The nearly bankrupt Golden State is facing a $20 billion budget shortfall in the next fiscal year, and state leaders are scrambling to bolster California’s plummeting revenue streams. The Liberty Quarry project, a proposed rocks-and-gravel operation that is nearing completion of its Final Environmental Impact Report, would help fuel the state’s economy and add jobs in Riverside County.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R-CA) in his May 14 budget revision called for the approval of large-scale projects in California in order to get taxes and fees flowing into the state’s budget.

“Granite Construction could deliver $350 million in state and local tax revenues from our Liberty Quarry project,” said Gary Johnson, aggregate resource manager for Granite, in a written statement. “These monies would come on top of the high-paying jobs and other positive economic benefits the quarry would deliver.”

The proposed 414-acre quarry in unincorporated Riverside County, south of Temecula, is expected to be reviewed by the Riverside County Planning Commission this year. The County released the Draft EIR last year and is expected to issue the Final EIR this summer.

“It’s frustrating that Granite is prepared to help when so many skilled people are out of work and our state is in such a serious economic crisis,” Johnson said.

Liberty Quarry is projected to generate $6 million in annual state sales tax and more than $2 million annually for Riverside County. The quarry would also create about 300 high-paying jobs, including 99 onsite positions.

Additionally, the project will generate $100 million over the 75-year lifetime of the project for the California State Teachers Retirement System.

The contributions Liberty Quarry would make are significant when compared to the $309 million it costs California to fund its entire Department of Child Support Services for the 2010-2011 fiscal year, according to the governor’s May revise budget numbers.

“I can’t think of a better time than now for this quarry,” said Karie Reuther, director of community relations for Liberty Quarry, also in a written statement. “This will provide jobs and tax revenue for Southern California at a time when both are in such short supply that nothing is safe anymore.”

The proposed Liberty Quarry would be located north of San Diego off the I-15. This quarry would benefit the entire southwest region by generating building materials that are in short supply for needed infrastructure projects.

By producing materials locally, Liberty Quarry also would remove about 16.5 million vehicle miles of travel from local roads and freeways, bringing with it a projected highway maintenance savings of $5.3 million per year.

“We are excited about the advanced level of engineering competence Rockland has to offer our customer base – this will be a true complement to our manufacturing capabilities,” Valley Rubber President Cronan Connell, said in a written statement.

In addition to expanding the engineering services of Valley Rubber, Rockland will continue to serve and develop its own client base.

“We are so energized and enthused to have become a part of Valley Rubber, a dynamic company. The character and convictions of their owners are of the highest caliber, and are an inspiration to us all.” said Brent Guddat, president of Rockland International, in a press release.

California

Lake Forest-based Primoris Services Corp. announced its purchase of an 88-acre quarry in Riverside County. According to the Orange County Register, the purchase of the Juniper Flats Quarry — for about $2.3 million — allowed the company to create Juniper Rock Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary. Company officials estimate a 10-year life cycle for the operation with production of approximately 6 million tons of construction materials.

California

A draft version of an environmental impact report commissioned by Vulcan Materials Co. indicates that a plan to mine a ridge adjacent to Azusa’s Fish Canyon would have limited impact on surrounding communities. Whittier Daily News reports that Vulcan has a permit to mine 190 acres near Fish Canyon. It wants to exchange 80 acres of unmined land on its eastern property line for the ability to mine 80 acres on its western property line. If approved, the site would be developed using 1- to 2-foot micro benches rather than the 30-foot benches currently used on the eastern side of the quarry. “I think you will see, based on the micro benching reclamation, the ridge will look far more natural than it would if it were not reclaimed using micro benching,” Azusa Assistant Community Development Director Conal McNamara told the newspaper. “At the end of 30 years, hopefully, you will be hard pressed to tell it was a mining operation.”

