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2004 News Archive
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Dec. 30, 2005

Martin Marietta realigns its Southwest Division

Martin Marietta Materials Inc. has promoted Bruce Vaio to executive vice president of the corporation.

With the promotion comes an expansion of his duties as well as a corporate realignment.

Prior to the promotion, Vaio was president of the Southwest Division, responsible for the company’s operations in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas.

In his new role, he will be responsible for its Northwest business operations as well. He will now oversee Martin Marietta’s businesses located in Arkansas, California, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Washington and Wyoming.

The new structure will have approximately 2,200 employees, which is roughly double the size of the current Southwest Division.

About 400 of the 1,100 employees of the Southwest Division of Martin Marietta work in San Antonio. No organizational changes besides Vaio’s appointment are planned at this time.

Vaio, who will take on his new role in January 2006, said in a news release that he is happy to take on the additional role.

“I am eager to assume the leadership challenges of the new role and look forward to working with our strong management team in the Northwest,” he said.

Stephen Zelnak, chairman and CEO of Martin Marietta Materials, said in a prepared statement that he is confident that Vaio can handle the assignment and help the company reach its growth goals in the Northwest.

“Bruce has successfully led the Southwest Division through several important areas -- adapting to Martin Marietta’s corporate culture, achieving record performance, maneuvering through transportation challenges and leading the industry as president of the state association,” Zelnak said.

Apart from these operational changes, Martin Marietta’s offices in San Antonio have also recently changed.

The management of the Western U.S. will be led from the company’s new offices in San Antonio at 8200 IH-10 West, Suite 600. The Southern Region, also centralized in San Antonio and headed by Regional Vice President, Larry Roberts, will continue to operate from its offices located at 5723 University Heights Blvd., Suite 100. The Southern Region is contained within the Southwest Division and includes San Antonio, Houston, and all Texas locations south of those two cities.

Martin Marietta Materials is the nation’s second largest producer of construction aggregates, a leading producer of magnesia-based chemical products and is developing structural composites products for use in a wide variety of industries.

It operates more than 300 quarries and distribution facilities across 28 states, the Bahamas and Nova Scotia. These facilities supply crushed stone, sand and gravel that are used to build roads, sidewalks and structural foundations.

Dec. 29, 2005

Caterpillar Inc. executive is 2006 AEM chairman  

Gerald Shaheen, Group President of Caterpillar Inc. in Peoria, Ill., has been elected 2006 Chairman of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), the North American-based international trade group representing the off-road equipment manufacturing industry.

Also elected as 2006 AEM officers were First Vice Chairman Dennis Eagan, Group President Industrial/Power Equipment of Blount Inc. in Zebulon, N.C.; Second Vice Chairman William Lasky, President and CEO of JLG Industries Inc. in McConnellsburg, Pa.; Treasurer William Desmond, Vice President Distribution Planning and Development of Komatsu America Corp. in Vernon Hills, Ill.; and Secretary Dennis Slater, AEM's full-time president.  

The AEM officers, with the association's board, set the guidelines and operating policies of the association on behalf of its members in areas including technical and safety services, market information and equipment statistics, global public policy, trade shows, international marketing support, education and training, and worksite safety/educational materials. 

AEM has also elected industry executives to serve on its board of directors, as well as naming sector vice chairmen.  Named as Vice Chairman-Agriculture is Don Calhoun, Executive Vice President of DeLaval Inc. in Kansas City, Mo. Serving as Vice Chairman-Construction is Glen Tellock, President of Manitowoc Crane Group in Manitowoc, Wis.. 

Elected to serve on the association’s board of directors:

Richard Arter, Communications Manager, Sun Hydraulics Corp., Medina, Ohio;

Steven Berglund, President and CEO, Trimble Navigation Ltd., Sunnyvale, Ca.;

Craig Engel, President, Buhler Industries Inc., Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada;

Gary Godbersen, President and CEO, GOMACO Corp., Ida Grove, Iowa;

Robert Kolb, Vice President Marketing - Americas Region, WestfaliaSurge Inc., Naperville, Ill.;

Gary McDonald, Executive Vice President, MacDon Industries Ltd., Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada;

Gail Mize, Vice President National Accounts, Astec Industries Inc., Chattanooga, Tenn.;

Helmut Peters, President, JCB Inc., Pooler, Ga.;

Michael Porcaro, President and Publisher, James Informational Media Inc., Des Plaines, Ill.;

Jeffrey Reed, President, Valley Slurry Seal Company Inc., Hickman, Ca.;

Howard Sellick, President, Sellick Equipment Ltd., Harrow, Ontario, Canada;

Dennis Slagle, president and CEO, Volvo Construction Equipment North America Inc., Asheville, N.C.;

Duane Wilder, President, Liebherr Construction Equipment Company, Newport News, Va.; and

Lynne Woodworth, President and CEO, Stone Construction Equipment Inc., Honeoye, NY.

Dec. 27, 2005

Quarry proposal adds to Selma’s options; residents might object to noise

Just as Selma is reveling in a good turn in its economic fortunes, a proposed rock quarry west of town is promising a $15 million addition to the town’s tax base.

Residents of Johnston’s poorest town already were celebrating the arrival of Sysco, the world’s largest food distribution company, which is building a $52 million distribution center that will create hundreds of jobs.

The quarry proposed by Martin Marietta Aggregates wouldn’t be on the same scale, said Mayor Charles Hester. But Hester also stressed that the quarry would come to town for free -- the company did not ask for economic incentives as they consider a new Selma quarry.

The town promised $2.74 million as part of a $10 million incentive package that brought Sysco to Selma.

Although the quarry won’t bring many jobs, it will add tax dollars to a struggling town.

“I think it’s going to be a good thing for this community,” said Hester, who announced the potential deal to the board at his first meeting as mayor last week.

Martin Marietta mines sand, stone and gravel at more than 300 quarries in 35 states and abroad. Its 42 quarries in North Carolina include sites in Benson, Garner and Raleigh.

The company has an option to lease 485 acres northwest of Selma, near Wilson ‘s Mills, said Paxton Badham, vice president for land and environment.

Badham said the company is doing tests to make sure the Selma land is suitable for mining crushed rock, which is used for roads, drainage and sidewalks.

If it is, then he would contact the owners of a half-dozen homes that are within a thousand feet of the proposed quarry.

When the company expanded its Benson quarry two years ago, it did so despite protests from neighbors who complained of noise and vibrations. 

Badham said the company would offer to take nearby homeowners to visit another quarry and hear the noise for themselves. In some cases, the company has bought homes near its work sites for market value or more. 

“We blast rock out of the ground,” Badham said. “There’s no question but that this is heavy industry.” 

The quarry could be active for up to 80 years, Badham said. When the company is finished mining, the empty quarry will create lakes of rainwater that could be used for the town’s water supply or for recreation. 

The town council won’t need to act until there is a formal proposal. The deal probably also would require that Selma annex part of the property, which straddles the town’s jurisdiction. 

Councilman Jeff Weaver said the council can use that time to weigh the quarry’s impact. 

“I would certainly want to hear what the residents who live nearby have to say about it,” Weaver said. “It’s a right long road between now and when it actually comes to pass. I think we have enough time for all sides to look at it.

(Source: The (Raleigh, N.C.) News and Observer. By Marti Maguire)

Dec. 27, 2005

East Penn zoning board denies quarry plan
Tamaqua company vows to appeal ruling on permit application.

By Chris Parker
Of The Morning Call

After almost six years of often contentious hearings, the East Penn Township Zoning Hearing Board on Tuesday denied a Tamaqua company’s application to dig a 114-acre quarry in an area of the township zoned rural-residential.

Lehigh Asphalt Paving and Construction Co. lawyer George Ozorowski said he’ll appeal the ruling.

Company president Vince Angelo declined comment.

Zoners Gordon Scherer and Randy Pfeiffer deliberated for 50 minutes with solicitor Cynthia Ray before voting to deny the company’s application for a special exception permit.

“My decision was based on the credibility of the expert witnesses and the credibility of the applicant,” Pfeiffer said. “The applicant has requested to expand an existing quarry, but I felt it was not an existing quarry. I also felt that the testimony of the expert witnesses for the protestants was far stronger than the testimony of the expert witnesses of the applicant.”

