Aggregates Manager Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/531447
New projects target community needs OPERATIONS M any of the most successful reclamation projects are ones that enhance the commu- nity surrounding the site, as well as ties between the operator and the community. An end use that suits the needs of the community offers a win-win for both the operator and the community. According to Gary O'Toole, director of environmental services for Lehigh Hanson, it tries to complete its reclamation obligations with careful thought to both local and region- al needs. At its Fairmount Quarry, in Fairmount, Ill., the result was a cooperative effort that showed how native warm grasses could not only be grown in low-nutrient soil, but could actually improve the soil quali- ty in a way that could lead to addi- tional future uses of the property. The operation also worked with local farmers by setting up a fully automated water station. "It was done in the spirit of working with the local farmers," O'Toole says. "Wa- ter isn't always accessible in some of those areas. We pump it out of our pits. A farmer tanker can pull up and take a full load. It saves a lot of travel time and reduces diesel fuel costs." Young community members were at the heart of Cemex's reclamation plans at its Clermont, Fla., sand mine. In a single week, hundreds of students planted 2,500 live oak, laurel oak, and long-leaf pine trees. "Involve your students. They get to learn about plant species and what animals are attracted to them, and why wetlands are important," advis- es Jenna Emerson, Cemex's legis- lative and public affairs manager, Florida/Carolinas. "Then, they are the ones who go home to their parents, their Cub Scout groups, and their churches and share what they've learned." A good rapport with local gov- ernment offi cials led to the city's involvement with a reclamation project. "We've had a great working relationship with the city (Santee)," says Kathy Olsen, CFO of RCP Block & Brick, Inc. and daughter of the founder. "We've done what they asked us to do, so they have trust in us." In fact, once the company was done contouring and vegetating the channel of its sand mine, the city built the trail. It even posted signs along the trail that explain how sand from the site was necessary for the concrete blocks used in many local homes and schools. "A lot of the sand that came out of this project built Petco Park, where the San Diego Padres play. It's in the San Diego Convention Center and the Southern California military bases," Olsen adds. "The sand that has come out of this river has been integral to San Diego." By working with various local constituencies, each of these oper- ators stands out for going beyond the requirements and enhancing the community in which the operation was located. AGGREGATES MANAGER Historically, aggregate operations have been reclaimed for use in residential and commercial construction, as well as golf courses. Here, Chaney Enterprises re- claimed its Mardis Mine facility as an 18-hole public golf course in Davidsonville, Md. In 2004, the company was selected as a recipient of the Maryland Department of Environmental Reclamation Award, as well as the Inter- state Mining Compact Commission national reclamation award (non-coal category) for this project. RCP Block & Brick tied reclamation activities at one of its Santee Sand Pits to a greater community devel- opment project along the San Diego River. As mining was completed in areas along the river, slopes were graded and native vegetation was planted. The city of Santee installed a public trail along these slopes. The trail includes placards explaining how the river once provided the sand needed for concrete blocks used in local homes, schools, and other projects. Both city and county offi cials were on hand to celebrate the dedica- tion of the trail. 1 Consider traditional projects 4 Work with the community