Hanson Aggregates reaches agreement with Oklahoma environmental group
July 7, 2011Hanson Aggregates LLC and an Oklahoma-based environmental group recently updated citizens, public officials and the media on an agreement relating to Hanson’s water management of its proposed quarry near Mill Creek in Johnston County, Okla.
Hanson will incorporate its agreement with the Citizens for the Protection of the Arbuckle Simpson Aquifer (CPASA) into its water use and mining permits. CPASA is a non-profit organization based in Tishomingo, Okla., whose mission is to preserve and protect the springs of the Arbuckle Simpson Aquifer.
A portion of Hanson’s 3,500 acres overlies the Arbuckle Simpson Aquifer, and the agreement ensures that Hanson’s operation of its quarry is protective of the aquifer and of springs and streams emanating from the aquifer. The agreement also contains terms and conditions that are protective of the aquifer’s groundwater and surface water, under which Hanson will operate its quarry.
“We knew about the concerns associated with any activity, especially mining, that could affect the volume and quality of both the aquifer and surface water at our property, and that drove a desire to be very transparent with local stakeholders well before we finalized our permit applications with the state,” said Phil Holland, vice president and general manager of aggregates for Hanson’s south region.
Amy Ford, president of CPASA, added, “We appreciate Hanson’s approach. CPASA is, and always has been, diligently fighting for the protection of the aquifer, and this [agreement] is the culmination of those continued efforts. Having Hanson approach CPASA prior to moving forward with either its mining or water permit applications shows not only its willingness to address community concerns, but also its understanding that the preservation of the aquifer is ultimately vital to its own business model.”
Key features of the agreement include:
• Setting maximum annual limits on volume and use of all groundwater and surface water, including pit water from groundwater infiltration.
• Hanson’s support for regulating pit water.
• The formation of a community advisory panel and technical advisory committee that will review Hanson’s operating and water use plans prior to beginning or changing mining operations.
• Hanson’s incorporation of the technical advisory committee’s recommendations regarding a monitoring system on the aquifer and Mill Creek.
• Monitoring groundwater and surface water for at least one year prior to commencing mining activities and continuing the monitoring system throughout the life of the mine.
• Implementing a system to monitor groundwater and rain water volumes entering the mine pit and used in aggregates washing, as recommended by the technical advisory committee.
• Establishing a base flow for Mill Creek to ensure that the water used by Hanson for quarry operations does not negatively impact the minimum water flow necessary to maintain the environmental integrity of Mill Creek.
• Providing at least one year’s advance notice before commencing aggregates washing activities at the quarry.
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