Pfeiffer said the company contended that it had kept the state mining permit for the site active by quarrying 500 tons of material a year over at least six years.

“But after viewing the site, I see no disturbance that could sustain that statement,” he said.

Scherer said he was concerned about the quarry’s impact on surrounding water supplies and on the tributary that feeds the Lizard Creek.

For township resident Walter Zlomsowitch, whose property abuts the site, along both sides of Hollow Road, the ruling was icing on the cake.

In response to a challenge by Zlomsowitch, the state Environmental Hearing Board in November 2004 revoked a quarry permit granted by the state Department of Environmental Protection.

“I felt the same way when the [state] Environmental Hearing Board revoked DEP’s permit,” he said moments after the ruling. “I’m just as ecstatic tonight.”

Another opponent, Joseph Ehritz, hired a lawyer to fight the quarry.

“Without Walter winning that appeal, and [state Rep.] Keith McCall helping Walter and with getting the state to designate the stream as one of Exceptional Value, the township and the people of the township would be in big trouble,” he said. “A tremendous amount of gratitude goes to these two people.”

Resident Nancy Blaha, a founder of East Penn Concerned Citizens, a grass-roots opposition group, was confident the township would rule against the project.

“The Board will rule in our favor,” she said as the zoners deliberated in executive session. “I honestly believe we’re right, and that they will do what’s right by the township and what’s right by the zoning ordinance.

“You don’t do something for six years if you don’t believe that what you’re doing is right and if you don’t believe you’re going to win,” she said.

Residents and township officials have fought Lehigh Asphalt’s quarrying plans since they were revealed in 1999. They are concerned the quarry would pollute the stream, dry up wells, create too much noise and put too many heavy trucks on the narrow, winding Hollow Road.
(Source: The Morning Call. By Chris Parker. Contact Chris Parker at at chris.parker@mcall.com or at 610-379-3224.)

Dec. 23, 2005 

Hanson shuts 4 brick factories; says first half of 2006 could be ‘difficult’ 

London-based building materials supplier Hanson forecast an 11 to 13 percent profit before tax for 2005 but warned that profits may decline in the first half of 2006 as U.K. demand had weakened while energy costs had soared.

At around £420 million, profits for end-December (£377.1 million in 2004) would be in line with analysts’ expectations. Most analyst forecast pretax profit for 2005 at £420 million and for 2006 at £450 million. Yesterday’s trading statement made Hanson share prices slide 1.4 percent to 614-1/2 pence (its biggest decline for two months) pushing it down among FTSE 100’s biggest losers for the day.

The company’s numbers for 2005 are noticeably lower than last year’s. The “difficult” second half this year had led to year-over-year declines in volume sales of aggregates as well as ready-mixed concrete, the company said. Demand for bricks is also expected to decline 10 percent this year. It is certain to reflect in the full year earnings of Hanson, which enjoys the largest share in the U.K. brick market.

The shrinking demand for bricks was due to homebuilders building fewer detached homes and focusing more on apartment blocks for first time buyers. Apartment blocks require more steel and cement and fewer bricks. The company consequently had to shut down production at four of its brick factories until January end.

The expected gains for this year will be largely due to cost cuts, proceeds from property sales and more significantly from strong performances at Hanson’s US business. As the US housing boom continues into its fourth year, prices of building materials have kept pace with rising real estate prices. An 8-percent hike in the price of aggregates and 10 percent across other building materials buffered declining group volumes and rising costs. Its North America operations alone have contributed 53 percent to profits and 44 percent to group turnover in the first half for this London-based group.

Besides brick, the company also produces concrete products, asphalt, crushed rock, sand and gravel.

Full year results will be announced in the last week of February. 

(Source: ABCMoney.co.U.K.. Originally published online Dec. 22, 2005. By Amy Watts.)

Dec. 23, 2005

Residents not sold on quarry development
Fear expansion would be a hazardous move

North Columbus. Georgia, residents worried about Florida Rock Industries' plan to expand a gravel mining operation in the Fortson area remain unimpressed with the company's assurances that it will keep noise, dust, truck traffic and runoff to a minimum.

The company never tells the whole truth, Barbara Hale told Columbus Council Tuesday during a 2 1/2-hour public hearing on rezoning of more than 92 acres for the quarry expansion: "You only got the part that they needed you to know or wanted you to hear," she said of attorney Charles Ford's advocacy on Florida Rock's behalf. 

Hale was one of five Fortson-area residents to speak against the quarry's plan to mine a fresh gravel pit over the next 30 years in the area of Fortson and Smith Roads off Interstate 185. The quarry's neighbors raised concerns about flying rock from blasting, particulate air pollution, dangerous truck traffic and runoff into nearby creeks. Ground vibrations from the rock blasting also could damage nearby historic structures that have stacked-stone foundations, they said. 

Ford told council the company's work is well within the standards specified by law. Its blasting is about as loud as thunder and it has water trucks running regularly to hold down dust, he said. The company has promised to donate funds to help preserve Fortson's historic buildings and has pledged to maintain a 300-foot buffer with a 30-foot-tall berm along Fortson Road. 

Residents warned that rezoning three parcels of land for the quarry expansion is not in keeping with adjacent property uses. Property around the site is zoned either residential or agricultural, they said. 

Ford said Florida Rock does not plan to operate two gravel pits at the same time, but to exhaust the one it's now mining and then move to another farther north. 

Despite residents' worries, councilors expressed no opposition to the rezoning, and they remain on course to take a final vote at their 5:30 p.m. meeting on Jan. 3. Council canceled its Dec. 27 meeting for the holidays. 

(Source: Ledger-Enquirer.com, by Tim Chitwood, Staff Writer. Originally posted on Dec. 21, 2005. Contact Tim Chitwood at 706-571-8508 or tchitwood@ledger-enquirer.com.)

Dec. 22, 2005 

Florida Crushed Stone scraps rehearing plan with board
Rinker Materials Corp. subsidiary ‘must start over from scratch.’

Florida Crushed Stone, a limerock mining company, decided not to go through with a controversial rehearing on Dec. 20 before the Sumter County Commission.

The company will improve its site plan before filing a new application to expand its operation.

That means the expansion quest of the Rinker Materials Corp. subsidiary is over for now.

“That’s it,” Sumter County Attorney Randall Thornton said. “That means they must file again. They requested to withdraw, and there will not be a rehearing. They must start over from scratch.”

Rinker Materials President Cliff Kirkmyer withdrew the rehearing request in a letter to County Administrator Bernard Dew.

“We recently determined that our site plan can be significantly improved provided we have significant time to make the necessary changes,” Kirkmyer wrote.

Kirkmyer said he will revise expansion plans “to undergo the usual review process, which will provide the public opportunity to comment before the commission conducts its hearing.”

Despite the announcement, John Megan said he will not drop a lawsuit filed against Sumter County on the grounds the rehearing was unconstitutional.

“We’re still going ahead with the lawsuit because we believe the ordinance allowing the rehearing should be changed,” said Megan, who filed the lawsuit with his wife, Louise Racine.

Megan and Racine launched the group Citizens Opposed to Rinker’s Expansion after Florida Crushed Stone announced in May that it wanted to expand its mining on property it owns off County Road 470 near the couple’s home.

In October, the expansion was voted down by a 4-1 vote.

But on Nov. 8, the company filed a letter requesting a rehearing. An county ordinance allows for the rehearing and it must be completed within 30 days of that request or within four meetings. The fourth meeting was Dec. 20.

Megan contends in his lawsuit the ordinance is clear that the rehearing must be held within 30 days, which was by Dec. 8. Thornton said the entire ordinance allows the county to scheduled the hearing within four meetings, which works out to be 45 days.

The couple’s lawsuit says the ordinance itself is unconstitutional because it only allows a company that is denied to file for a rehearing. A resident can’t ask for a rehearing if a company is approved.

“We still want a judge to address this issue,” Megan said.

Commissioner Jim Roberts said it appears Florida Crushed Stone would not prevail during the rehearing and that they want to make new plans and start over.

“It caught me off guard,” he said.

Commissioner Dick Hoffman also was surprised.

“I was surprised because we did vote 3-2 to hold the rehearing,” Hoffman said. “I know it was voted down by a 4-1 vote, but we did choose to allow them to speak again.”

