LUCK STONE’S POWHATAN AND SPOTSYLVANIA PLANTS STRIKE GOLD
The National Stone Sand and Gravel Association (NSSGA) recently selected Luck Stone’s Powhatan and Spotsylvania plants for Gold Level Achievement in Environmental Excellence and Community Relations. Gold awards are given to the top 10% of facilities who submit entries and meet specific judging criteria.
The Environmental Excellence award is judged on the following criteria:
1. Fundamental Environmental Programs
2. Employee Training
3. Site Best Management Practices
4. Facility Environmental Outreach Programs
5. Environmental Results
6. Environmental Management Systems
The criteria for the Excellence in Community Relations award are:
1. Community Participation/Outreach/Special Events
2. Donations and Service
3. Local and State Government Involvement
4. Communications
5. Educational Outreach
6. Plant Appearance
7. Media Relations
In order to achieve the specified criteria, Luck Stone’s Powhatan plant implemented tactics that supported an environmental strategy focused on water quality, recycling, community involvement and air quality. Luck’s Spotsylvania plant focused on their involvement with several community organizations, including the Spotsylvania Education Foundation, Spotsylvania Greenway Initiative, Massaponax High School and also proactively engaged federal and state officials to build relationships with members of Congress and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality.
“It’s a real honor for our plants to receive these national awards,” said John Pullen, President of Luck Stone. “I think it’s fair to say that these awards are more than just recognition for our plants. It’s recognition for the outstanding partnerships our plants have with their local communities and their commitment to the environment.”
For more information regarding the NSSGA and its award program, please click
here.
LUCK STONE RECEIVES AN EPA GRANT TO HELP REDUCE EMISSIONS
Luck Stone is participating in the first construction equipment repower project in Virginia, in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Virginia Clean Cities at James Madison University. Funding from the EPA will help Luck Stone reduce harmful emissions.
EPA’s $710,000 Diesel Emissions Reduction Act grant, combined with $1.1 million from Luck Stone, will enable the company to repower or replace 11 off-road construction vehicles with new, more efficient diesel engines and generators at plants in Richmond, Charlottesville, Leesburg, and Burkeville.
“Putting clean diesel engines to use will bring cleaner, healthier air for the workers and neighborhoods surrounding these plants,” said EPA mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin. “EPA is pleased to support Virginia Clean Cities’ newest initiative to improve air quality and public health for Virginia’s citizens.”
Doug Palmore, Luck Stone’s Vice President of Environmental Design & Development said, “We are honored to be participating in the inaugural construction repower project for Virginia along with the EPA, James Madison University, Virginia’s Department of Environmental Quality and Virginia Clean Cities. This partnership lines up perfectly with our environmental ethic and practices which focus on creating a net positive outcome for the environment and communities we serve.”
The new engines will result in a 50 percent reduction in nitrogen oxides and 65 percent reduction in particulate matter for each piece of equipment. Nitrogen oxides and particulate matter are prevalent air pollutants linked to asthma and other respiratory illness. Annually, the project will eliminate 30.85 tons of nitrogen oxide, two tons of particulate matter, 11.93 tons of carbon monoxide, and 2.74 tons of hydrocarbons from being emitted at the four plants.
“The heavy trucks and equipment that are being repowered or replaced are not only striking in their size and capability, but are critical to Luck Stone’s ability to provide quality crushed stone,” said Virginia Clean Cities Executive Director Chelsea Jenkins. “Virginia Clean Cities and James Madison University are energized to participate in such a significant project that will aide in curbing the impact such equipment has on the environment and ultimately Virginia’s economy and the health of its citizens.”
GILMERTON RECOGNIZED FOR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Less than two years after Luck Stone entered the Hampton Roads market, the company is earning recognition for its positive impact on the community.
The Gilmerton Terminal was recognized as a Silver Award Winner by the National Stone, Sand, and Gravel Association (NSSGA) for Excellence in Community Relations. The Gilmerton team and other Luck Stone associates have done everything from upgrading the appearance of the terminal to supporting a Learning Barge.
Ed Ladd, the general manager for the Gilmerton location, noted that this recognition is a result of everyone working together.
“Thanks to the team effort demonstrated here, we can be proud of this industry distinction,” Ed said. “These awards go a long way towards identifying Luck Stone as a good neighbor, an environmentally conscientious company and a values-driven organization.’’
Located in a very industrial area, the Gilmerton yard is set back from Bainbridge Boulevard and is further removed by a railroad crossing. Passersby are not able to see Luck Stone’s property from the road. However, Luck Stone believes that the appearance of its sites is integral to maintaining and projecting an image of quality and community support.
A few improvements include clearing overgrown brush, building a new fence and replacing the office roof. Additionally, as part of the Gilmerton Terminal’s Environmental Management System, several improvements were made. Rip rap and berms were strategically placed around the property to control water flow and fine aggregate.
