(Photo courtesy of Utah Geological Survey) Utah sand dunes, like this one pictured in Kane County, could produce sand needed to frack oil and gas wells. Energy developers import vast amounts of sand from the Upper Midwest, prompting prospectors to explore sources like this one closer to Western oil fields. A Utah company is looking to develop a quarry and processing plant outside Kanab, but some residents are upset with project's huge water demands.
Brian Maffly has worked for The Tribune off and on since 1994. Maffly roams Utah, covering public land and environment.