Missouri

APAC Kansas City’s 2011 acquisition of five quarries formerly operated by Everett Quarries is paying dividends for new highway projects, the St. Joseph News-Press reports. David Guillaume, president of APAC Missouri and Kansas City, told the newspaper that the new ownership enhances a pledge to carry out roadwork in the region. The company’s $2.23 million bid to repave a portion of the westbound lanes of U.S. Highway 36 was awarded by the Missouri Department of Transportation. “We’re committed to the local economy,” Guillaume said, noting that, while current economic conditions create a difficult environment, he hopes that state investment in infrastructure will continue.

New Hampshire

Columbia-based CSG Holdings Inc. faces a fine of up to $532,500 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for alleged storm water violations at its former Columbia plant. According to the EPA complaint, alleged violations include unauthorized discharge of process water; unauthorized discharge of storm water associated with industrial activity; failure to apply for a National Pollution Discharge Elimination Permit or for coverage under the Multi-Sector General Permit for Industrial Activities; and failure to prepare and implement a Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure plan.

Wisconsin

Eau Claire County supervisors will re-examine a proposal to exempt a proposed Otter Creek silica sand mine from the county’s six-month mining moratorium. The Leader-Telegram reports that the county board denied High Country Sand’s project during the same meeting in which it approved an exemption for Hi-Crush Proppants’ Bridge Creek mine proposal. One supervisor said he expected the proposal to be approved. In January, High Country sued the county, looking to overturn the moratorium. According to the news report, its attorney has said it will drop the lawsuit if the exemption is approved.

North Carolina

Students at Davidson Elementary started a “spirit rock” tradition with a 19,000-pound rock donated by Vulcan Materials Co.’s Concord operation and put in place by Layton Tree and Crane Service. According to DavidsonNews.net, the students and staff will use the rock to promote school spirit. Parents can also reserve the rock by the day to celebrate student birthdays and other mile markers. The spirit rock’s first message was painted to show the school’s appreciation to Vulcan and the crane service.

Virginia

A man forced his way into a trailer on Vulcan Materials Co.’s Woodbridge plant, stole a truck, and then used it to ram open a gate, PotomacLocal.com reports. The suspect, Joseph M. Sharkey, found the truck keys in the trailer and tried to use the truck to flee the site, ramming the gates when he found they were locked. He was charged with burglary, grand larceny auto, destruction of property, driving under the influence, refusal to submit to a breath test, and driving on a revoked license.

Washington

Rochester-based Martin Sand & Gravel announced that it will close its Construction and Service operation. According to The Chronicle, it will continue to sell aggregates through its sister company, Lakeside Industries, Inc. In a press release, the business owners said the decision to lay off eight employees was a difficult one. “This was a very difficult decision, and we understand the significant impact this will have on them and their families,” the release stated. “We want to thank them for their long-term hard work, dedication, and loyalty to Martin Sand & Gravel.”

Province News

Lafarge Canada applied for a license from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources to expand its West Paris Pit by an additional 245 acres. According to Brant News, the company hopes to grow production from 850,000 metric tons per year to 1.5 million metric tons per year. Chris Galway, Lafarge Canada’s land manager for southwestern Ontario, told the newspaper that it has completed the hydrogeological, natural environment, and traffic studies for the proposed expansion. It is waiting on an official plan and zoning bylaw amendments from Brant County.