Currently two rain gardens along the entry road are being constructed to improve the appearance of the site, as well as to more responsibly manage storm water. A local landscape architect is designing the project to ensure that it is both effective and aesthetically pleasing. The rain gardens will utilize Luck Stone’s Biofilter material.
Outside of the Gilmerton Terminal’s gates, Luck Stone provided significant support to the Elizabeth River Project (ERP). Stone and transportation costs were donated for the ERP’s Money Point Project, which is focused on rehabilitating Money Point, one of the most polluted areas on the river.
The Luck Stone Foundation supported the ERP’s Learning Barge with a $25,000 grant. The Barge, the world’s first and only floating wetlands classroom, allows students to visit the river and learn about the environment.
The barge features an observation pool, an enclosed lab, sun and wind power systems, and a wetland nursery, which uses Luck Stone’s Biofilter product. The lab and nursery demonstrate how a properly functioning wetlands system cleans water as it flows to the river.
PLANTS REWARDED FOR ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
Two of Luck Stone’s quarries joined an elite group of businesses in Fall 2009. The Spotsylvania and Powhatan quarries were recognized by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality for achieving E3 status.
Tom Faha, the Northern Virginia Regional Director for the Virginia DEQ, congratulated Luck Stone and the Spotsylvania team.
’’What you all have done is more than we could ask for, and we want to say thank you,’’ Faha said. ’’Only 20 percent of companies participating in VEEP have achieved this level.’’
Jamey Epps, Powhatan’s plant manager, described what it’s like for associates to see the fruits of their labor.
“The team is always working on many projects and trying to accommodate many regulatory guidelines and conditions,” Jamey said. “When you get the recognition from an agency outside the stone industry the team can’t help but feel that they are positively impacting their environment, community and Luck Stone.”
VEEP, the Virginia Environmental Excellence Program, recognizes facilities in the commonwealth that make a commitment to continuous environmental improvement. Luck Stone is a member of VEEP, a voluntary program run by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. There are different levels of achievement, starting at E2, an Environmental Enterprise, and once a facility implements an Environmental Management System and documents its goals for environmental improvement, the facility can be promoted to the level of E3, Exemplary Environmental Enterprise.
Spotsylvania and Powhatan quarries are the only quarries to be recognized at the E3 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.
The Powhatan associates appreciated the recognition and started looking ahead.
“The team was excited, yet inquisitive and curious about what they needed to do to not only sustain, but improve on this accomplishment,” Jamey said.
A few achievements at the Spotsylvania and Powhatan that helped them reach the E3 level:
- Hiring a Safety, Environmental and Neighbor Specialist to focus on environmental issues
- Utilizing of a full-time water truck to control dust emissions
- Constructing and maintaining storm water dikes, ditches and basins beyond those required by permits
- Adding an equipment wash station that completely cleans and recycles wash water
- Regular training and discussion of environmental issues and practices in staff meetings
- Implementing a recycling program with a goal to recycle all on-site steel components, motor oil and filters, batteries, manganese crusher plates, tires, electronic parts, paper and aluminum. The plant has installed a used oil heater and was able to burn 2200 gallons of used oil last year rather than purchasing fuel such as kerosene
Luck Stone Awards
National Stone, Sand & Gravel - Capstone Award
National Stone, Sand & Gravel - Community Relations Award
National Stone, Sand & Gravel - Pantheon Award
National Stone, Sand & Gravel - Environmental Eagle
National Stone, Sand & Gravel - About Face Award
National Stone, Sand & Gravel - Barry Wendt Memorial Commitment Award
National Stone, Sand & Gravel - Environmental Professional of the Year Award
Ernst and Young - Entrepreneur of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award
Building Stone Institute – Man of the Year Award
Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce Goodwill Award
National Stone, Sand & Gravel - Capstone Award
The Capstone Awards Program was created in 1989 to recognize outstanding marketing and market development efforts by aggregate producing companies and state aggregate associations in creating new, expanded or improved uses for aggregates. Capstone Awards spotlight innovative marketing programs of NSSGA members, provide a foundation for producers to exchange innovative promotional ideas and ensure the continued growth and success of the aggregates industry.
1996 LSC Dry Dedusted Sand
1997 LSC Gold - Stabilizer (specialty products)
1997 LSC Gold - Topsoils
1997 LSC Bronze - The Luck Stone Connection Newsletter
2000 LSC/ASD Silver - Marketing - ASD Literature
2002 Pittsboro Silver - 3M & Luck Stone - Roofing Granules
2003 HAR-TRU® Bronze
2004 Specialty Products Gold – BioFilter
Return to top
National Stone, Sand & Gravel - Community Relations Award
The Community Relations Program was begun in 1989 to recognize aggregate producers whose community involvement and support activities have enhanced the public’s perception of the aggregates industry in general and the public image of the individual producer’s aggregate operation in particular.
