Group: Install Air Monitors To Study Frack Sand

WINONA, Minn. (AP) — An environmental-quality committee is recommending that air monitors be installed around Winona to measure the effect that the processing and shipping of frack sand has on air quality.

A Winona Daily News report Saturday says the Winona Citizen's Environmental Quality Committee recommends installing four or five air-quality monitors along truck routes in the city. It also suggests placing monitors near places where frack sand is processed.

The Winona Planning Commission is expected to consider the recommendations at its next meeting.

Committee member Bea Hoffman says more monitoring will benefit residents and the industry. She says if measurements show that the industry is complying with environmental regulations it" demonstrate to residents they don't need to be concerned.

The committee's recommendations are not binding on the city planning commission.