Kentucky

Ronald H. Gray, executive director of the Kentucky Crushed Stone Association (KCSA), has been named NSSGA’s 2009 State Aggregates Association Executive of the Year. “The KCSA is a strong partner of NSSGA. We are impressed by Ron’s advocacy of transportation reauthorization through attending fly-ins and personally visiting members of Congress, as well as encouraging the participation of so many KCSA members,” said NSSGA President and CEO Joy Wilson in making the announcement. “We value all he is doing in the state of Kentucky, as well as nationally, by contributing meaningful insights from Kentucky aggregates producers to the development of industry positions on federal policy.” KCSA’s Board of Directors adopted NSSGA’s Safety Pledge and obtained signatures from virtually all of the aggregates companies in Kentucky. The association also supported NSSGA’s efforts to secure significant changes to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s visible air emissions dust rule, New Source Performance Standards, by obtaining the state’s Environmental Protection Division’s support. Gray has led KCSA since January 2005.

Massachusetts

Members of the Lunenburg Planning Board reviewed the subdivision of a parcel that would allow Powell Stone & Gravel Co. to expand its operation, but failed to move on the issue. According to the Sentinel & Enterprise, owner Steve Powell wants to purchase 10 acres of a 20-acre parcel adjacent to his site to house his company’s trucks and maintenance facility. Prior to the purchase, however, he wants the lot subdivided along a zoning district line. Planning Director Marion Benson supported the move. “I think the Powell’s business is financially very important for the town,” she said. “They do a good job. I never hear any complaints.” The board is waiting for feedback from other town boards prior to taking action.

Michigan

Aggregate Industries (AI) would give more than 320 acres in Waterloo Township to the state in exchange for the rights to mine sand and gravel for an additional 10 years, mlive.com reports. The acreage would go to the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR), while the company would reserve mining rights on state-owned land west of the parcel. It would pay royalties on the estimated 8 to 9 million tons that could be excavated. At Aggregates Manager press time, state DNR officials were scheduled to appear at a Waterloo Township meeting. Township officials had tried to stop another AI mine in Circuit Court, but the judge ruled in favor of AI and refused the township’s request to hear the case again.

Nevada

A federal judge has ruled that a disputed Las Vegas highway project should be awarded to Fisher Sand and Gravel. The Bismarck Tribune reports that the decision was issued despite a county commission vote to start the bidding process over again. In early January, U.S. District Court Judge Clive Jones granted the company a $112 million contract to widen a section of the Las Vegas Beltway north of the city. A Clark County spokesman said commissioners will decide within 30 days whether to appeal.

New York

An old quarry and adjacent farmland will likely become a town park in Lancaster, featuring several athletic fields, Buffalo News reports. Town officials have worked out a deal to provide the town with 134 acres, along with approximately $5 million to help offset development costs for the park. Landowner Lafarge Corp. donated the adjacent 45 acres of undeveloped land to the town. In addition to the donation, Lafarge is in the process of selling 89 acres of the former quarry to EnSol Inc., a Niagara Falls company that plans to close the quarry over the next decade or so.

Ohio

Franklin County commissioners are scheduled to hear a request from a Jackson Township businessman who wants his 89-acre property to be annexed by Columbus so he can open a gravel quarry. According to ThisWeek Community Newspapers, Dave Jones is seeking annexation because the township won’t allow him to add gravel mining to his zoning permit. He has permission to dig 4 feet for topsoil, but wants to mine gravel to depths of approximately 40 feet. Jones says that the proposed 55-acre mine would create about 10 jobs and that he would donate the resulting man-made lake for creation of a public park when mining is complete.

Oregon

The Marion County Board of Commissioners approved a proposed aggregate mining operation for a rural area between Stayton and Sublimity. The developer, Phillips Family Limited Partnership LLC, wants to develop 100 acres of a 405-acre property, StatesmanJournal.com reports. The county’s public works department is developing revised requirements with the developer. One requirement is for the developer to pay for a structural analysis and subsequent road improvements or pay for $1 million to $1.5 million worth of up-front improvements to about 5 miles of roads in the area. Commissioners told protesting neighbors that they are required to uphold state law and can regulate noise, dust, and traffic impacts, but cannot address quality of life issues.

Pennsylvania

Following an opinion from Commonwealth Court Judge Johnny J. Butler that concluded Dorrance Township had properly denied Slusser Brothers’ application for a special exception, variances, and challenges to a township zoning ordinance, the owners are considering an appeal. According to standardspeaker.com, Patrick Bartorillo, general manager of Slusser Brothers’ Small Mountain Quarry — part of Harrisburg-based Pennsy Supply Co. — said the decision would be reviewed.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island Ready Mix LLC/Richmond Stone & Sand LLC acquired the assets of the former Richmond Sand & Gravel and Richmond Ready Mix operations. The Providence Journal-Bulletin reports that the deal includes 241 acres of real estate in Wyoming as well as the inventory, rolling stock, machinery, equipment, and trade names.

