A new petition regarding the proposed silica sand mining operation in the RM of Springfield has gained considerable traction this week.

“When I heard about this I was very concerned for health and safety because of the potential for this project to leech in heavy metals, contaminate our water supply, decrease the amount of potable water we have, and cause major long term impacts.”

Trevor Broesky is a medical practitioner who lives in Steinbach. Shortly after he launched the petition, Broesky's petition began drawing in signatures from across the province. "I'm definitely surprised," was his response to the immediate support he received. "I don't normally put myself out there."

While Broesky is not typically one to be active on social media, he says the negative effects the mining operation could have on southeastern Manitoba’s primary aquifer were too great to ignore.

“In my nursing degree we were taught strongly that we should be advocating for public health and I truly believe this is a public health concern.”

As Broesky understands it, the sand and shale that the mine will be extracting contain heavy metals that could seep into the surrounding environment. In Vivian, where the mine will be located, the land slowly drains into the Brokenhead River. If toxins are leached from the minerals, as Broesky fears, they would slowly make their way into that waterway and eventually into Lake Winnipeg.

From Broesky’s perspective, the plant has the potential to both hurt the main source of drinking water for thousands of Manitoba residents and the native aquatic life as well.

d slurry loop will use a food-grade flocculant as required, however, the slurry transport loop is a closed, recycled water loop.”

Bullen feels the false information being spread is generating undue worry throughout the region and notes CanWhite Sands is doing their best to correct misconceptions.

“We are working hard to ensure all concerns are addressed with actual data and science to provide comfort to those with concerns.”

Bullen’s team, it seems, will have to try even harder if they want to quell the controversy. Broesky’s petition has garnered nearly 700 signatures since it was launched last week and that number is still growing daily.