Aggregates Manager Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/94387
STATE & PROVINCE NEWS Two men were hospitalized aſt er a tree fell on top of them. According to KLTV.com, the two were taking down a tree at Emory-based Moody's Sand and Gravel. As they worked to cut the tree down, it crashed down on them. Th e men, whose names and conditions were not disclosed at the time of the accident, were air liſt ed to a Tyler hospital. TEXAS Dummerston's Development Review Board granted a 20-year permit for a new gravel pit, the Brattleboro Reformer reports. The newspaper indicated that, even though state Act 250 clearance is necessary, "the board's decision is a signifi cant step forward for a plan that will provide both Dummerston and Putney with a much-needed, steady supply of gravel for decades." Selectman Tom Bodett told the newspaper that the towns' joint gravel supply is running "critically low" at the pit in Dummerston. Last year, the town signed an agreement with Renaud Gravel Inc. to create a new pit near the towns' existing gravel operation. The pit will be on land owned by Renaud, and trucks would use a facility also owned by Renaud to access the road. Permit conditions include stockpiling of material at the pit, neighbor notifi cation of blasting, and installation of a 6-foot security fence. VERMONT VIRGINIA Th e body of a boy who was playing with friends at Vulcan Ma- terials' Prince George quarry has been recovered. Clacy Sullivan slipped into the water and didn't resurface, according to NBC12. com. Police told the news outlet that divers found the boy's body about 50 yards off shore. Th ere were no indications of foul play. Lummi Rock is appealing a cease-work order issued by Whatcom County's planning department. The Bellingham Herald reports that the County Planning and Development Services issued two stop-work orders to the operator, claiming that it is mooring barges and running barge-loading equipment without shoreline management permits and near eelgrass, which is said to create a benefi cial environment for salmon, herring, and shellfi sh. The appeal questions the status of permits, as well as the county's authority in the area of the alleged violations. WASHINGTON WASHINGTON Th e Western Washington Growth Management Hearings Board rejected an appeal from Concrete Nor'West, saying that the operator failed to prove that the Whatcom County Council erred in turning down its request to place a "minerals resources" designation on Eddy's Mountain, a 1,570-foot hill on land adjacent to an existing pit. Th e Bellingham Herald reports that the council rejected the designation even though the land met criteria for gravel quality, as well as distance from residential areas and wells. Th e hearings board ruled that, even though the criteria were met, the council was not obligated to designate the land for mining and that it was justifi ed in citing public opposition to the designation because the county is required to consider whether changes in land use will serve the public interest. An att orney for the operator said it might appeal the ruling. Wisconsin A sand hauler was fi ned more than $3,500 for driving an overweight sand truck on a Wood County road shortly aſt er the county's new weight limits took eff ect. According to Th e Marshfi eld News, a truck owned by Marawood Transport, a division of Marawood Construction Services Inc., was stopped while carrying a 74,580-pound load. Th e new weight limits require trucks with loads of more than 48,000 pounds to have a permit from the county's highway department. Marawood co- owner Mitch Schindler told the newspaper that he believes the truck is allowed to drive on the roadways because it has a permit to haul aggregate. He said the county highway department considered it frac sand, but it wasn't because it hadn't been processed. At press time, the county had scheduled talks with Marawood to discuss the situation. WISCONSIN The state's Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reports that its biennial budget request to the Department of Administration asks for two additional air program staff as part of its effort to expand its management of natural resources in and around the state's industrial sand sites. "We understand the growing concern for environmental protection as this industry continues to expand," said DNR Secretary Cathy Stepp in an agency press release. "We are committed to dedicating staff time and resources to ensure we protect Wisconsin's public health and our natural resource treasures." If approved, the staff members would work on compliance and permitting issues around the state. PROVINCE NEWS R.W. Tomlinson Ltd. acquired Ott awa-based Burnside Sand and Gravel Ltd., the Ott awa Business Journal reports. Th e acquisition is the third in a string of purchases. Tomlinson Vice President Kevin Cinq-Mars said demand for more fully integrated contracts from its customers was driving it to purchase ancillary businesses, such as two that specialize in sewer and water main projects. PROVINCE NEWS The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) is backing Stockwell Sand and Gravel's proposal to establish a recycling facility for waste asphalt and concrete next to its gravel pit in East Porpoise Bay, British Columbia. According to Coast Reporter, the operator has applied for permits from the Ministry of Environment, but legislation requires the regional district to also authorize the project under its approved solid waste management plan. The SCRD's solid waste management plan monitoring advisory committee recommended support for the project at its September meeting, and the board passed a formal motion supporting facility authorization during its October meeting. Approval now goes to the Ministry of Environment. AGGREGATES MANAGER December 2012 11