TOWN OF SARATOGA (AP) - Minnesota residents can voice their opinions on two proposed silica sand mines in Winona County.

People may comment on the two environmental reviews until Jan. 23. The county will then decide whether a broader study is needed.

The mines are planned for Saratoga Township where a processing facility is also proposed.

Johanna Rupprecht, policy organizer for The Land Stewardship, said the county should do an environmental impact statement that would both projects because they are so closely connected.

These projects are separate from a proposed sand transport facility planned for the Mississippi River at Wabasha.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved)

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