FREDERICK, Md. (AP) – U.S. Silica Holdings Inc. says it’s partnering with the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad to bring large amounts of sand to South Texas for use in hydraulic fracturing of the Eagle Ford shale.

Frederick-based U.S. Silica said Monday that the railway will haul up to 40,000 tons of silica sand and other products per month to San Antonio from facilities in Ottawa and Rochelle. The 100-car trains will run three to four times a month.

The San Antonio site will store 15,000 tons of silica sand, starting in early 2013.