Introduction

Aggregate products have laid the foundation of contemporary life and our economy. Crushed stone is essential in building homes, schools, hospitals, roads and erosion control projects. Supplying quality stone and asphalt products to meet this need in an environmentally responsible manner is our goal. Aggregate producers recognize that the finite resources of the Earth require wise environmental stewardship to preserve the quality of life for future generations. Tilcon meets all requirements of state and federal environmental regulatory agencies. Our established reputation as an environmental steward, community leader and as a producer of quality aggregates, contributes to our success.

Environmental Uses and Benefits of Stone, Sand & Gravel

1. Erosion control and slope protection
   1. Dams
   2. Shorelines
   3. Rivers/stream banks
   4. Construction site - exits and runoff control
   5. Wetland and stream restoration
   6. Roadways/bridges
   7. Navigation channels
2.  Filtration
   1. Sewage treatment
   2. Septic tank leaching fields
   3. Wastewater control
   4. Infiltration for aquifer replenishment
3. Flue gas desulphurization
   1. SO2 reduction using limestone
4. Acid neutralization
   1. Streams
   2. Agricultural land
   3. Lakes          
5. Reclamation and habitat creation
   1. Backfill
   2. Wildlife preserves
   3. Land cover
   4. Habitat restoration
6. Landfills and waste disposal
   1. Leachate and gas collection layers
   2. Covers and protection
   3. Leachate pH adjustment
7. Concrete and asphalt construction for public works infrastructure
   1. Sewage treatment plants
   2. Water purification plants
   3. Incinerators/recycling facilities
   4. Dams, reservoirs and water supply
   5. Utility lines (water, sewerage, electrical

           Info from:  National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association

Reclamation

Sand, gravel and crushed stone are essential resources for home construction, road infrastructure, waste disposal and treatment facilities, water and sewer systems, and private and public buildings.  But every aggregate site will eventually be depleted over time, and there comes a point at which every mined property will need to be reclaimed.

Reclamation is the process of returning the mined property to another usable state.  It is one way that the aggregate industry is able to reduce environmental impacts from mining operations.  Reclamation of a mined-out area is important to communities near an aggregate operation.  Once reserves are depleted, aggregate pits and quarries can be converted into second uses that can include residential communities, resorts, parks, wildlife refuges, golf courses, botanical gardens and wetlands.

Tilcon has reclaimed two former mine sites – Empire Stone Products in New York, and the Clifton quarry in New Jersey.  In 2003, the 30-acre Empire site in Orange County was transformed from a sand and gravel pit to a site that blends in with the natural topography of the surrounding fields and farmlands.  Work is underway at the former Clifton mine site to transform it to a housing project which will feature town homes, condominiums and attached villa style homes.  The rock cliffs will predominate in the background of this active adult community being developed by K. Hovnanian.