DNR Is Developing New Permit For Frac Sand Wastewater

The Department of Natural Resources is writing up a new permit to better handle wastewater leaving frac sand mines and processing plants.

DNR Water Division Administrator Russ Rassmussen said the state’s general wastewater permit doesn’t properly address muddy water leaving frac sand operations because it was designed for gravel pits and quarries. The new permit being developed would be specific to the industry.

“It’s more of a matter of trying to address all of the unique features of industrial sand mining that may or may not have been addressed in a permit that wasn’t … designed for that type of operation,” said Rassmussen.

Rasmussen said the change will save the DNR from having to keep adding conditions to sand mining wastewater permits.

It’s unclear whether the new permit will retroactively cover existing operations.

The agency hope to get public comment early next year.