Page 72 - 2022 Sustainability Report

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

“breathable” coastline option that effortlessly blends into the the Pamlico Sound near the Outer banks with a combined
natural environment. RS Solutions spent a considerable area of more than 350 acres.
amount of time searching for just the right mix of natural
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materials to use in QuickReef before settling on Belgrade’s Martin Marietta’s marl has played a major role in the
marl as a primary ingredient in their recipe. creation of these sanctuaries with class B rip rap (bowling
ball-sized limestone rock) from Clarks Quarry being used as
In addition to having a longer lifespan than many the primary material for oyster reefs. Since 2018, almost
traditional coastline barriers, living shorelines provide a 150,000 tons of Martin Marietta limestone has been used
number of environmental benefits, including the for oyster reef creation with an additional 18,000 tons
promotion of marsh land that helps decrease the amount scheduled for shipment in 2023. North Carolina has one of
of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and the creation of the strongest oyster sanctuary programs in the country and
valuable habitats for fish, crabs and a host of other other states are taking note. Such programs are on the rise
wildlife, including oysters. Many QuickReefs ™ are loaded across other coastal states.
with the mollusks within one year of placement, she said.
Buzz Crosby, Regional Vice President / General Manager of
Oysters have an enormous benefit for the environment with Martin Marietta’s Raleigh District (home to both Belgrade
adult oysters filtering about 30 gallons of water each day. and Clarks quarries), says he is excited his team’s products
Though not currently an endangered species, their worldwide are being utilized so sustainably. “As a company that
population has decreased dramatically in recent decades as a heavily values environmental stewardship, it’s great that
result of overharvesting, disease and loss of natural habitat. Martin Marietta has the opportunity to work with
organizations so completely dedicated to our
The creation of natural oyster reefs is another effort for environment,” Crosby said. “Whether we’re talking about
which Martin Marietta provides materials, Working with oyster reef sanctuaries, or the construction of
Restoration Systems Native Shorelines group and the North QuickReefs , the goals are one in the same. These groups
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Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries, the North Carolina work to ensure the overall health of our wildlife habitats so
Coastal Federation, The Nature Conservancy that they will be preserved for future generations. That’s
(headquartered in Virginia), and a handful of others our definitely a mission our team is proud to support.”
products have created an immense impact in recent years.
Since 1996, there have been 15 sanctuaries developed in

Living Shoreline Oyster growth on a Quick Reef ™

70 2022 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT