The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) recognized two operations with Platinum Awards of Excellence during its 2016 Annual Convention and AGG1 Academy & Expo. These awards are the highest recognition that a single quarry can receive for community outreach and sustainable practices.
- Dufferin Aggregates Acton Quarry, a division of CRH Canada Group Inc., was presented with the 2015 Platinum Award for Excellence in Community Relations.
- Bullitt County Stone, of the Rogers Group Inc., was presented the 2015 Platinum Award for Environmental Excellence.
Acton Quarry will also be presented with NSSGA’s Two Stars of Excellence Award for earning a second Award of Excellence in five years (Community Relations in 2015 and Environmental Excellence in 2012).
Operations who have received the Platinum Award for Community Relations have sought to improve the public perception of both local aggregates operations and the industry nationwide through positive media exposure and community outreach.
“These are two truly stand-out operations for their dedication to their communities and the environment. Both have implemented innovative programs and raised the bar for the industry as a whole,” said Michael W. Johnson, NSSGA president and CEO.
Among the many activities that brought the community to the quarry, the Ontario-based operation hosted an open house in September 2015 that featured bus tours, haul truck rides and events that sought to educate more than 250 elected officials and nearby residents about the aggregates industry.
Acton Quarry develops positive relationships with political leaders as well as the community throughout the year. The charities supported by Acton Quarry ranges from children’s hospice services to local soccer and hockey teams. The staff organized an annual tree-planting event with Scouts Canada, where more than 300 volunteers planted over 1,900 trees as part of the site’s progressive environmental stewardship efforts. The quarry even provides a free load of aggregate to their neighbors in a gesture of goodwill.
Bullitt County Stone’s excellence in environmental stewardship begins with their employees. At every level, the company stresses that sustainability is vital to the quarry and to being a good neighbor.
In addition to an innovative dust-mitigation, water recycling and truck washing system, the company preserved over 300 acres of green space that serve as a public park and wildlife habitat by moving mining operations underground. Rogers Group’s online tool – Rockology 101 – also explains the quarrying process and benefits to neighbors and the public.
“We gladly recognize Dufferin Aggregates and the Rogers Group for involving their communities in their operations and helping them understand the value of the aggregates industry,” said Johnson.