand mine just east of Menomonie. We were given a tour of most of the outdoor facilities, and at one point we were able to see a section of the area they had already mined. We were also given a short presentation (inside) about the sustainable practices that FairmountSantrol utilized at that facility. We learned that almost no waste is produced at the facility, and the sand that they mine is used in a variety of fields, including hydraulic fracture mining, glass, shingles, and sport turf. We also learned that they do not continuously or adequately monitor particulate matter concentrations in the air. We toured this facility because sand mining presents several environmental hazards, including air pollution, water pollution, water consumption, and fuel consumption in transportation.
Can't go past here! Not only are there high voltage electric lines running through the area, but it was an active blasting (TNT) zone. They use the TNT to shake new sand loose from the earth.
These chutes take the sand from one part of the mine to another. It's hard to tell from the pictures, but their piles of sand are gigantic.
When it's particularly windy, those large circular objects in the left of the picture shoot water onto the pile of sand so it doesn't blow away. Also pictured is Tyler Aken of Pod 8
Here we're being told about how FairmountSantrol provides a valuable service to the world, and is totally not destroying it. Only one is true.
FairmountSantrol can be found at N5628 580th Street, Menomonie Wisconsin, 54751
When you're ready to proceed with our field trip, click the image to go to the next location! Next stop: Minneapolis Institute of Arts!