DNR right not to issue fines for wastewater release

It is easy to criticize the DNR. Longtime critics like to refer to the state agency as “damn near Russia” because of its many regulations. But it appears the Wisconsin DNR got it right when they decided not to issue any citations against a Western Wisconsin frac sand mine that released some 10 million gallons of wastewater. That is despite the fact that the dirty mining wastewater flowed through a valley, into a stream, and eventually into the Tremplealeau River. The water showed high concentrations of lead, arsenic and copper and left the river a bright orange color for days. Still, the DNR isn’t taking any enforcement action against the owner of the Hi-Crush sand mine in Whitehall. That’s because the holding pond was breached intentionally after a worker in a bulldozer slipped into the pond and quickly submerged. The orange water made finding the bulldozer difficult, so they made the decision to intentionally breach the pond, and let the water flow out. Thankfully, rescue crews were able to save the contractor in the bulldozer once the water flowed out. The only reason the water was released was to save a life, which they did. The DNR should be applauded for putting common sense over the rules and recognizing the mine operators did everything they could to ensure a happy ending to what could have been a tragedy.