LA CROSSE, WI (WXOW)—The City of La Crosse is proposing an ordinance to regulate mining materials in response to the growing number of mining operations in Western Wisconsin.
Larry Kirch, Director of Planning said while there aren't currently any proposals to establish mining operations or transporting facilities in the city there is some speculation there will be.
The ordinance would require anyone wanting to load or unload mining material, including Frac Sand, to get a Conditional Use Permit from the city.
The purpose of the permit is to notify neighbors with in 200 feet and possibly dictate hours of operations or what streets trucks could travel.
Kirch said in terms of use they aren't necessarily bad it's where you put them.
"So I think if it's near a residential area then that's what really we want to safeguard and let people know that any heavy use activity may happen near them and they have an opportunity to come and speak on it," Kirch said.
So far, the planning commission and judiciary and administration committee have unanimously passed the ordinance.
On Tuesday the Committee of the Whole will vote on it and if it passes Council will vote on the ordinance next Thursday.
The ordinance reads:
(17) Metallic or non-metallic (sand and gravel) loading and unloading facilities including facilities located along rail yards or sidings, port or waterfront areas or trucking terminals and sites and only when such facility is approved as a conditional use by the Common Council as provide in Section 15.26 of this Code.
