DNR On The Clock With Sand Mine

Opponents of a sand mine near Starved Rock State Park are criticizing the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for not speaking up about potential negative impacts to the park.

Mississippi Sand wants to operate a sand mine land just outside the eastern boundary of the park. The DNR is in a unique position because it’s an adjacent land owner and in charge of regulating mining. But spokesman Chris McCloud says the agency is bound by laws governing permits, and will make an unbiased decision.

The DNR has 120 days to issue or deny a permit once the company
submits its application.