Tennessee

Rogers Group received unanimous approval from the Clinton Planning Commission for its proposed quarry. According to The Oak Ridger, berms will be created around the abandoned quarry before it reopens. Site work was expected to begin early this year. Clinton Building Official Curtis Perez told the newspaper that Rogers Group had obtained the necessary water and air permits for the quarry.

Texas

Texas Industries Inc. (TXI) faces another delay as it seeks approval for a gravel quarry on 2,000 acres east of Austin. Stateman.com reports that Travis County Commissioner Sarah Eckhardt suggested the formation of a committee comprised of neighbors, TXI employees, and county staffers to review the operation’s impact on neighbors. Lawyers for county officials told them they lack legal authority to deny the project without strong evidence that nearby residents’ health would be damaged. Commissioners followed Eckhardt’s recommendation and intend for the committee to explore ways to monitor air quality, water quality, and other aspects of quarry operations over which no government entity has jurisdiction. Eckhardt acknowledged that the committee’s ability to impose restrictions on the company is uncertain.

Virginia

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VA DEQ) recognized Luck Stone’s Powhatan and Spotsylvania Quarries for achieving E3 status on Dec. 16. Luck Stone is a member of the Virginia Environmental Excellence Program, a voluntary program sponsored by the VA DEQ that recognizes facilities that have made a commitment to continuous environmental improvement. There are three levels of achievement, starting at E2 (an Environmental Enterprise). Once a facility has implemented an Environmental Management System (EMS) and documented significant objectives and goals for environmental improvement, the facility can then be promoted to the level of E3 (Exemplary Environmental Enterprise), a level at which greater independence and responsibility are given to the recognized organization. Luck Stone’s Powhatan and Spotsylvania quarries are the only quarries in Virginia to be recognized at an advanced level. “As the first member of the mining industry to be recognized as an Exemplary Environmental Enterprise in the Virginia Environmental Excellence Program, we are extremely proud of the Spotsylvania and Powhatan Quarries,” said Mark Williams, environmental manager for Luck Stone.

Washington

In late 2009, Whatcom County planners decided that rezoning land near Acme to allow future sand and gravel mining wouldn’t cause significant harm to the environment. According to The Bellingham Herald, a flood of negative comments regarding the decision have prodded the planners to withdraw that decision. Planners now say that rezoning won’t become effective until after the mining company — Concrete Nor’West — applies for a mining permit and the county staff determines whether the operation will harm the environment.

 “In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit. Not a nasty, dirty, wet hole, filled with the ends of worms and an oozy smell, nor yet a dry, bare, sandy hole with nothing in it to sit down on or to eat: it was a hobbit-hole, and that means comfort.”

This quote is from J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit, which is still one of my favorite books. As a geologist with a special interest in the aggregates industry, I, like hobbit Bilbo Baggins, have spent many a day enjoying the comforts of a hole in the ground. Much of my knowledge about the aggregates industry has been gleaned from studying the faces of gravel pits and the highwalls of quarries. Even lunch “in the pits” is a pleasure, dining on a sandwich and soda while visually exploring the structures in the sediments or rocks from my seat on the bottom of an overturned 5-gallon sample bucket.

But I am not alone in enjoying the comforts of a hole in the ground. All over the world, the exposures in quarries and pits help geologists unravel the mysteries of our planet and how life has evolved. The geologic information mined from quarries and pits contributes to economic development by improving our ability to find new mineral resources, and plays an important role in understanding geologic processes such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, flooding, and landslides. And let us not forget the important role that aggregate operations play in the education of the budding geologists of tomorrow.

Sustainability has given birth to a new word — geodiversity — which is a term used primarily in the United Kingdom, the European Union, and Australia. Geodiversity is the geological equivalent of biodiversity and, in general, means ‘the variety of geological features.’ Frequently, geodiversity is used to emphasize the importance of geology in our daily lives and to encourage the conservation of areas that display diverse geologic conditions. 

