A Goshen County fracking sand processing facility already under scrutiny for dust impacts on residents of Yoder, Wyoming, has received another notice of violation from state regulators, the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality reports.
Since at least 2022, Yoder Mayor Norm Feagler has complained about sand blowing off the nearby Western Proppants plant and many sand trucks passing through town, saying it’s a health hazard and that it “drifts like snow.”
In response, the Wyoming DEQ issued a notice of violation to Western Proppants on April 2 for exceeding emission limits at its processing facility. This marks the company's second round of environmental violations in three years, following a previous notice in 2022.
According to the most recent notice, Western Proppants violated permitted limits for particulate matter and carbon monoxide emissions from two rotary drum dryers at its facility. The Louisville Rotary Drum Dryer exceeded carbon monoxide limits by a margin of more than 33 times the allowed level.
The company had 10 days from receipt of the notice to contact DEQ officials to discuss possible settlement before the case is referred to the Wyoming Attorney General's Office, potentially leading to penalties of up to $10,000 per day for each violation.
"As the Department and this Division consider the failure to comply with air quality requirements to be a serious matter, I am considering recommending the Department refer this violation to the State Attorney General's office requesting a suit be filed in District Court to recover appropriate penalties," wrote Nancy E. Vehr, administrator of the DEQ's Air Quality Division.
“Since this is an ongoing matter, it remains confidential,” Kimberly Mazza, a spokesperson for Wyoming DEQ, told Cowboy State Daily on Friday. “Per statute, the DEQ cannot discuss violations that are actively ongoing. However, once there is a resolution, it will be made public."
This latest violation comes after Western Proppants was fined $100,000 in 2023 following a previous notice of violation in November 2022 for exceeding air quality standards.
Sandy Winds
Residents of Yoder, a town of 131 people, have long complained about the facility's environmental impact. In an April 2024 interview with Cowboy State Daily, Feagler expressed frustration about conditions since the 2023 settlement.
"We have basically run into a state of stonewall concerning the noise and dust," Feagler said then, adding that he had "exhausted every option" to reduce the clouds of airborne sand, dust, traffic and noise caused by the facility.
Resident Danny Sheldon described the silica dust as hanging so thick around his house that he can't see the sun when he steps outside in the morning, while resident Greg Wallen called the operation's impact on the community "devastating."
Bob Dietzler, vice president of Western Proppants, did not respond to calls from Cowboy State Daily on Friday.
Dietzler has maintained that the company operates in compliance with regulations.
Last year, he said his company had done "everything in its power to be a good neighbor" and that regulators had signed off on the company's dust reduction efforts following the 2023 fine.
Dietzler, who has lived in Yoder for more than a decade, has highlighted the economic benefits the facility brings to the area. The Denver-based company, which mines and processes frac sand for oil and gas extraction, employs more than 100 people and is poised to become one of Goshen County's largest private taxpayers.
The company's website describes Western Proppants as "the only in-basin frac sand supplier in southeast Wyoming," serving the Powder River and DJ basins with "high-quality sand boasting over 8,000 PSI crush strength."
The operation reportedly has capacity for 200 truckloads and 60 rail cars daily, with reserves exceeding 230 million tons.
Dietzler has previously characterized opposition as limited to "a vocal handful" of critics, noting the company's community contributions including assistance during emergencies like blizzard rescues and canal breaches, support for local grant applications, and installation of speed signs in the town.
In April 2024, local residents petitioned Gov. Mark Gordon for intervention, with Yoder's town council approving a petition to be sent with residents' utility bills asking for the governor's assistance in getting the company to improve its dust output.
Meanwhile, dozens of sand trucks roll through every day, Feagler said.
He said the trucks drive through town and the wind continues to carry unwanted sand. Feagler said a neighbor moved to Nebraska to get away from the dust and the noise.
These days, Feagler said he’s coughing more than usual and hopes the DEQ follows through with installing additional air monitors.
“It’s not pleasant,” said Feagler. “Let’s put it that way.”
David Madison can be reached at david@cowboystatedaily.com.
