Page 88 - Martin Marietta - 2024 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 on an ongoing
basis as an integral part of the normal quarrying process.
Bat Habitat
Raccoon River, IA An important aspect of reclamation is returning the land to
beneficial use. Lands that are reclaimed are often improved
by a more diverse plant community and weed control. As
“We have been working with the U.S. Army Corps of such, reclaimed lands often provide valuable wildlife habitat.
Engineers-Rock Island District (USACE), U. S. Fish and Other common land uses for our reclaimed quarries post-
Wildlife and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources,” mining include water storage and reservoirs, parks and other
he says. “Because of this teamwork, Martin Marietta has recreational uses and sometimes commercial development.
been able to dedicate a section of land on the ground to
To underscore the long-term perspective of our operations
make sure the trees remain unbothered so the bats can
and the beneficial re-use of mining sites at the end of their
remain safe in their habitat.”
mining life, one need look no further than the Company’s
former Fairfield Ohio sand and gravel site. Located near the
While this preservation effort is important to the Indiana
Great Miami River, mining was ongoing as early as the
bat, it is also providing additional habitat for the Silver-
1950s. In 1956, the Company (via one of its predecessor
haired bat, the Hoary bat, the Northern long-eared bat and
entities) agreed to transfer the land back to the City of
several other species, Marek says, noting that such work is
Fairfield at the end of mining. These transfers occurred in
an essential element in Martin Marietta’s commitment to
phases as portions of the property were reclaimed, the last
environmental stewardship. occurring in 2017.

86 2024 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT