Silica plant in Pacific plans major expansion

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The U.S. Silica plant along old Route 66 near Pacific, Missouri, is planning an expansion that would double production there and add 117-foot-tall building, reported the Washington Missourian .

The newspaper reported:

U.S. Silica’s Pacific plant is a prime supplier of sand for the oil fracking industry due to availability of Union Pacific (UP) and Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) rail lines adjacent to the plant.

Waivers to Pacific building codes are needed for the new construction, largely because of the tight complex of loading facilities of the 90-year-old firm that are adjacent to the East Osage (Historic Route 66) pavement.

The firm wants to add two new buildings, an addition to an existing building, three new silos and two sets of railroad tracks into the back of the property for storage of railcars.

Loading railcars and trucks, which is done at the front of the property adjacent to the roadway, would be moved to the back of the property, according to Bill Davis, city building inspector.

A zoning officer for the city said the expansion wouldn’t create a problem for adjoining landowners. The planting of trees also is required along the expanded area.

The U.S. Silica plant in Pacific predates the Mother Road by a few years, and mining at the site goes back further. In fact, according to its website, U.S. Silica provided materials to help build U.S. 66 itself.

The U.S. Silica plant — with its tall towers and busy railroad entrance — is one of the first things westbound travelers encounter on old Route 66 after leaving the urban congestion of St. Louis.

(Image of U.S. Silica in Pacific, Missouri, by PVS444 via Flickr)

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