A 300-acre open pit sand mine, right across the river?

The LaSalle County Board will make a final decision on a proposal to build an open pit sand mine on the eastern boundary of Starved Rock State Park on January 12th. The controversial mining operation would put more than 100 heavy trucks per day on Route 71, and would require draining a 73-acre wetland. Several conservation and wildlife organizaions are opposed to the project, including the Sierra Club and the Audobon Society. The state park attracted nearly 2.2 million visitors in 2011, the highest number since 2004, serving as the main attraction for tourism in the area.

The Springfield Journal-Register covers the story here . 

The Ottawa paper's story includes a map of the proposed mining site, directly across the river from Starved Rock Marina and the Starved Rock Yacht Club.

The Ottawa Times published an editorial that criticized the County's decision-making process, and points out that there is very little opportunity for public comment at board meetings.

Listen to a recorded radio interview with a spokesman from the Sierra Club and a city planner from the city of Ottawa.

This story from a Wisconsin paper talks about the explosion in sand mining used for "fracking" for natural gas. Problems cited with a Chippewa Falls sand mine include blowing sand on windy days, water quality and truck traffic.

The Sierra Club of Illinois is gathering signatures on a petition to present to the county board members, opposing the mine.

Mike Nowak's Sunday morming radio show is devoting a segment to the controversy. Listen to a recording here.

A rally will be held in opposition to the mine Sunday, Jan 8, at 2pm in Ottawa.

You can contact board members directly and let them know where you stand, pro or con, but time is running short. The vote is scheduled for Thursday, January 12.

What do you think? Add your comments below.