(Source: The Star Banner via www.ocala.com. Originally published Dec. 21, 2005. By Joe Callanan. Callahan may be reached at joe.callahan@starbanner.com or 352-867-4113.)

Dec. 22, 2005 

National Lime & Stone Company to close Carey, Ohio, lime plant  

The National Lime & Stone Company, located in Findlay, Ohio, will discontinue production of calcined lime early next month at its Carey, Ohio, plant, Carleton P. Palmer III, chairman of the board and CEO for the company, announced on Dec. 22. 

Palmer said no decision has been made about the number of employees who may be laid off as a result of this action, but he said, the company is doing everything possible to keep layoffs to a minimum, according to a press release issued by the company. Since the company has several quarries in the region and hiring activity normally picks up in the spring, he hopes it will involve 20 or fewer employees. 

Palmer said the decision to close the lime operation came “after careful consideration of all of its alternatives,” according to the release. He said the company has experienced significant growth in demand for its construction materials and mineral products, and plans to direct substantial future capital investment toward growing these segments of its business. 

He also said National Lime & Stone Company has plans for an extremely intensive capital program to modernize and enhance its Carey operation to increase production of both construction aggregates and industrial mineral products. The Carey plant expansion will also include a large investment in high-volume rail transportation capabilities. 

National is the largest domestic producer of dried dolomitic stone used to manufacture flat glass. Other industrial minerals manufactured by National are use by such industries as roofing, steel, agriculture, automotive, and insulation. 

“The lime business represents just a small fraction of National’s total revenues, and it has been operated at a loss for four of the last six years,” Mr. Palmer explained. “The move was triggered by tremendous consolidation of the lime industry in the past several years, and U.S. production is currently dominated by three major companies, two of which are foreign owned.” 

Skyrocketing energy costs contributed to the decision.  Lime calcination is an extremely energy-intensive manufacturing process, which consumes huge quantities of natural gas or coal.  Mr. Palmer said increasingly stringent environmental regulations also contributed to the decision to close the plant although the company continued to meet all environmental standards.   

Production of lime has been a part of National’s business at Carey since it was founded in 1903.  The Carey plant also manufactures industrial mineral products and mines construction materials at Carey.   

National will continue shipping product to its customers over the next few weeks from its inventory after it shuts down its kiln.

Dec. 21, 2005

Hanson announces preliminary results for 2005,
 recording of call available until Dec. 22 

Hanson PLC, the international building materials company, issued its trading statement in advance of the February 23, 2006 announcement of its preliminary results for the year ending Dec. 31, 2005. 

Hanson anticipates reporting an increase in profit before tax* for 2005 of 11% to 13% compared to 2004 (2004: £377.1m after adjustment**), subject to the year-end revaluation of certain items within finance costs and the completion of further property disposals before year end. 

Operating profit* is expected to increase by a similar percentage (2004: £423.9 million after adjustment**) and includes property profits of £13 million completed to date (2004: £21.4 million). 

Alan Murray, Chief Executive, said in a press release from the company,” Hanson has delivered significant growth this year through increased earnings, increased acquisition spend and increased total shareholder return. 

We have achieved a double-digit increase in earnings despite significant cost inflation and a difficult second half for the UK housing market. Importantly, the increased selling prices in the first half of the year have been maintained in almost all markets. We continue to work to deliver high quality products and services to our customers at prices which, whilst competitive, reflect the increased costs faced by us and the industry at large.” 

*Includes share of joint ventures’ and associates’ profit after tax, and excludes operating impairments. 

**Comparatives shown are the 2004 reported numbers, restated for IFRS and adjusted to exclude £4.8m of operating profit and profit before tax relating to operations sold, and therefore reported as discontinued, during 2005. 

Trading update 

Hanson Aggregates North America

Full year underlying earnings for the division, excluding property profits of around £3 million (2004: £14.3 million), are expected to show a strong increase against 2004. Price increases of around 8 percent in aggregates and over 10% across other product lines have been achieved for the full year, offsetting increased costs. Aggregates volumes for the year are expected to be approximately 4 percent below last year, in part reflecting the strong volumes in the second half of 2004. 

Hanson Building Products North America

Pipe and pre-cast concrete product volumes have remained strong. Brick volumes continue below last year, primarily due to ongoing weakness in the Canadian market. Selling prices in the second half continue to increase, largely recovering the increases in costs. 

Hanson Aggregates U.K.

Selling prices have been held during the second half and cost savings of £10 million, resulting from the 2004 reorganization, have been achieved this year as planned. Volumes continue to trend below last year for aggregates and ready-mixed concrete, whilst full year asphalt volumes are expected to be slightly ahead of 2004. Excluding property profits of approximately £9 million (2004: £1.9 million), full-year earnings and margins are expected to be significantly above 2004. 

Hanson Building Products U.K.

Good increases in selling prices were achieved for the year despite a significant reduction in volumes, particularly bricks. Full year demand in the U.K. brick market is now expected to be more than 10% below last year. In addition, energy costs continued to increase although the earnings impact was mitigated by forward hedging of gas prices.  

Consequently, the additional earnings from acquisitions this year are expected to be offset by a reduction in underlying heritage profitability and full year earnings are expected to be broadly in line with 2004. 

Hanson Australia and Asia Pacific

The performance of our Australian businesses in 2005 has been very good. Trading conditions remained strong in the second half of this year and aggregate and ready-mixed concrete prices were above those achieved in the first half. First half earnings improvements in the Cement Australia associate have continued in the second half and full year earnings, including the group’s share of joint ventures’ and associates’ profit after tax, is expected to be comfortably ahead of 2004. In Asia, trading in Hong Kong and Malaysia remains subdued. 

Hanson Continental Europe

Second half trading patterns remained similar to the first half of the year. Aggregates volumes are below last year, most notably in Spain. Ready-mixed concrete volumes are also lower, particularly in The Netherlands. Price increases and ongoing cost saving initiatives have mitigated the impact of cost inflation, but overall earnings are expected to continue the first half trend and remain below last year. 

Corporate development

A further five acquisitions have been completed to date in the second half of the year for a total cost of approximately £35 million. Acquisition spending for the year-to-date is now £340 million and the pipeline of potential acquisitions for 2006 is encouraging. We will continue to prioritize bolt-on acquisitions in our main countries of operation. 

Financial update

International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) require a year-end revaluation of certain items included in net finance costs, and these are consequently subject to variation. The underlying tax rate for 2005, excluding one off adjustments, is expected to be below 20 percent (2004: 21 percent). 

Net debt at the end of the year is anticipated to be approximately £900 million, compared to net debt of £1,063.2 million at June 30, 2005 and £695.2 million at Dec.31, 2004. 

In the second half of the year to date, Hanson has bought back 6.835 million of its shares for £38.7 million. This programme is ongoing, and a total of 14.335 million shares have now been repurchased for £70.1 million since it started in October 2004. 

Discontinued items

The majority of the discontinued item charge relates to approximately £20 million after tax to top up the eight year provision for asbestos. 

Asbestos

New asbestos claimants in the second half are expected to be around 4,000 compared to 6,700 in the first half of 2005 (full year 2004: 18,700). Approximately 5,000 claimants are expected to be resolved in the period, over 90 percent by dismissal, resulting in a net reduction in outstanding claimants of 1,000 to 132,500.

The gross cost of settlements and legal fees for the second half of the year is expected to be similar to the first half of the year (U.S. $22 milllion) and significantly below last year (full year 2004: $59.3 million). It is too early to determine whether this new level is sustainable and at this stage the best estimate of the average underlying annual gross cost over the next eight years remains at $60 million (equivalent to approximately £20 million post tax). 

Hanson continues to negotiate and litigate for additional insurance, and remains supportive of efforts to introduce Federal Reform in the U.S. 

Outlook

Hanson expects to make further progress in 2006 based on strong market positions, value adding bolt-on acquisition opportunities and continued financial discipline. In the near term demand weakness in the U.K. and ongoing energy cost increases may impact the first half of 2006 against a strong first half in 2005. 

A conference call for analysts, hosted by Alan Murray (Chief Executive) and Jonathan Nicholls (Finance Director), will took place on Dec. 20. A recording of the conference call will be available for 48 hours from 11.30 a.m. (BST).  