The concept of geodiversity and geologic conservation presents a novel opportunity to aggregate operators. As stated above, quarries and pits can be a vital resource for geological education, training, and research. Aggregate operators can present this educational resource to schools and communities so they can discover and understand the world at their doorstep, and to universities and scientific organizations to conduct detailed scientific research.

Geological conservation does not inevitably require preserving features. For example, as quarry excavation advances, one exposure often is replaced by another of comparable interest. Aggregate companies can make a significant contribution to the study of geodiversity simply by allowing and encouraging research and educational visits. This can be accomplished by allowing scientists access to the quarry and by holding quarry tours, constructing self-guided viewing platforms, and providing on-site interpretative material such as information boards, leaflets, and maps for the general public. Interpretive information can describe geology and geologic processes, demonstrate links between geology and quarrying, and show how industry and people use the products from the pit or quarry.

Geodiversity presents a huge opportunity for the aggregates industry to create a better understanding of its work and leave something of lasting value to future generations. What does the industry have to gain? In the words of Tolkien…

“This is the story of how a Baggins had an adventure, and found himself doing and saying things altogether unexpected…He gained — well, you will see whether he gained anything in the end.”

by Kerry Clines, Senior Editor

The east coast of Florida isn’t exactly the kind of place someone would expect to find a rock quarry, but that’s exactly where you’ll find Rock Solid Rock LLC. The quarry mines a unique material — coquina — in the form of rock, shell, and sand. The operation is located in Titusville, a small coastal city where townspeople can look right across the Indian River at Cape Canaveral. The town’s seawall and the edge of the bridge leading to the cape are lined with coquina rock that came from the quarry.

Humble beginnings

Rock Solid Rock opened in October 2002. The owner of the operation, Robi Roberts, is a long-time resident of Titusville who owned both a construction business, which was sold in 2005, and a stormwater utility business, which she still owns, prior to opening the quarry. Roberts bought the mineral rights to a piece of property owned by a friend for a period of 20 years and set up shop.

The operation started out very small — producing 30,000 tons the first year — but by 2006, it was producing 66,000 tons per year.

“For a three-man band, that wasn’t bad,” says Nicolle Lochary, facility manager. “We had an operator, a scalehouse operator, and me. That was it, till we got this sand job. Now we’ve got about 10 people. We took a couple of guys from the stormwater end, trained them, and moved them over to the mine. We’re shipping out about 10,000 tons a week now.”

The sand job is a beach re-nourishment project coordinated by Brevard County and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Beach sand is being replaced in several areas along the coast where hurricanes have washed it away over the years.

The coquina shell sand works well on the beach because it is a shell material that came from the sea in the first place. But it also addresses one of the major environmental concerns surrounding the beach re-nourishment project — sea turtles. The turtles need to be able to dig through whatever sand is placed on the beach in order to lay their eggs. Coquina sand is loose and doesn’t compact easily, making it a good choice.

“There are quarries located all up and down the East Coast along the railroad that was built back in the 1800s,” Lochary says, “but we’re the only licensed pit left that produces coquina shell sand. The people placing the sand on the beach didn’t know anything about us, though. They learned about us through Mike McGarry of Brevard County Natural Resources.”

Simple operation

“This is a simple operation,” says Rick Cleveland, production manager, “small, and not much to it. The track hoe is the beginning of the operation for this sand. We dig the sand out of [the pond] and load it in the dump truck. The truck then places it in a stockpile. We stockpile the wet stuff separate from the dry, so it can sit overnight and drain.”

The next morning, the material is dry enough to run through a screen to separate the bigger rocks from the sand. “We just have one screen right now,” Cleveland says. “We have two grates inside the Powerscreen. The different sizes of rock come off different belts into separate piles.” The sand for the beach re-nourishment project is deposited into another pile.

Wheel loaders scoop up each of the piles and move them to the appropriate place in the pit to await loadout. The sand for the beach job is hauled up to the top of a long sand pile and dumped at the very end. From there, the trucks are loaded.

“We load a truck in about a minute and a half,” Cleveland says, “so they don’t spend much time waiting. Right now, a truck’s cycle time — to get loaded, go [to the beach], dump, and get back here — is  about 2 hours and 30 minutes. We’re having a hard time keeping truckers here because they only get about three loads a day like that. At the next beach site, which is closer, they should be able to get six or seven loads a day. We’ll have a million trucks out here then.”

