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

Arizona

One size does not fit all seems to be the message being put forth by U.S. Rep. Jeff Flake. “We can strike a balance here between protecting the environment and having economic development,” he said during a meeting with local business leaders, “but we just need the federal government to cooperate.” According to the Mohave Valley Daily News, Arizona and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have wrestled for years over how the Clean Air Act should apply to particulate pollution in Maricopa County, which is out of compliance with federal standards, putting federal transportation funding in jeopardy. The Maricopa Association of Governments in 2007 developed a plan for reducing dust by 5 percent a year, but the EPA hasn’t accepted it. “The EPA simply won’t recognize that Phoenix is not Seattle,” Flake said. “Some air standards that apply in Seattle might not work here.”

California

The Fresno County Planning Commission approved a proposal from Gerawan Farming to mine an 886-acre mine, as well as construct an asphalt plant, in eastern Fresno County. The request was approved at a meeting held in a ballroom, rather than the regular meeting room, in order to accommodate the crowd of more than 100 residents. The Fresno Bee reports that commissioners cited the county’s need for construction materials as grounds to permit the project, despite overwhelming opposition. State studies indicate that the region is falling far short of the necessary aggregate supply to meet its road and building needs. The most recent estimates from the Department of Conservation show that Fresno County has permitted mining for 71 million tons of aggregates, but will need 629 million tons over the next 50 years. The Carmelita mine is expected to produce 1.25 million tons per year annually throughout its 100-year life.

Illinois

In early September, Mt. Carmel city officials accepted three bids for the city’s annual road maintenance program. The Daily Republican Register notes that City Commissioner Joe Judge said the list of streets to be improved this year will be finalized in coming weeks. City officials also approved two bids from Mt. Carmel Sand and Gravel and one from Howell Paving to spend more than $173,000 on labor and materials throughout the fall to complete the program.

Maryland

In late August, Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) was scheduled to visit Waldorf-based Chaney Enterprises, the state’s largest family-owned and operated sand and gravel producer. The Baynet.com reports that Cardin toured a number of state businesses to highlight their success.

Chaney Enterprises has 287 employees and is marking its 50th anniversary in business. Cardin is the chairman of the Water and Wildlife Subcommittee of the Environment and Public Works Committee and has expressed interest in mining reclamation and land management.

Massachusetts

In late July, Worcester Sand and Gravel was the site of the 11th annual truck show, sponsored by the Bay State chapter of the Antique Truck Club of America. According to the Telegram & Gazette, most of the exhibitors used their truck as part of their livelihood. Exhibitor William Thibeault III, who hauls asphalt in his truck, spent part of the day exhibiting the truck and the rest of it showing his family around. More than 170 vehicles took part in the show. It is the fourth year the Trotto family, owners of Worcester Sand and Gravel, has hosted the event.

New York

Attica town officials issued a cease-and-desist order to stop Hillcrest Industries Inc. from washing glass particles at its Attica Sand and Gravel property. According to The Daily News, the action was taken under the town’s zoning law. Supervisor Douglas Patti said that the city had received complaints about the odor from stockpiled glass and that processing of used glass particles is not permitted on the property in terms of the business’ special-use permit. The operator is working with the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to resolve the issue and has stopped accepting new shipments of glass.