The dial-in number is +44-0-20-8515-2499, PIN number 686989# or, for U.S. investors, 303-590-3000, PIN number 11044733#. 

Further information on Hanson may be found at www.hanson.biz .

Dec. 21, 2005

Meeting held with House transportation
minority staff on materials research  

Representatives of NSSGA, ACPA, and NAPA met on Dec. 12 with House Transportation Committee minority staff to discuss concerns regarding the 50/50 cost sharing assigned to the aggregate, concrete and asphalt research under Title V of SAFETEA-LU.

The typical default cost sharing with the government on research is 80/20. Some provisions of the research title of SAFETEA-LU are funded at the 80/20 default, others at a 50/50 cost share and still others are 100 percent federally funded.  

Under the law, the Secretary of Transportation can waive the cost share imposed. In light of the fact Congress seems unlikely to pass a SAFETEA-LU technical corrections bill in the near term, NSSGA and its coalition partners are asking the Transportation Secretary to waive the 50/50 share and impose the default funding cost share on aggregates, asphalt and concrete research in the interest of equity and expectations. NSSGA will continue to work to get back to 80/20.  

(Source: National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association, e-Digest, Dec. 20, 2005, edition)

Dec. 20, 2005

Many unhappy with quarry proposal

A proposal for a new quarry by Fred Weber Inc. has sparked concern after an informational meeting last week for O’Fallon residents near Hoff Road.

The Maryland Heights-based company told residents about their plans to request a conditional use permit for a quarry on 136 acres of land in the Progress West Industrial Park.

The new quarry, they said, is being proposed with the understanding that the existing quarry, located a mile south of the proposed site, would be phased out. Land restoration would begin at that quarry for two recreational lakes, adjacent to private development.

Fred Weber’s request is expected to be on the Jan. 19 agenda at the O’Fallon Planning and Zoning meeting.

Since the property is zoned for heavy industrial, there wouldn’t have to be a zoning change.

But Ward 1 Alderman Bob Patek said he has yet to receive any positive comments from residents.

“The subdivision directly to the east has been an established community for many years,” he said. “I haven’t heard from everyone, but there’s been quite a few unhappy with the proposal.”

Barbara Stettner, who lives a mile east of the existing quarry, said the blasting shakes her whole house.

“We all like gravel and cement and it has to come from somewhere, but I wouldn’t be pleased with more blasting,” she said

Patek said the city has already made commitments to developers and builders in the area and trying to sell homes abutting a quarry could be a problem.

“If this gets to the board, it might be an uphill battle,” Patek said.

Currently, that area contains an auto salvage yard, a concrete and compost facility to the north, the city’s waste transfer station and wastewater treatment ponds to the south and various industrial and manufacturing
facilities to the east and south.

The company is proposing a conventional surface limestone mining and aggregate extraction process.

Work there would include overburden stripping to expose the tops of rock, drilling and blasting of limestone, mine loading and hauling to a crushing plant, plant screening, crushing, conveying and stockpiling of various stone
products.

Keith Hazelwood, attorney representing Fred Weber, said the most common and vigorous concern from residents is the traffic impact. He said Fred Weber officials indicated the peak traffic expectation is 800 trucks throughout the day.

Other concerns raised by residents include the environmental impact, dust and blasting as well as the impact on property values, but officials said they believe the quarry will be a positive and environmentally responsible project.

Tony Giordano, senior vice president of materials services, said Fred Weber has the means to coexist within populated areas with minimizing potential impacts through site layout, containment techniques and operating practices.

Nina Kult can be contacted at nkult@yourjournal.com

(Source: by Nina Kult of the Suburban Journals, O’Fallon Mo. Journal. Originally published Dec. 18 2005.)

Dec. 19, 2005 

National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association accepting
papers/presenters for Automation Conference 2006

The 2006 National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association is seeking people to present papers at the 2006 Automation Conference & Expo to be held Oct. 21-24in Dallas.  

Anyone interested in presenting a paper at this conference, should complete the form at www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?A=105426886E39959 . 

Direct any additional question to Steven E. Lenker, vice president of operations for NSSGA, at 703-526-1075 or via e-mail at slenker@nssga.org.

Dec. 19, 2005

Falling slab of concrete kills workers on the job

The Cook County medical examiner’s office on Wednesday identified the two men killed in a construction accident Monday on Chicago’s South Side as Jaime Jones, 33, of the 8000 block of Duluth Street in Highland, Ind., and James Beemsterboer, 37, of the 900 block of East Bentley Road in New Lenox.

A slab of concrete crashed through a floor Monday at a senior home under construction on Chicago’s South Side, killing two workers under tons of rubble.

The accident occurred shortly before 2 p.m. at 8216 S. Racine Ave. in Chicago, where a 25-by-50-foot concrete slab that was to be part of the building’s fifth floor was being lowered and fell. The crash collapsed the fourth floor onto the workers on the third floor.

“Those workers were under the floor that fell down on top of them,” said Fire Commissioner Cortez Trotter.

One of the workers, who a co-worker and the site owner identified as Jamie Jones of Indiana, was an employee of Joseph J. Duffy Co., a Chicago construction company that fire officials said was the site’s general contractor. The other man, who was not identified, was a subcontractor, said the co-worker, who declined to give his name.

The co-worker said they had been working at the site since about 6:30 a.m. Monday. He said he was working on the ground at the north end of the block at the time of the collapse and ran over to help.

“By the time I got there it was total chaos,” he said.

Messages left at the offices of Duffy and at the home of the person registered with the Illinois secretary of state as the president of the company were not returned.

The cause of the collapse was not determined Monday, but investigators planned to return to the scene Tuesday, said Peter Scales, a spokesman for the city’s Department of Buildings. “The work will stop while the investigation continues,” he said.

Representatives from the city and Occupational Safety and Health and Administration, who Scales said were on the scene Monday, will determine if construction will resume.

Firefighters said they removed the first body from the rubble about 2:45 p.m. This man was taken to Little Company of Mary Hospital in Evergreen Park, where he was pronounced dead at 3:52 p.m., according to a spokesman for the Cook County medical examiner’s office.

Recovery of the second man’s body was delayed because of the amount of concrete that had collapsed on him.

“There’s a lot of concrete on the floor, and it’s heavy. Because this is a recovery operation, we’re going slow for the safety of our firefighters,” said Ray Orozco, assistant deputy fire commissioner.

Rescue workers removed the second man’s body about 5:15 p.m. He was pronounced dead at Little Company of Mary at 5:45 p.m., said the medical examiner spokesman.

Groundbreaking at the site began last August, said Rev. Henry Sutton, pastor of Holiness Is the Way Gospel Temple, which is constructing the building next door as a home for low-income seniors. The home, which will be called Holiness Homes of Vision, is being built with federal grants, Sutton said.

Sutton said Jones was a supervisor at the site. “He was real nice,” Sutton said.

There had been no previous problems with the project, which was to be seven stories tall and completed next summer, Sutton said.

Construction permits for the building had been issued last January, officials said.

Pierre Johnson said he walked by the site before the collapse. He heard a sound and turned to see dust billowing out of the building. He ran a block home and called 911.

Ben Holliman, who works at an automobile repair shop one block from the accident, said that after a co-worker of his witnessed the concrete slabfall, they both ran went to the site.

“We walked down, and one of the workers was out,” he said. “When they pulled the guy out, [the supervisor] couldn’t get a pulse and he asked us to pray for the man--and that’s what we did.”

(Source: Chicago Tribune Online Edition, posted Dec. 13, 2005. By Andrew L. Wang and Jason George, Tribune staff reporters) http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/yahoo/chi0512130144dec13,1,1907151.story?coll=chi-newsaol-headlines

Dec. 16, 2005

Caterpillar converts old equipment to meet emissions reduction

 “The emissions benefits of today’s clean diesel engines are well known, but there is also a huge opportunity to retrofit existing diesel engines so our customers can continue to use their equipment to make progress possible while also improving our environment,” said Doug Oberhelman, Caterpillar group president.

The project represents the type of retrofit solutions that can be supported nationwide under the Diesel Emissions Reduction Program, which was introduced by Senator George Voinovich (R-Ohio) and passed into law as part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005.