“We’ve been able to get the material almost perfected through the screen machines, so we can pass the sieve test,” Lochary says. “We can figure out the consistency without having to mix it with any other material, so we don’t have to buy any material to mix with it to get the sand that they want for the beach job.”

Staying afloat

The sour economy has had an effect on just about everyone, including Rock Solid Rock. Prior to mining sand for the beach re-nourishment job, the quarry had been mining the highly sought-after coquina shell. This shell, because of its unique colors and texture, is very popular with golf courses across the state. The flat shape of the shell makes it lie flatter on the cart paths, and it drains better than sand in the bunkers. Golf courses, however, are not immune to the effects of the poor economy. Not as many people are playing golf now, so that business has fallen off.

“We were working on a big order to be shipped to the Bahamas for a golf course they were building on the Turks & Caicos Islands,” Lochary says. “The company that was building it went belly up when the economy slumped, so that job went south.”

Most of the coquina rock has already been mined out of the quarry, which leaves only sand and shell. “We don’t have much rock left,” Cleveland says. “If I had a mountain of rock out here, I could sell every rock I had, especially with it being the beginning of storm season. There’s a 200-foot area we can still mine — I still have rock over there — but we’ve got to move the overburden. It’s so slow right now.”

The beach re-nourishment project has picked things back up a bit for the quarry, but the high tides that occur a couple times a year have been a problem. The dump truck drivers hauling the sand to the beach don’t want to waste half a day waiting for the tide to go out. The fewer loads they transport, the less money they make.

Lochary thinks the stimulus bill will have a positive effect on the business. “It may take a while to trickle down to us, though,” she adds. “By the time the jobs get designed or the Department of Transportation lets them out to bid, we might not see the work for six to seven months.”

Sharing people and equipment with the stormwater utility business has helped both companies stay afloat and meet their payrolls without having to lay off any employees. When business is slow on the utility side, workers and equipment can be shifted to the quarry to help out, as they are now with the beach re-nourishment job. When the utility business picks up, hopefully this year, employees can be shifted back as they are needed.

“When the quarry began, it was along the same line as our construction business as far as equipment needs,” says Del Kelley, chief financial officer and son of owner Robi Roberts. “It was a simple way to diversify. It didn’t require a whole new business plan and personnel and equipment. We were able to share. This economy has certainly made people be creative,” he adds, “it’s an interesting time.”

In the meantime, Roberts and Kelley are taking advantage of the lull to turn over command of the business. Roberts retired and left oversight of the business to her son, and the still waters have allowed him to pursue some of his own interests. “Del’s outlook hasn’t changed,” Lochary says. “He’s taking advantage of the freed-up time to do things he wants to do. He knows it won’t be like this forever. Eventually, we’ll go back to working 60 to 70 hours a week rather than 24.”

 What is coquina?

Coquina, which means tiny shell, is the native stone of Florida. It was formed a long time ago when shell and sediment settled to the bottom of what was then the sea and became compacted over time. Some of the shell settled and formed rock around palm trees that later died and rotted, leaving large fossilized holes in the rock.

When first mined, the coquina rock is extremely soft, but the longer it is left out in the air to dry, the harder it gets. The density can vary, however, and so can the color — veins can range from tan to light peach to bright orange. 

On-site equipment

Case 621 D wheel loader

Powerscreen Turbo Chieftain 1200

Volvo EC700B excavator

Volvo L120E wheel loader

Komatsu WA250 wheel loader

Silvi will operate the Belle Mead Quarry under the name Gibraltar Rock of Belle Mead, and says it plans to begin selling stone to the construction, railroad ballast, and jetty rock markets effective immediately.  “This acquisition fulfills our desire to be vertically integrated and allows us to serve our customers more effectively,” says John Silvi, who co-owns the Silvi Group companies with his brother, Larry, “We are equally mindful of our responsibility to the community as a steward of the environment.”

With the concurrent sale of 267 acres of the Belle Mead property to the county of Somerset for preservation and a commitment to donate a circa 1770 house and surrounding land to the Van Harlingen Historical Society, Silvi has made a significant contribution to the preservation of open and historical space. 