1991 Leesburg Gold Medallion(Goose Creek and WO&D agreements, cooperation and support on rezoning)
1993 Gold Medallion (Lee Nash hiring and working with Jim (handicap person) and recognition LS and Lee gained)
1996 Silver Medallion (Bike Trail/Overlook)
1996 Luckstone Silver Medallion (Company wide tree planting program)
1996 Bealeton Silver Medallion (Our efforts to inform community of Quarry of Year award)
1996 Augusta Gold Medallion (Mike Bohn involvement with Chamber, Bike Race, donation of land to expand cemetery)
1996 Fairfax Silver Medallion (Community Relations Award)
1996 Corporate (HR) Bronze Medallion (Mentoring program with Goochland schools)
1997 Fairfax Gold (Community (school/truckers)
1999 Central Services Bronze (Community (portable crusher)
2001 Luck Stone Gold (Educational Project - The Luck Stone Rock)
2002 ASD Silver Medallion (Langley High School 9/11 Memorial)
2003 Luck Stone Gold Medallion (USO Hampton Roads Holiday Show)
2004 Northern Region Excellence in Community Relations (Education outreach efforts)
2006 Luck Stone Pinnacle
2007 Spotsylvania/Massaponax Community Relations
Return to top
National Stone, Sand & Gravel - Pantheon Award
Established in 1999, the Pantheon Awards recognize exemplary use of aggregates in building design and construction to encourage and promote further use of this natural resource and draw attention to creative, beneficial design. The Pantheon Award is a ’’best use’’ award dedicated to the construction and building industry.
2001 ASD Aesthetic Use Award
2002 ASD Aesthetic Use Award - HAR-TRU
Return to top
National Stone, Sand & Gravel - Environmental Eagle
The Environmental Eagle Award was created in 1992 to provide national recognition for aggregate-producing companies actively contributing to the maintenance of the environment in and around their operations, as evidenced by a corporate commitment to the full use of environmental controls and systems. This award is based, in part, on the extent to which an operation meets and exceeds technical environmental and regulatory requirements. (The Eagle Award is not based on aesthetic or beautification criteria.)
1996 Powhatan Gold
1996 Fairfax Gold
1996 Augusta Silver
1997 Leesburg Gold
1997 Burlington Silver
1998 Rockville Gold
1998 Greene Gold
1998 Bealeton Gold
1999 Boscobel Gold
2000 Leesburg Platinum Winner (*New award for previous Gold winners)
2000 Boscobel 1st Runner Up Platinum
Return to top
National Stone, Sand & Gravel - About Face Award
The About Face Program is the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association’s oldest awards program. Created in 1975, this nationally acclaimed program recognizes and rewards aggregate producers who have made constructive and positive efforts to enhance the aesthetic appearance of their operations.
1990 Bealeton Show Place
1991 Burlington Show Place
1991 Bealeton Quarry of the Year (small size operation)
1992 Boscobel Show Place
1992 Augusta Quarry of the Year (medium size operation)
1993 Rockville Show Place
1994 Fairfax Show Place
1995 Leesburg 1st Runner-Up (Quarry of the Year-large size)
1996 Goose Creek Show Place
1996 Greene 2nd Place Tie (Quarry of the Year-medium size)
1997 Boscobel Quarry of the Year (medium)
1997 Burkeville Outstanding Achievement
1998 Powhatan Quarry of the Year (medium)
1999 Louisa Show Place
1999 Central Services Show Place
1999 Leesburg 1st Runner Up Quarry of the Year (Large Size)
2001 Fairfax Show Place
2003 Bull Run Show Place
2004 Bealeton Show Place
2006 Spotsylvania Show Place
Return to top
National Stone, Sand & Gravel - Barry Wendt Memorial Commitment Award
The Memorial Commitment Award goes to an individual who exemplifies the qualities of leadership and commitment demonstrated by the award’s namesake. It is the association’s highest individual service award.
2003 Charles Luck III, Chairman and CEO
2006 Joe Andrews, Vice President of Real Estate
Return to top
National Stone, Sand & Gravel - Environmental Professional of the Year Award
The Environmental Professional of the Year award provides recognition to an individual in the aggregates industry who has made superior and substantial contributions to his or her company’s, or the industry’s, efforts to achieve environmentally sound operating practices.
2003 Doug Palmore, Director of Risk Management
Return to top
Ernst and Young - Entrepreneur of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award
The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Program was created to recognize outstanding entrepreneurs who are building and leading dynamic and growing businesses.
2004 Charles Luck III and Charles Luck IV
Return to top
Building Stone Institute – Man of the Year Award
The Man of the Year Award is the highest annual award given by the Building Stone Institute (BSI)
2007 John Grubb
Return to top
Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce Goodwill Award
The Goodwill award honors area organizations and businesses for philanthropic efforts within the region
2007 Massaponax and Spotsylvania plants
Return to top
