Last week, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) announced a new initiative to strengthen enforcement of its current respirable crystalline silica standards. Crystalline silica is a common mineral found in sand, stone, concrete, and other materials. When disturbed by cutting, grinding, or crushing, it becomes airborne and respirable, capable of
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Minnesota Environmental Quality Board Approves Model Standards For Local Silica Sand Mining Regulations
By Andrew Pieper on
On March 19, the Minnesota Environmental Quality Board (EQB) approved its proposed model standards for local silica sand mining regulations and planning. The standards are intended to serve as guidelines for city and county governments as they work to develop their own local ordinances for mining, processing, and transporting silica sand. The Minnesota Legislature mandated…
Draft Of Model Silica Sand Mining Regulations Released By Minnesota Environmental Quality Board
By Andrew Pieper on
Update: The Minnesota Environmental Quality Board extended the public comment period for the draft model guidelines by two weeks. The deadline for public comments is now January 27.
On December 13, the Minnesota Environmental Quality Board (EQB) – in collaboration with several other state agencies, including the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and…
The Real Cost of Doing Business – Fracking Industry May Feel a Big Hit from OSHA’s Proposed Silica Exposure Rule
By Mike Mills on
In early September, OSHA issued a proposed rule that will limit permissible exposure to 50 micrograms of respirable crystalline silica per cubic meter of air. (See September 9, 2013 post.) This is approximately half of the current limit observed by industry. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, silica sand is used in approximately…
OSHA Proposes Silica Rule Affecting Fracking Workers
By Robin Seifried on
Last week, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) proposed a rule to decrease the permissible exposure limits (PELs) for crystalline silica. OSHA indicated that the inhalation of silica dust can increase workers’ risk of silicosis and other diseases. Silica is commonly used as a proppant in hydraulic fracturing.
Continue Reading OSHA Proposes Silica Rule Affecting Fracking Workers