In a separate transaction completed on May 27, 2009, Silvi sold 220 acres of land coveted by preservationists (in West Amwell Township, Hunterdon County, at the Western end of Sourland Mountain), to the New Jersey Green Acres program, assuring its ecological status in perpetuity.

Proven reserves are calculated at 250 million tons. The plant is rated at 1,000 tons per hour. Noting the fact that the quarry is equipped with rail loadout capabilities, Larry Silvi adds,  “With the active rail line, we will open up a wider marketing area for the stone that can be serviced economically while reducing truck traffic.” 

Alaska

Alaska Railroad officials say they are gearing up for a busy gravel-hauling season. According to the Alaska Journal of Commerce, the railroad expects to haul 2.5 million tons of gravel from three different locations in the Mat-Su Valley to the yard at Alaska Sand and Gravel. The railroad hauls for three clients — Eklutna Inc., Quality Asphalt Paving, and Wilder Construction — but also uses gravel for its purposes, such as using ballast to balance loads and car configurations. In 2008, the railroad hauled 2.8 million tons of gravel, but has averaged as much as 4 million tons in previous years with busy construction seasons.

Arizona

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation will spend $1 billion in federal stimulus dollars on water infrastructure projects, The Arizona Republic reports. The goal of the investment is to upgrade outdated water-delivery systems and improve wildlife habitat on rivers. According to the newspaper, $108 million will be spent on the lower Colorado River with funds going toward irrigation projects, repair and replacement of water-delivery components such as a storage reservoir, drainage systems, and riparian and marsh conservation areas.

California

California has committed more than $234 million to Bay Area transportation projects, according to the San Francisco Business Times. The funds, part of the first wave of stimulus monies to impact area infrastructure projects, will go toward a range of local projects that are designed to renovate existing thoroughfares. The vast majority, however, will go toward boring the fourth passageway in the Caldecott Tunnel, which connects Alameda and Contra Costa counties. The funds are part of more than $1 billion in stimulus cash earmarked for 80 transportation infrastructure projects around the state. The state expects to net nearly $2.6 billion to fix highways and streets and another $1 billion for transit projects.

Connecticut

To expedite construction projects in the state’s notoriously short construction season, the Connecticut Department of Transportation announced a three-day evaluation process for the review of approximately 80 local projects funded via federal stimulus dollars. “If this work can be concentrated during this season, then you will see significant job creation,” Donald Shubert, president of the Connecticut Construction Industries Association told The Hartford Courant. “If we’re talking October, November, then you will still see high unemployment.” For each project, local communities must hire inspectors, meet affirmative-action and disadvantaged-business requirements, satisfy state and federal design specifications, solicit public input, and pass an environmental review. The state received $302 million in stimulus money for highway, street, and bridge projects. Approximately $90 million of that is expected to be distributed to the local projects.

Hawaii

Approximately $246 million in state stimulus dollars are budgeted for two dozen highway, airport, and transit projects that are expected to support as many as 3,200 jobs, Pacific Business News reports. “The stimulus money is giving everyone some optimism for more work,” said Bill Wilson, president of Hawaiian Dredging Construction Co. “We’re doing okay — we’re fortunate to have a variety of work. But the economy is very challenging for everybody and there’s a great deal of uncertainty. [The stimulus] gives us opportunity.” Construction is the third largest industry in the state.

Massachusetts

As Plymouth County Commissioners recommend slashing budgets by 20 percent and cutting salaries for other officials, the county found one positive piece of economic news — a signed contract for sand and gravel removal far exceeded commissioner estimates. According to The Patriot Ledger, the bid is valued at approximately $750,000. In the meantime, the county budget is expected to drop from $3.2 million in this fiscal year to $2.5 million in fiscal 2010 if the advisory board accepts commissioner recommendations.

Montana

In early May, Gov. Brian Schweitzer signed into law House Bill 678 to revise state laws on gravel pits. Although he signed the legislation, the Associated Press reports that he said he objects to a provision that appears to restrict the public’s right to receive notice and participate in the permitting process of open cut mines — most of which are gravel operations. Schweitzer ordered the state Department of Environmental Quality to implement the bill in a manner that “treats the public notice and public participation requirements of the bill as floors, not ceilings.”

