To star, our plant requires air permit compliance, therefore we implement multiple dust control measures throughout our site to reduce opacity. This includes spray nozzles at any transfer point of dry material throughout the entire plant and anywhere rock is being crushed.
We also protect any and all natural occurring springs, rivers, creeks and lakes. Many measures are taken to keep natural waters flowing and clean such as:
- constructing protective berms to keep contaminated rain water out
- never mining where natural bodies of water are established
- installing culverts/bridges where traffic may have to cross natural creeks
- helping sustain natural wildlife that uses the water
We also have multiple programs to keep the environment clean. These include our Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) as well as our Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasures (SPCC) program. Our SWPPP outlines regulations pertaining to the quality of the storm water that leaves our property. Our site designs outfalls (exact area where storm water crosses our property line) with maximum filtration in mind. These outfalls are regularly monitored and updated as needed. We use various products to filter the runoff, including but not limited to, vegetation, straw waddles, and a conglomerate of limestone. In addition to the measures, we also collect water samples at lease twice a year and send them to be tested for suspended solids and pH levels. When it comes to maintaining the environment with fuels and oils on site, we implement our SPCC plan. This plan outlines prevention of any kind of chemical spills and the countermeasures to take if any substance comes into contact with the environment. We utilize concrete containment around our fuel and oil storage and fueling stations. We also supply readily available spill kits across the site and regularly review countermeasures with all employees. It is insured that all hazardous substances are clearly labeled as well. These standards are maintained by myself personally as the Safety, Health and Environmental Coordinator.
Other conservation methods you will find here are wildlife conservation measures. We have a Wildlife Habitat Council Certification and have maintained its status for many years. To keep this certification we are always looking for ways to keep the wildlife at our site safe and healthy. One of our projects is housing for a flock of Purple Martins. These birds are supplied with three birdhouses for mating and shelter. They are actual very particular birds to monitor. In fact, during a storm one year, one of the houses was blown over by the wind. The house was righted and peculiarly all of the birds seem to prefer the two houses that were not damaged. They are thriving none the less. In addition to the Martins, we have also had bird boxes on our freshwater ponds in the past. We are currently working on getting this project up and going again. Another project we are introducing will be strategically place food plots for deer in the area. The hope is to keep them on the property and thriving, while also diverting them away from coming into contact with any dangers in the area (ie. - large mobile equipment, plant equipment or contractors).
Our plant also regularly stores used oil for recycling, recycles light bulbs, batteries, scrap metal, tires, and has a certified waste company pick up and properly dispose of any other material we do not have the means of disposing.
