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Energy
Efficiency Awards
In 1999, all three of our chloralkali plants
received energy efficiency awards from the American Chemistry
Council. A cell-leveling and anode replacement project at
the Wisconsin chloralkali plant significantly improved electrical
efficiency. Flexibility provided by cogeneration units at
our chloralkali plants in Kansas and Louisiana allowed us
to sell power from these facilities during power shortages
in hot summer months over the past two years.
In recent years we have taken aggressive
steps to voluntarily eliminate PCB-contaminated electrical
equipment at facilities within both business segments. At
our construction materials operations, we have eliminated
or reduced the amount of waste materials requiring off-site
disposal. Most are recycled by the supplier or a suitable
vendor.
Calera Quarry
To meet changing needs at our Calera Quarry
in Alabama, Vulcan conducted a major plant rebuild. In addition
to improving the quality and quantity of the quarry 's output,
this lowered fuel consumption and energy use, and produced
a safer and cleaner facility. An electrically powered conveyor
now moves stone that previously had been transported more
than two miles by diesel-powered trucks.
McCook Quarry / CleanFill
An innovative program in the Chicago area
promotes both resource conservation and pollution prevention.
We use clean, inert material to reclaim and restore mined-out
sections of our quarries. The McCook Quarry works with key
customers to take this "cleanfill " material from
construction projects. These customers are carefully educated
about their responsibilities. We inspect the source of the
material and investigate potential contamination. Rigorous
inspections are part of the program.
Because no standards existed, Vulcan produced
a methodology to ensure that cleanfill conforms to residential
levels, meaning that reclaimed quarries can be used for homes,
schools or even farms.
Receiving cleanfill makes good economic
and environmental sense. It extends the life of landfills.
It is economically profitable. And our customers benefit:
Trucks delivering cleanfill often leave with stone products,
which reduces traffic, transportation costs and shipping time.
Concrete and Asphalt Recycling
Vulcan plants are setting high benchmarks
for recycling concrete and asphalt. According to a Federal
Highway Administration report, 80% of asphalt pavement removed
each year during widening and resurfacing projects is reused
-about 73 million tons annually. This recycling percentage
is higher than for any other material, including aluminum
and newspapers. We support the reuse of concrete and asphalt;
and we are working to train our people and others in the industry
to maintain quality standards and recognize the environmental
and economic benefits of recycled products. As with cleanfill,
recycling decreases construction and trucking costs, and conserves
landfill space.
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