Nevada

As the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) studies the environmental effects of proposed aggregate operations on its land, nearly 400 residents attended a forum on the matter hosted by public officials. The Las Vegas Review-Journal reports that Cemex and Service Rock Products would like to lease land from the BLM and begin operations in 2011. First, however, the environmental impact reports must be completed, the companies must outbid any competitors for the leases, and the project must survive public resistance. About 5,500 residents signed a petition opposing the quarries, and U.S. Rep. Dina Titus (D-Nev.) told forum attendees that she would try to put a stop to the proposal. If the site proves unsuitable for mining, the BLM will foot the bill for the $350,000 environmental study. If not, the highest bidder will pay the cost and pay the federal government a royalty for mined materials.

***New Jersey

Calling the improvement of New Jersey roads and rails “part of our strategic future,” Gov. Jon Corzine proposed a $3.6 billion capital construction program for 2010. According to NJ.com, that figure represents a 9-percent increase over current funding levels and does not include an additional $1 billion in federal stimulus funding for the state that is also designated for transportation projects. Funds will be used toward “interim” repairs to the Pulaski Skyway in Kearney, Newark, and Jersey City; construction of a second commuter rail tunnel to Manhattan and an expanded Penn Station in New York; resurfacing of Route 287 in Somerset County and other highways; and $419 million for infrastructure improvements aimed at relieving congestion.

New York

After a three-year battle, the Skaneateles Town Board voted 3-2 to approve Cemento LLC’s application for a special use permit to develop a 77-acre sand and gravel mine. The Post-Standard reports that the company applied for the permit in January 2006, but the application was placed on hold as the town evaluated its mining laws. The vote followed party lines, with Republicans getting the permit through. The group reviewed testimony that lasted about 10 hours over the course of four nights. One of the dissenting board members asked for his comments to be entered into the record. A future neighbor of the site said those comments may form the basis for a lawsuit from the neighboring homeowner’s association.

Ohio

Approximately 200 Grove City residents gathered to hear Olen Corp’s proposal that would provide Columbus with a free reservoir — worth more than $130 million — to feed the rapidly growing city. According to The Columbus Dispatch, Olen Corp. would like to pump out an old pit, sending water into Columbus well fields and a local river, and then mine limestone for area construction projects. When the mining is complete, Olen would let the pit fill with rain and groundwater and repeat the process in three neighboring pits. In all, the project would span 70 years. While the proposed reservoir could hold 10 billion to 20 billion gallons, an administrator of the Columbus Division of Water acknowledged residents concerns that it could impact their water supply.

Pennsylvania

A backlog of big projects now underway is drawing attention from contractors throughout the state. Jack Ramage, executive director of the Master Builders Association of Western Pennsylvania told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review that the number of bids for private projects has risen about 30 to 40 percent in the past six months. A spokesperson for the state Department of General Services said he has seen the number of bids double during the past six months, even on small projects.

Utah

Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) officials said federal stimulus dollars are contributing to what’s shaping up to be a record year for highway construction in sheer number of projects in play. The Deseret News reports that Utah obligated more than half its allocated $215 million by late April. “This is the very largest construction program that we’ve ever reported,” said Jim McMinimee, UDOT’s project development director. “We have 169 projects currently under construction…over $2 billion worth of work out there.” He reported that as he reviewed bids on the state’s last 30 projects, contractor bids came in at 30 percent under engineer valuations.

Washington

At press time, the fight over Columbia Ready Mix’s mine expansion was set to be heard in court. According to the Yakima Herald-Republic, a resident who lives 900 feet from the mining operation appealed the county commissioners’ approval of the expansion to the Yakima County Superior Court. The dispute began in 2005 when Columbia Ready Mix got approval to open its 78-acre mine. The county limited operations to nine months a year and prohibited crushing. Last year, the company requested that the county lift those restrictions, and the county agreed to allow crushing nine months a year, with operations year-round.

Province News

Larry Bochurka, owner of a Gimli-area quarry, was killed May 4 when he was thrown from a vehicle at his quarry. The Winnipeg Free Press reports that Bochurka, 57, was riding through the quarry in a jeep and apparently driving over a scale when the jeep tipped over and he was thrown. A contractor working at the site saw the abandoned vehicle and searched for Bochurka. Authorities say the accident doesn’t appear to be work-related, but staff members from Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health are investigating the incident.