“The announcement today is a perfect example of what we hope will occur around the country as a result of this legislation,” said Voinovich. “Retrofitting older diesel engines is the right thing to do for the environment and for our economy. That is why this bipartisan program has broad support from industry, public and environmental officials. On-road and non-road diesel vehicles and engines account for roughly half of the nitrogen oxide and particulate matter mobile source emissions nationwide. By retrofitting 26 diesel engines at this port, 25.9 tons of emissions will be reduced.”

The Caterpillar converter mufflers used by the Port of Cleveland typically reduce particulate matter emissions by 20 percent, hydrocarbons by 50 percent and carbon monoxide emissions by 40 percent.

"These aren't your grandpa's diesel engines," said Marcus Peacock, deputy administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). "Together we are bringing diesel into the 21st century by investing in technologies that will provide cleaner air for this and future generations of America."

Joseph Koncelik, director of the state of Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, said, “Ohio has made great strides to improve its air quality over the last 30 years, and retrofit technology can play a significant role as the state works to achieve compliance with new federal air quality standards.”

In collaboration with its local dealer, Ohio CAT, Caterpillar will retrofit a total of 26 engines at the Port of Cleveland.

“We have a strong history of environmental stewardship, and our company is proud to be involved in a demonstration project to show how retrofit technology can work in a rugged workplace such as the Port of Cleveland,” said Paul Pathy, Federal Marine Terminals vice president.

“The Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority is thrilled to lend its support to the effort to reduce emissions through retrofit technology. This program reinforces our commitment to improving the air quality for the residents of Greater Cleveland yet allows us to remain focused on the growth of the regional economy through our maritime activities,” said Sterling E. Glover, chairman of the Port Authority’s Board of Directors.
EPA has designated nearly 500 counties nationally as in non-attainment for the new ozone and/or particulate matter air quality standards. State and local governments are working to develop plans to meet the new federal standards.

“The new federal clean air standards will help reduce emissions and improve air quality, but without federal assistance to retrofit older diesel engines, many communities will fall short,” said Vicki Deisner, executive director of the Ohio Environmental Council.

This project was undertaken pursuant to an agreement with the United States in connection with settlement of disputed claims in an enforcement action under the Clean Air Act.

(Source: Caterpillar Governmental Solutions Newsletter, www.icecentricnews.com/catgov/e_article000495944.cfm?x=b6kkvRK,bPjdNNl,w, published by W. Eric Turner, Dec. 2, 2005)

Dec. 16, 2005 

U.S. Concrete acquires ready-mixed concrete assets and aggregate quarry in Greater Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas market with revenues of about $50 million

Houston-based U.S. Concrete, Inc. has completed the acquisition of substantially all of the operating assets of Go-Crete and South Loop Development Corporation, which produce and deliver ready-mixed concrete from six plants and mine sand and gravel from a quarry in the greater Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas market.  

These companies produced approximately 800,000 cubic yards of ready-mixed concrete and 700,000 tons of aggregates, generating approximately $50 million in revenue, during the twelve months ended September 30, 2005. The aggregate quarry, which is situated on 2,100 acres, is estimated to have 10 million tons of remaining aggregate reserves. U.S. Concrete purchased the assets for $27.3 million in cash and assumed certain capital lease liabilities with a net present value of about $2.0 million. The Company used cash on hand to make the purchase.

"The acquired assets are an excellent fit with our existing plants and further expand our presence in the greater Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas market," said Eugene P. Martineau, CEO of U.S. Concrete. "This increased market density will allow us to service our growing customer base more efficiently.  

“In addition, the aggregate quarry represents our entry into the aggregate industry in north Texas, and we believe it provides an excellent complement to our existing ready-mixed concrete operations in that market. We intend to continue to explore additional opportunities to integrate aggregate businesses into our existing concrete operations."

U.S. Concrete provides ready-mixed concrete and related concrete products and services to the construction industry in several major markets in the United States. The Company has 99 fixed and seven portable ready-mixed concrete plants, eight pre-cast concrete plants, three concrete block plants and two aggregate quarries (including those acquired though acquisition in 2005). During 2004, these facilities produced approximately 6.2 million cubic yards of ready-mixed concrete, 5.3 million eight-inch equivalent block units and 1.8 million tons of aggregates. For more information on U.S. Concrete visit www.us-concrete.com/.

(Source: PR Newswire U.S., Dec. 6, 2005)

Dec. 15, 2005

Devcon signs letter of intent to sell its construction and remaining materials operations for $22 Million

Devcon International Corp., based in Deerfield Beach, Fla., has announced that it intends to sell certain subsidiaries and net assets that collectively comprise the Company's Construction Divisions, its remaining Materials operations and DevMat, an 80 percent-owned joint venture, to a private investment group for $22 million in cash, subject to certain adjustments.

The transaction is subject to the negotiation and execution of a definitive agreement, Devcon's receiving an opinion that the transaction is fair to shareholders from a financial point of view, approval by the Company's Board of Directors and other approvals which may be required. Based upon the purchase price agreed, the Company currently anticipates it will be recording an impairment charge of approximately $11 million during the fourth quarter of 2005 related to the assets being disposed.

Stephen J. Ruzika, Devcon President and CEO, stated, "This transaction if completed will finalize Devcon's transformation into a security services company, in addition to supplying us with additional cash resources to expand our security services operations." Mr. Ruzika added, "If this transaction is consummated, then, through a series of transactions, we will have realized approximately $44.3 million in value from our legacy operations which has or will be redeployed into security services." (Source: PR Newswire U.S., Dec. 6, 2005)

Dec. 14, 2005 

General Colin L. Powell Headline Speaker for June 2006 ARTBA Interstate 50th Anniversary Dinner 

General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.) will be the headline speaker at the American Road & Transportation Builders Association Transportation Development Foundation’s (ARTBA-TDF) June 29, 2006, reception and dinner celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Interstate Highway System. 

Willard Scott, of NBC-TV’s Today show, will serve as master of ceremonies. 

The black tie-optional event will take place at the Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center in Washington, D.C. It will celebrate the enormous impacts of the interstates on America during the past 50 years. It will also honor the leading contractors, engineering firms, materials and services companies, traffic safety firms, labor unions, and state transportation departments for their role in designing and building the System. 

Net proceeds will be used to support ARTBA-TDF activities, including such programs as the “Highway Worker Memorial Scholarship,” which provides post-high school financial assistance to the children of road construction workers killed or permanently disabled on the job. 

The ARTBA-TDF has reserved a block of rooms at the Grand Hyatt Washington for those who will be attending the event. The rate is $199. Reservations may be made by calling 202-582-1234. Guests are encouraged to reserve their rooms as soon as possible as there are several major events in Washington, D.C., the week of the dinner and hotel space will be limited.  

Invitations and sponsorship information are available online at www.artbainterstate50.com or by contacting Karen Evans at kevans@artba.org or 202-289-4434.

(Source: American Road & Transportation Builders Association)

Dec. 13, 2005 

National Mining Association supports proposed NOx reporting exemption 

The National Mining Association is supporting the approach taken by the Environmental Protection Agency in its Oct. 4 proposed rule to exempt certain releases of nitrogen oxide and dioxide (NOx) from the reporting requirements found in Section 103 of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) and Section 304 of the Emergency Planning Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA).

The proposed exemption would apply to NOx releases that amount to less than 1,000 pounds in a 24-hour period due to combustion and were not caused by accident or malfunction. The current reportable quantity (RQ) for NOx releases is 10 pounds in a 24-hour period.

“Many NMA member companies employ internal combustion engines that release NOx; NMA mining company members utilize planned, routine and permitted blasting operations that could result in the release of NOx. These releases fall within the conditions EPA has proposed for a reporting exemption,” NMA noted in comments filed with the agency. 

“Where NOx emissions are routine, anticipated and relatively low in amounts no government response is necessary or possible,” the association said. “Indeed, the rulemaking record amply demonstrates that EPA regions have not responded to these kinds of releases. In fact, there is no indication in the record that the EPA regions are aware of a single government response to non-accidental NOx releases.” 

NMA suggested that instead of furthering the protection of human health and the environment, “the requirement to report such NOx releases actually increases the risks to human health and the environment.  

