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Controlling Board approves ODNR mobile confined-space training unit and land purchase for public access
Summary
The board approved ODNR requests: a mobile confined-space training unit to expand statewide training for miners and equipment operators, and a riverfront land purchase to secure public access with four funding partners contributing to the acquisition and maintenance.
The State Controlling Board on Dec. 1 approved multiple Department of Natural Resources requests, including a mobile confined-space training unit and a riverfront land purchase intended to preserve public access.
Ryan Frazee, chief financial officer for ODNR, said the department runs about 500 courses annually that train roughly 5,500 miners; the proposed mobile unit is intended to supplement the department's Cadiz training center and deliver confined-space training at sites across the state in response to requests from mine operators and trade groups.
Jennifer Woodman, assistant chief of the Division of Mineral Resources Management, said the unit is intended for confined-space training that covers silos, crushers and equipment found on surface and underground mine sites and would provide mock scenarios enabling trainees to practice without exposure to hazardous gases or smoke. When asked how many mine-collapse incidents occur annually, Woodman said collapses have been rare in recent years but that confined-space and equipment-related incidents occur regularly; she did not provide exact annual counts.
On a separate DNR item, Jeff Johnson, chief of the division of natural areas and preserves, described a riverfront property currently operating as a canoe livery that ODNR will acquire for public access. Johnson listed four partners and their contributions to the purchase: ODNR $40,000; Portage Park District $34,000; Downtown Manaway Revitalization Corporation $30,000; City of Manaway $30,000; the city will provide maintenance and law enforcement coverage.
Board members asked whether canoes would continue to be available and whether the ESC or other partners might repurpose the site; ODNR representatives said the intent is to preserve public access and partner contributions indicate local support for maintenance. Both DNR items were approved without objection.
What happens next: ODNR will place the training unit into service according to operational needs and finalize purchase and partnership agreements for the riverfront property.
