SB 99

Current law requires counties to regulate the reclamation of nonmetallic

mining sites. Nonmetallic mining is the extraction of nonmetallic materials,

including stone, gravel, clay, and sand.

This bill authorizes counties to issue licenses for frac sand exploration. Frac

sand is a type of industrial sand that can be used in deep wells to prop open rock

fissures and increase the flow of natural gas or oil. Exploration consists of drilling

holes for the purpose of searching for frac sand or establishing the nature and extent

of a frac sand deposit.

Under the bill, a person who applies to a county for a frac sand exploration

license must submit a bond to ensure that drillholes will be properly filled and proof

that the person has liability insurance covering personal injury and property

damage. The bill requires a licensee to notify the county before beginning drilling

and before filling a drillhole.

The bill requires the Department of Natural Resources to provide technical

assistance related to frac sand exploration to a county upon request.