Page 85 - 2023 Sustainability Report

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

“Practicing conservation to minimize our environmental
impact is an important aspect of our business,” he says.
“These trees will remain as habitat, and we hope these
bats will come and go as they desire. They will always be
welcomed visitors to Raccoon River Sand.”

Land Reclamation
Activities

Our approach to reclamation includes the protection of the
environment while we are quarrying as well as its
restoration after mining, both of which we typically plan
before we open a new site. In so doing, we commit to
activities that include minimizing impacts to neighboring
properties, wildlife and fauna, adjacent streams and water
quality. We are generally required by state or local laws, or
pursuant to the terms of an applicable lease, to reclaim
quarry sites after use, which usually includes a requirement
to post a reclamation bond to guarantee performance of
that work. During the process of applying for permits, we
include extensive information regarding our reclamation
activities, and consider any concerns expressed by local
communities and other stakeholders.

We own or lease more than 250,000 acres of land and
have developed reclamation or restoration management
plans for approximately 90 percent of our operating
quarry sites. Generally, we perform reclamation activities
Bat Habitat on an ongoing basis as an integral part of the normal
Raccoon River, IA quarrying process.

An important aspect of reclamation is returning the land to
“We have been working with the U.S. Army Corps of
beneficial use. Lands that are reclaimed are often improved
Engineers-Rock Island District (USACE), U. S. Fish and
by a more diverse plant community and weed control. As
Wildlife and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources,”
such, reclaimed lands often provide valuable wildlife habitat.
he says. “Because of this teamwork, Martin Marietta has
Other common land uses for our reclaimed quarries post-
been able to dedicate a section of land on the ground to
mining include water storage and reservoirs, parks and other
make sure the trees remain unbothered so the bats can
recreational uses and sometimes commercial development.
remain safe in their habitat.”
One recent example of such post-mining use is seen in the
While this preservation effort is important to the Indiana
Martin Marietta Park in New Bern, North Carolina. With its
bat, it is also providing additional habitat for the Silver-
ribbon cutting ceremony in March of 2022, the park
haired bat, the Hoary bat, the Northern long-eared bat and
became the largest in New Bern. “Martin Marietta Park was
several other species, Marek says, noting that such work is designed to be a Regional Park to not only attract the
an essential element in Martin Marietta’s commitment to citizens of New Bern but the surrounding area. And
environmental stewardship. especially when we build out the park with our future
phases, with amphitheater and rope sports and things like

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