Federal, state or local authorities must spend limited resources of time, money and manpower evaluating low-level releases for which a governmental response is unnecessary, if not impossible. The resources spent in making such evaluations would be much better spent were they to be focused on NOx releases in much higher amounts resulting from accidents or malfunctions.” 

NMA also suggested the following:

•EPA is “right to include in the proposed exemption releases from all combustion sources, including blasting during mining operations. NMA urges EPA to emphasize the inclusiveness of the exemption by including, in the preamble to the final rule, specific reference to Nox releases from blasting;” 

•It would “strongly support” providing an administrative reporting exemption for NOx releases up to 5,000 pounds in a 24-hour period that did not result from an accident or malfunction; 

•It supports the rule’s proposed approach of granting an administrative reporting exemption, rather than changing the RQ.  

Naasz meets with Reps. Hobson, Duncan NMA President and CEO Kraig R. Naasz this week continued a series of meetings with key lawmakers, visiting Reps. David Hobson (R-Ohio) and John Duncan Jr. (R-Tenn.), discussing issues of major importance to mining. 

Hobson serves on the Appropriations Committee and is chairman of the Energy and Water Subcommittee, which now has jurisdiction over fossil energy programs. “During the past year, Chairman Hobson’s subcommittee provided funding for the FutureGen Initiative, and we are grateful for his leadership and support in this area,” Naasz said. 

Duncan’s committee assignments include Government Reform; Resources; and Transportation and Infrastructure, where he is chairman of the Subcommittee on Water Resources, which among other things has jurisdiction over the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Water Act, Superfund and water infrastructure and watershed protection programs. 

“Congressman Duncan’s district includes the headquarters of the Tennessee Valley Authority and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory and he appreciates the importance of coal and minerals to the U.S. economy,” Naasz noted. 

Naasz said while Congress remains in session he will continue an intensive series of meetings with congressional and administration leaders discussing key items of vital concern to NMA’s legislative agenda.

(Source: National Mining Association newsletter)

Dec. 12, 2005 

FMI releases 2005-2006 U.S. Markets Construction Overview

Overall, the forecast for the construction industry for 2006 appears at first glance to be very similar to last year’s forecast with continued growth. That optimistic forecast portends a few challenging trends arising from continued growth. The challenge that is becoming more and more of a concern to contractors and owners alike is the need to find talented employees. Labor shortages continue to grow across the job spectrum for construction industry firms, according to the newly released FMI 2005-2006 U.S. Markets Construction Overview.  

According to FMI, while some of the demands for new employees have been filled by non-traditional sources like women and the Hispanic community, those sources will be insufficient to fill the positions soon to become vacant when the Baby Boomers retire. The construction industry must rise to the occasion and take a hard look at their recruiting and training programs or be left scrambling to find enough workers to meet the demands of a growth market.  

Growth can bring as many challenges to the industry as declining markets, including rising prices for materials, possible spot shortages in some markets, and lower profits, even as backlogs are growing. Overall industry growth does not mean that the growth will be even in all markets. The Overview details trends for industry sectors and regional U.S. markets. The coming year offers great potential for contractors armed with good information and strategies to tackle both old and new challenges. 

For more information about the FMI 2005-2006 U. S. Markets Construction Overview, go to www.fminet.com .

Dec. 12, 2005

Manufacturers launch wetlands restoration initiative in Chicago

The National Association of Manufacturers is launching a wetlands restoration initiative in the Midwest today as it hosts a meeting of local business leaders in Chicago.

At the meeting, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Assistant Administrator Water Benjamin H. Grumbles is discussing federal tax incentives aimed at fostering private efforts to improve America’s water resources and habitats.

The Corporate Wetlands Restoration Partnership (CWRP), formed in 1999, matches every private dollar spent by corporations for wetlands restoration with about $4 in federal funds. The program joins America’s corporate leaders with federal, state and local governments, nongovernmental organizations, and academia in restoring and protecting the nation’s wetlands and aquatic habitats. So far, the program has resulted in the restoration of more than 6,000 acres and stream miles, mostly in the Northeast, since 2000.

“We all want a clean environment, and the CWRP allows companies the ability to be proactive stewards,” says NAM President and former Michigan governor John Engler in a press release. “This public-private partnership is an excellent approach, with industry and government voluntarily working together to improve our environment.”

The NAM has served as CWRP’s National Sponsor since 2000. Corporate participation in the CWRP now exceeds 200 companies, many of them NAM members.

NAM President John Engler recently sent a letter encouraging member involvement in the program. “The NAM believes that as good corporate citizens, we have a responsibility to contribute to the quality of the environment in our home communities and to provide our employees with opportunities to ‘give back’ as well,” he wrote.

Midwest wetlands restoration is especially important for flood control, as well as maintaining riparian habitat for migrating birds, according to federal agencies

Dec. 9, 2005

Housing slowdown may claim 800,000 jobs

A sustained decline will hit the U.S. housing market next year, costing the nation as many as 800,000 jobs, according to a new economic report released Wednesday.

The slowdown is likely to last several years, with as many as 500,000 construction jobs and 300,000 financial sector positions lost, the quarterly Anderson Forecast predicted.

“We expect housing to start slowing the economy this quarter or the next,” said Edward Leamer, director of the study done at the University of California, Los Angeles.

“Some jobs in manufacturing might well disappear as a result of weakness in housing, but this may be offset by jobs brought home or not lost to foreign competition,” he wrote.

The forecast said eight of the last 10 economic recessions were started by housing market slowdowns. Though the coming cooldown will cause a drag on the nation’s economy, it will fall short of triggering a recession, the forecast said.

The report cited several signs that the decline could be underway:

•New construction of housing in October was down 5.6 percent from the previous month, with new construction of single-family housing accounting for a 3.7 percent dip.

•New home sales have declined.

•Applications for home mortgages have trended downward since late September as rates increased.

•In some regions, homes are remaining unsold longer and the pace of housing construction is outpacing population growth, which could spell a decline in demand.

“On all these grounds, we believe housing is due for a sustained decline,” economist Michael Bazdarich wrote in the forecast. “The remaining questions are how hard the fall will be and when it will begin.”

The forecast for California, where housing prices lead the nation and housing-related jobs have been driving economic growth, resembles the national outlook.

Economist Ryan Ratcliff said the state’s housing market will see a slowdown in spending along with job losses in construction and related sectors.

He expects California home prices to plateau while sales and new construction see moderate decreases during two years of weak growth.

“If the housing market slows more than we are expecting, a recession is not out of the question,” Ratcliff wrote.

Counties showing signs of a cooldown include San Francisco, where housing sales have been off 20 percent since peaking in June, 2004. San Diego County has seen sales slow about 13 percent, while monthly price gains have plummeted to low single digits. 

California’s job picture has been lackluster in recent months. The rate of employment growth has slowed after a significant number of jobs were added in July and August. 

(Source: Associated Press via Yahoo! News, by Alex Veiga, posted Dec. 7, 2005)

Dec. 9, 2005 

President Bush signs FY 2006 Transportation Appropriations Bill Into Law

On Nov. 30, 2005, President George W. Bush signed the FY 2006 Transportation, Treasury, Housing and Urban Development, Judiciary, and District of Columbia spending bill into law.

Public Law 109-115 provides $63.4 billion to the Department of Transportation for the upcoming fiscal year. Two important numbers to the aggregates industry — how much money is going to highways and how much for airport construction — are $35,929 billion (rounded to $36 billion) for the Federal Highway Administration and $3.55 billion for the Airport Improvement Program.

These numbers would change if Congress decides to include an across-the-board cut in one of the remaining spending bills or budget reconciliation package. NSSGA is closely tracking developments.

(Source: National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association e-Digest, Dec. 6, 2005, edition)

Dec. 8, 2005 

National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association names Jeffery H. Greenwald VP of engineering and product development

Jeffrey H. Greenwald has been named vice president for Engineering and Product Development at the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association.  

Currently vice president for Research and Development at the National Concrete Masonry Association, Greenwald will assume his new position on Jan. 1.  

At NSSGA, his responsibilities include coordinating the activities of the Aggregates Foundation for Technology, Research and Education, working closely with the International Center for Aggregates Research, and representing NSSGA on several key federal and national standards and specification committees.

