The South Carolina Wildlife Federation (SCWF) certified Martin Marietta’s Berkeley Quarry as a Wildlife And Industry Together (W.A.I.T.) site. The W.A.I.T. program recognizes industries that are dedicated to protecting the environment and keep wildlife needs in mind when making land-management decisions. Martin Marietta joined 29 other manufacturers in the state with this distinction, including BMW, Michelin, Honda of S.C., Duke Energy, FujiFilm, Spartanburg Water and others.
At Berkeley Quarry, employees mine marine limestone and process it into aggregates of various grades and sizes. These materials are used in a variety of construction, chemical and industrial applications.
SCWF acknowledged that Martin Marietta is proudly committed to being a good steward of the environment. The W.A.I.T. certification recognizes that Berkeley Quarry has taken a leading role in environmental protection, in part by utilizing the 4,000-acre Walworth Plantation property adjacent to the quarry and reclaiming land associated with a former slot mining operation across the street from the active quarry.
In addition to planting quail and dove food plots by the previous owner, management has plans to install bat houses, duck and bird boxes to enhance the natural population and diversity of wildlife.
The company’s Timber Management Plan used by the quarry will include conversion of a portion of the loblolly pine to a long-leaf pine ecosystem. An abundance of roads and numerous walking trails allow the site to be used for wildlife enhancement and educational opportunities for local schools, civic and church organizations.