Frac Sand Mine Reclamation and the Impacts on Soil Hydrologic Characteristics.

Wisconsin is the world’s largest supplier of frac sand. Frac sand is highly valuable due to its unique size and round shape and is used primarily as a proppant in hydraulic fracturing to extract oil and gas from shale layers deep below the Earth’s surface. Because of the extensive scale of frac sand mines in Wisconsin there is significant potential for soil and hydrologic impacts. State laws require frac sand mines to reclaim land post-mining; however, there is little information on the best ways to restore the land after frac sand mining. The objective of this study was to document soil and hydrologic impacts by establishing benchmark data prior to mining to better understand soil health and land use capabilities prior to mining disturbance. Data were collected at a mine in central Wisconsin which has been actively mining for three years and has land nearing reclamation. A total of 30 pre-mining sites were selected to examine the natural variability in soil hydrologic characteristics. Soil hydrological properties measured included, volumetric water content, temperature, infiltration rate, and water retention. This research will provide important data to guide reclamation policies and practices for mining companies.