Dec. 7, 2005 

Aggregates production edges up in third quarter 

U.S. Geological Survey figures issued Dec. 5 recorded an estimated 472 million metric tons of crushed stone produced and sold in the third quarter of 2005, a slight increase compared with the same period of 2004.  

The estimated U.S. output of construction sand and gravel in the third quarter was 387 million metric tons, compared with 379 million metric tons in the same period last year.  

USGS estimated the output of crushed stone in the first nine months of 2005 at 1.2 billion metric tons, a 3.6-percent increase compared with the same period of 2004.  

The estimated output of sand and gravel in the first nine months of 2005 was 942 billion metric tons, a slight increase over the same period in 2004.  

An estimated 852 million metric tons of total aggregates were produced in the third quarter compared with 846 million metric tons over the same period last year.  

The estimated output of total aggregates produced in the first nine months of 2005 was 2.2 billion metric tons, compared with 2.1 billion metric tons in the same period of 2004.

(Source: National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association e-Digest, Dec. 6 edition)

Dec. 6, 2005

Lawyers question X-ray readings in asbestos cases

A doctor from Bridgeport, West Virginia, is being accused by lawyers of unscrupulous X-ray reporting practices, a linchpin in asbestos class-action litigation.

Dr. Ray A. Harron reportedly examined up to 150 X-rays daily and produced medical reports that often supported asbestos lawsuits, defense lawyers say, but Harron claims he had no incentive to note asbestos-related injuries in the people whose X-rays he reviewed

(Source: New York Times via AGC SmartBrief)

Dec. 5, 2005

Registration open for the 2006 NSSGA Plant Operator's Conference 

The NSSGA Plant Operators Conference & Expo will feature equipment and methods used to produce aggregates.

This event provides mix of seminars, plant tours, member forums, and exhibits by manufacturers and service providers as well as a networking opportunity for plant operators, foremen, superintendents, engineers, and operations managers. The newest technologies impacting the aggregates industry will be on display in Long Beach, Calif. 

To register, go to https://www.nssga.org/commerce/Plant_Operators_0106_regform.cfm . 

Early bird registration discounts end Dec. 31.

Dec. 2, 2005 

Pump group develops noise standard 

The Contractors Pump Bureau, a product group affiliated with the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, has developed a voluntary standard for measuring sound levels emitted by portable dewatering pumps, including power supply units for hydraulic submersible pumps. The CPB Sound Level Measurement Standard for Pump Unitsensures that the noise levels of pumps from different manufacturers can be easily compared, an important factor when choosing pumps for noise sensitive applications in residential and commercial areas. The standard, which does not establish maximum allowable noise levels, calls for an outdoor test site that consists of a hard, flat ground such as asphalt or concrete, without sound reflecting objects within a distance of 21 meters, according to CPB. 

Manufacturers must take eight sound level measurements at points 7 meters from, and equally spaced around the unit, the CPB says. Measurements must be taken for 15 seconds while the units are pumping at specific speed and load conditions. The average of the eight measurements will then be published in A-weighted decibels, or dB(A). For a free copy of the CPB standard, go to the AEM website -- www.aem.org/CBC/ProdSpec/CPB/ .

Dec. 2, 2005 

Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health Public Meeting Scheduled for Dec. 8-9 in Washington, D.C. 

The Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health (ACCSH) will hold an open meeting in Washington, D.C., Dec. 8-9, 2005.
ACCSH advises the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health on standards, policies and practices related to the protection of construction workers from worksite hazards.

The committee will meet from 8:30 a.m. to  4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 8, and from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Friday, Dec. 9, in room N-3437 A-C, of the Frances Perkins Department of Labor Building, 200 Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, D.C. 20210.   

Agenda items include the following: Trenching Data and Initiative update; trench/excavation rescue presentation;

standards update; work group assignments and reports; OSHA hurricane response and FEMA annex; activation overview; OSHA’s role in National Response Plan; and OSHA Partnership, Alliance, Challenge, and Voluntary Protection Program for construction update. 

The ACCSH workgroups will meet Dec. 6-7 in the Frances Perkins Building as follows: 

Tuesday, December 6, 2005

8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Diversity/Multilingual work group – Room S-4215

1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. – Roll-Over Protective Structures work group – Room S-4215

Wednesday, December 7, 2005

8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. – Trenching work group – Room S-2217

10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. – Residential Fall Protection work group – Room S-2217  

Written data, views or comments for consideration by the committee may be submitted to Ms. Veneta Chatmon, U.S. Department of Labor, OSHA, Office of Communications, Room N-3647, 200 Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, D.C., 20210. Twenty copies are needed. Those submissions received prior to the meeting will be included in the record of the meeting.

Anyone wishing to make an oral presentation to the committee on any of the agenda items should notify OSHA at the above address. The request should specify the amount of time desired, the capacity in which the person will appear and a brief outline of the presentation. ACCSH may grant requests to speak, as time permits, at the discretion of the ACCSH chairperson.

Individuals needing special accommodations should call Ms. Veneta Chatmon (202) 693-1999; fax (202) 693-1635, no later than Dec. 2.

Dec. 1, 2005 

Congress to Wrap Up Before Christmas, Chart on Bill Updates for Industry

Congress is in recess the week of Nov. 28 for the Thanksgiving holiday. The House returns to work the week of Dec. 5, while the Senate follows the week of Dec. 10. When Congress gets back to work it has several items to deal with before adjourning the first session of the 109th Congress. Both chambers have now passed different budget reconciliation measures cutting spending, which will have to be resolved. The Senate plan includes a provision that would open portions of Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) to oil and gas exploration and production, a provision deleted from the House bill. It is uncertain whether a conference committee will be able to bridge the differences before Congress leaves for Christmas.  

Congress completed work on the FISCAL YEAR 2006 Transportation Appropriations bill before Thanksgiving and the president is expected to sign it. The bill funds highways at the SAFETEA-LU provided level for FISCAL YEAR 2006 of $36 billion. Work has been completed on nine of the 11 FY 2006 appropriations bills.  

The following chart provides an update on issues of importance to the aggregates industry. If you have any questions, please contact NSSGA’s Government Affairs division.

Nov. 30, 2005

AEM moving its headquarters

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers is moving its headquarters.

Effective, Dec. 12, AEM will be located at 6737 West Washington St., Suite 2400, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53214-5647.

The rest of the contact information, which follows, remains the same: 
Phone: Toll free 866-236-0442 or 414-272-0943
Fax: 414.272.1170
E-mail: aem@aem.org   Web site: www.aem.org

Nov. 29, 2005

5.4 percent growth in 2006 highway construction market forecasted 

Spurred by a combination of renewed economic growth, emergency repair work following Hurricane Katrina and a new law that increases federal investment in highways, the U.S. highway construction market should grow 5.4 percent in 2006 according to the chief economist for the American Road & Transportation Builders Association. The real question, however, ARTBA Vice President of Economics & Research William Buechner says, is how much of the growth will be absorbed by rising construction costs. 

The value of construction work performed on highway and bridge projects is projected to be a record $70.3 billion in fiscal year 2006, up from $66.9 billion in fiscal year 2005, according to ARTBA. 

Dr. Buechner, a Harvard-trained economist who served the Joint Economic Committee of the U.S. Congress for nearly two decades before joining ARTBA, says several factors should help support market growth next year: 

State and local budget improvements. Strong economic growth has boosted general state tax revenues and there is much less pressure to dip into highway funds to balance state government budgets. Continued economic growth should provide a solid base for more state and local government investment in highway construction in 2006 and beyond. 

Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act—A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). Signed into law last August, SAFETEA-LU guarantees a record $286.5 billion transportation investment level from FISCAL YEAR 2004-09 and provides predictability in federal funding for highway construction, according to Buechner. SAFETEA-LU’s innovative financing provisions, such as allowing $15 billion in private activity bonds for highway improvements, should also help support future market growth, ARTBA said.  

Hurricane Katrina. The Bush Administration has requested $2.3 billion in general fund revenue to help repair and rebuild highways and bridges damaged during the hurricane, which should provide an additional one-time market boost in 2006. 

Buechner cautioned higher construction costs caused by dramatic increases in steel, cement and petroleum prices could impact the overall level of growth in 2006. Materials used in highway and bridge construction will cost about 13 percent more in 2005 than 2004 while total costs including labor and overhead will be up about 7.5 percent.

