University of Wisconsin-River Falls
IN-24: Innovation A

Mining companies, a Wisconsin county and the University of Wisconsin-River Falls have teamed up in an innovative, 1st of its kind, partnership on a $232,000, five-year study probing how the vast tracts of Wisconsin used for nonmetallic mining — including for frac sand — can best be reclaimed. Partnerships between a county, private companies, and a university are uncommon, especially to the extent this partnership has reached. This particular partnership truly is a collaborative and mutually beneficial endeavor to all groups involved. The project focuses on Chippewa County, a hotbed of the state’s frac sand mining boom, where six industrial sand mining operations and 73 sand and gravel operations have already opened. Four more industrial sand mines are permitted. Chippewa County has a limited background or knowledge base within the county for how to reclaim mining sites so the partnership with the university has been extremely beneficial. What started as a 5 year research project has grown into a much more collaborative partnership as UWRF has provided expertise in sustainable land management, agricultural sustainability, water management, and more. The partnership has opened several avenues of research for the university, giving students and faculty hands on experience. The partnership has created additional opportunities for innovative thinking which adds value to each organization.