To keep up to date with this breakdown of news in the United States and Canada, visit www.AggMan.com for daily updates.

By Therese Dunphy, Editor-in-Chief

Illinois

Gov. Pat Quinn signed legislation to help reduce fuel and equipment costs for trucking companies throughout the state. According to a press release from the governor’s office, the new law allows the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to issue permits for loads that previously exceeded size and weight restrictions for travel on state highways, if specific conditions are met. Sponsored by Sen. William Haine and Rep. Daniel Beiser, Senate Bill 42 applies to “divisible” loads that previously had to be broken down into separate shipments to meet the standard truck weight limit of 80,000 pounds. IDOT can now issue the necessary permits for a truck hauling a load weighing more than 80,000 pounds if it is traveling less than 5 miles and will not negatively impact pavement conditions along its route.

California

Duarte city officials have taken another step in their efforts to stop Vulcan Materials Co.’s mining project in Azusa. According to the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, the city filed its objections to a superior court decision with the state appeals court. A three-judge panel will now review the case, which could take more than a year to complete. The city has been fighting the project since the Azusa City Council approved Vulcan’s plan to shift its mining operations from 80 acres on the eastern end of its 270-acre property to 80 acres on its western end, closer to Duarte.

Illinois

Two of Lafarge North America’s Illinois aggregate operations, Cave in Rock and Joliet, were recently awarded with the Illinois Association of Aggregate Producers (IAAP) Community Relations Award. The award recognizes producer member companies whose community involvement and support activities enhance the public’s perception of the member’s aggregate operation and the aggregate industry in general. The Cave in Rock quarry was recognized for its community efforts around wildlife habitat restoration, working with residents to help clean up the banks of the Ohio River, and donations of money, materials, and services to community groups. The Joliet Quarry award recognized its community efforts and donations to Habitat for Humanity, Morning Star Mission Ministries, and employee’s labor to clean up the shoreline along the Illinois River. “It is part of our operating philosophy to give back to the communities in which we operate,” said Matthew Dantinne, vice president and general manager for Lafarge Midwest Aggregates. “We enjoy being part of the communities and continue to look for opportunities where we can make a difference.”

Minnesota

The Zavoral project advisory committee met in late August and toured Tiller Corp.’s proposed mine site before hearing reports regarding dust emissions, visual impact, traffic, and reclamation of the project. According to the Country Messenger, approximately 70 people attended the meeting concerning the 114-acre site. An air quality expert said the proposed mine would exceed national air quality standards if mitigation measures were not used, but noted that water, dust control chemicals, and sweeping could offset those impacts. Mining would not be visible to boaters along the neighboring river. One member of the committee noted concerns about traffic safety, while a resident called for the operation to be liable for damage to neighboring homes. The group’s final meeting will be held Nov. 16.

Montana