Silicosis is a serious respiratory disease caused by the inhalation of tiny particles of silica dust or sand. The improper handling of silica dust can cause employees who work in close proximity to it to develop silicosis, which can cause long-term lung damage or even death. Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is closely related to silica sand because large amounts of silica sand are pumped into fracking wells, along with water and chemicals. This is just one concern that opponents of a mining operation expected to open near a popular Illinois state park are raising against the prospect.
The Mississippi Sand mining company, based in Missouri, has purchased 80 acres of land located along the eastern entrance of the Starved Rock State Park in Illinois. Conservation advocates are now worried that mining so close to the park will have serious consequences for both Stared Rock and the 2 million visitors who come to the park each year. Several conservation groups actually filed a lawsuit against the state back in 2012. The suit alleges that the state failed to do a sufficient task of vetting the mining operation across all 13 of the factors that are required to be considered.
The conservation groups have raised fears of potential flooding, pollution, and the impacts of traffic that could affect the park. The groups believe that the mine will have certain hydrological effects on the local area, that pollution could enter the nearby water sources (which flow into the park), and are concerned with the amounts of silica dust that the mining process would introduce into the air. Considering that tourism is the biggest financial revenue source for LaSalle County, where the park is located, if these worries come to fruition, that impacts not just the safety of visitors and residents alike, but whether those visitors will even continue to show up to pump much-needed money into the local economy.
It appears clear that the conservation groups are set to fight against the hydraulic fracturing the mining company plans to initiate near Starved Rock State Park. Silicosis is a serious and sometimes deadly disease, and silica sand stirred up in the area could put both residents and tourists at risk. What is not yet so clear is whether the conservation groups will succeed.
Unfortunately, those who have already been exposed to silicosis from hydraulic fracturing (or sources besides fracking) have already suffered silica sand’s dangerous effects. They may be able to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the company or parties believed to have negligently exposed them. Our toxic tort law firm stands ready to help innocent victims exposed to silica dust or sand. Please call us as soon as possible at 1-888-586-7041 to discuss your legal options and how we might be able to help you fight for your rights.
Disclaimer: The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.
Sources: http://wqad.com/2014/11/17/popular-illinois-park-at-center-of-struggle-over-sand-used-in-fracking/