Even if prices stabilize at their current levels, the cost of highway construction in 2006 would be about 4.5 percent higher than in 2005. This could absorb much of the projected 5.4 percent increase, leaving little to finance additional projects, Buechner says. If prices continue to rise, higher costs would consume all of the projected increase in the value of highway construction next year and could force states to postpone some planned projects.

Outlook for Airports & Public Transit: 

The value of construction work performed on airport runways, taxiways and related projects will total about $6.1 billion in 2005—a 20 percent increase from 2004. Strong growth should continue into 2006, due to the resurgence of air travel, a $50 million boost in federal investment through the Airport Improvement Program, and the recent increase in passenger facility charges that many larger airports use to finance construction projects. 

Transit and light rail construction has eased recently as a number of construction projects funded under TEA-21 have been coming to completion, Buechner says. As the 38 new transit projects designated for funding under SAFETEA-LU get underway, the value of construction work performed on subways and light rail projects should begin to accelerate in 2006.

(Source: American Road & Transportation Builders Association)

Nov. 28, 2005

U.S. Concrete Appoints Terry Green as senior vice president of operations

U.S. Concrete, Inc. appointed Terry Green as senior vice president of operations. Green joined the company simultaneously with its initial public offering in May 1999 as vice president - operational integration.

He has more than 20 years of operations experience in the ready-mixed concrete industry and other transportation-related businesses.  

Michael W. Harlan, U.S. Concrete’s executive vice president and COO says in a written statement that, “Terry has been a valuable asset not only in coordinating the integration of the businesses we have acquired, but also in supporting each business unit from an operational standpoint. Over the coming years, Terry's responsibilities in the operational area will continue to expand as we work toward the achievement of our long-term strategic objectives.” 

U.S. Concrete provides ready-mixed concrete and related concrete products and services to the construction industry in several major markets in the United States. The Company has 93 fixed and seven portable ready-mixed concrete plants, eight pre-cast concrete plants, three concrete block plants and one aggregates quarry. During 2004, these facilities produced approximately 5.4 million cubic yards of ready-mixed concrete, 5.3 million eight-inch equivalent block units and 1.1 million tons of aggregates.

Nov. 28, 2005

Owner of proposed quarry tries to lessen concerns

The owner of a proposed quarry operation on Wilbur Road in Roseburg, Oregon, offered [on Nov. 17] to limit blasting hours, pave an access road to control dust and develop a plan to collect and treat water to prevent runoff.

In all, Thomas Beckley submitted eight conditions that he is willing for the Douglas County Planning Commission to impose if the commission grants his application to add the 38-acre mining site to the county’s mineral resources inventory.

The offer came in response to concerns raised last month at a hearing by neighbors opposed to the quarry just west of Interstate 5 at Wilbur.
Nearby residents complained the quarry would destroy the peaceful nature of the neighborhood, which includes about 80 homes. They said they were worried about increased dust and claimed noise that already funnels through the valley would get worse.

The Planning Commission did not deliberate on the application following 90 minutes of discussion.

Corinne Sherton, a Salem attorney who represents a group of neighbors opposed to the application, said she wanted time to study Beckley’s submissions — which also included a written response to the neighbors’ concerns and a report submitted by an acoustical engineer hired by the applicant.

Chairman David Jaques granted a continuance. The neighbors were given until Dec. 8 to submit written objections to Beckley’s proposal and his written rebuttal. Beckley will then have until Jan. 5 to submit his response to those objections. The Planning Commission will meet on Jan. 19 to reach a decision on whether to allow the quarry.

Arthur Noxon, an acoustical engineer from Eugene, told the commission noise from blasting and drilling operations at the quarry could be lowered to an acceptable level through the use of several mitigating techniques.

A rock drill produces noise that is louder in one direction than another, Noxon said. If Beckley ensured that the heaviest sound traveled back toward the freeway and a hill, less noise would head in the opposite direction toward neighbors, he said.

He also suggested creation of earthen berms north and west of the proposed mining and loading areas to further insulate the neighborhood from any noise produced. He said hay bales could also be stacked and rearranged to provide a portable noise barrier.

If Beckley used two or three drills at a time rather than one, it would raise the noise level only about five decibels, said Noxon, who has appeared before the commission previously, sometimes representing quarry operators and at other times representing neighbors opposed to a quarry. However, that would lessen the number of days needed to drill and would impact neighbors on far fewer days, he said.

He also suggested Beckley consider drilling as much as possible in the winter, when freeway noise is heightened from rain. That would help muffle the sound produced by drilling, he said.

“This quarry is not going to come close to producing the noise that some of the neighbors fear,” Ron Scholfield, a land-use consultant hired by Beckley, told the commission. 

(Source: newsreview.info, The News-Review online, posted Nov. 18, 2005. Story by John Sowell)

Nov. 23, 2005

Quarry begins Act 250 process

Round Two of Moretown’s great quarry debate began Nov. 21 in Montpelier, Vermont

Eleven months ago, the Moretown Development Review Board rejected Waitsfield developer Rich Rivers’ permit application for a 17-acre rock quarry on Route 100B. With an appeal of that ruling pending at the state’s Environmental Court in Barre, Rivers is now seeking an Act 250 permit from the state for the same quarry proposal. A pre-hearing conference on the project was held Monday at City Hall.

The quarry would be located on a 93-acre parcel 2-1/2 miles north of Moretown Village and would be accessed via a 1,400-foot haul road. The quarry would have a maximum annual extraction rate of 75,000 cubic yards and would operate throughout a proposed period of 33 years.

The same adjoining landowners who fought against the project at the local level promise a similarly well-organized campaign against Rivers’ Act 250 aspirations. More than a dozen Moretown residents have sought party status to participate in the Act 250 hearings, which the three-member District 5 Environmental Commission will use to determine if Rivers’ proposal complies with 10 criteria spelled out in Vermont’s environmental land-use law.

Landowners opposed to the quarry will argue that Rivers proposal violates nearly all of the state’s criteria. Water, noise and air pollution, traffic, property devaluation and noncompliance with the Moretown Town Plan, they say, render the project unfit for the agricultural and residential district in which the quarry would be located.

“I’m seeking party status to demonstrate the devastating impact (the quarry) will have on us,” said Scott Sainsbury, who owns a horse farm on property abutting the quarry site. Sainsbury’s disapproval of what he called an “inherently dangerous mining operation in the heart of our … community” echoed sentiments offered by other Moretown landowners in attendance Monday.

Denise Sanders, who spearheaded the local resistance movement against Rivers quarry proposal during the development review hearings in 2004, said the proposal doesn’t comply with safeguards written into Moretown documents designed to preserve the character of the small town.

“Our town has a clear written community standard that ensures that no noise shall be permitted that is incompatible with the reasonable use of the surrounding area,” Sanders wrote in a brief to the District 5 Commission. She said noise and other impacts will turn the bucolic haven into a high-decibel hub of heavy industry. “We believe it is reasonable to be able to continue enjoying our yard and walking in our woods without being bombarded with the noise pollution from a heavy industry.”

The Moretown Development Review Board voted 6-1 to reject the proposal last December because of concerns it would increase heavy truck traffic along Route 100B, inundate the quiet town with background noise and possibly contaminate ground water.

“(The) proposed quarry will have undue adverse effects on the character of the area because of its impact on the long established agricultural and residential uses in the area where it is proposed … The impact results from truck traffic on roads, noise associated with the quarry’s operation, and potential impact on water supplies,” the board wrote in its 16-page decision.

Rivers needs permits from both the state and the local development review board in order to proceed with the quarry. If he wins Act 250 approval, he’ll still have to win his appeal of the local decision in Environmental Court.

In the coming months, expert witnesses from both sides will present testimony either buttressing or refuting the claims laid out in Rivers’ proposal. Evidentiary hearings won’t begin until after January, when the District 5 Commission will determine who will be admitted as a party in the proceedings. 

(Source: The Barre Montpelier Times Argus online, posted Nov. 22, 2005, by Peter Hirschfeld

Nov. 22, 2005

Irving quarry causing havoc for homeowners

Residents of a west Saint John neighborhood want a local quarry sh