Vulcan facilities receive awards

Vulcan Materials Co.’s Sacramento Aggregates Plant facility received an International Conservation Award from the Wildlife Habitat Council (WHC) for its contributions to wildlife habitat conservation, according to a WHC press release. The award recognizes voluntary activities by companies that demonstrate excellence in the areas of wildlife habitat enhancement and restoration.

The facility’s 400-acre site includes 236 acres for mining, the 27-acre Laguna Creek Corridor Preserve, and the 137-acre Vernal Pool Preserve (pictured). Habitat enhancement projects include using native plants as part of the site’s landscaping, as well as planting native grasses and wildflowers for ground cover and erosion control. The facility’s Wildlife Team manages constructed vernal pools for a diversity of species, including threatened fairy shrimp and tadpole shrimp. The team also planted native oaks in the Vernal Pool Preserve. The site provides earth science and natural resource management tours to school groups and invites the local community to participate in annual Earth Day celebrations.

The facility has approximately 20 employees; 10 of whom have been actively involved in the various habitat projects throughout the site. The employees won the Rookie of the Year award, which goes to one newly certified program each year and exemplifies a superior wildlife habitat program.

Vulcan’s Maryville facility won a national award for community relations, according to The Daily Times. The award, presented by the National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association, recognizes facilities whose “community involvement and support activities have enhanced the public’s perception of the aggregates industry in general and the public image of the individual producer’s aggregate operation in particular.”

“Being active in the community, supporting good causes, and doing our part is important to us,” said Stan Bass, president of Vulcan’s Midsouth Division, in a press release. “It’s nice to be recognized for it, but that is not why we do it.”

Specific areas noted in the award were community participation, donations and services, education about business and industry through open houses at the facility, and an aesthetically pleasing entrance to the facility.

Volvo to reward safety

Volvo Trucks North America has stepped forward with a “put your money where your mouth is” initiative. According to a company press release, Volvo will award $25,000 to two fleets with the best driving records for 2008. The award is intended to help fund additional safety activities for the winning fleets.