Case studies on effective quarry rehabilitation and biodiversity management: Awarded initiatives for Titan America in the Center Sand (Florida), and Roanoke Cement (Virginia) operations

6th International Conference on Sustainable Development in the Minerals Industry, 30 June – 3 July 2013, Milos island, Greece

345

Case studies on effective quarry rehabilitation and biodiversity management: Awarded initiatives for Titan America in the Center Sand (Florida), and Roanoke Cement (Virginia) operations J. Mastoris and K. Dragasakis Titan Cement Company, Greece

L. Clark and K. Folsom Titan America, USA

ABSTRACT Extracting raw materials that are required for producing cement and aggregates can have significant local impacts on the landscape, ecosystems and communities around quarries. Effective management and well-planned rehabilitation strategies help to restore or even create value in these quarries. The World Business Council for Sustainable Development/Cement Sustainability Initiative (WBCSD/CSI) member companies recognize their responsibility to effectively manage and rehabilitate both the quarry site they operate, and, wherever necessary, the surrounding area during and upon completion of operations. The motivation for business to engage in rehabilitation activities in the first place originates from the belief that the development and implementation of a progressive and practical quarry rehabilitation plan will deliver significant environmental and social benefits that outweigh the long-term rehabilitation costs, while maintaining the company’s reputation. This plan has to be supported by a good management team, a strong commitment to corporate responsibility and with a clear goal of stewarding and even increasing the post-mining value of the land for the local communities. The CSI Task Force on Biodiversity and Land Stewardship has been the driving force behind the establishment of biodiversity performance indicators for the industry and the Quarry Rehabilitation Guidelines (QRG) in early 2012. According to the Titan Sustainability Roadmap, “Increased awareness and efficiency

with respect to biodiversity issues” is both a mindset and a given target. Titan looks beyond “conventional” environmental impact assessment and rehabilitation plans, for reducing and/or mitigating quarry impacts, and the respective monitoring of reclamation throughout the areas of operating quarries. To do this, Titan focuses on identified cases related to endangered species and habitats, and applies specific Biodiversity Management Plans (BMP) to preserve and enhance the areas. The initiatives of Titan America in the Center Sand Quarry and Roanoke Limestone Quarry are good case examples for effective quarry rehabilitation and biodiversity management. The BMPs will be further adjusted in alignment with the Biodiversity Management Plan Guidance that will be produced by the CSI Task Force within 2013. The purpose of this Guidance is to serve as a resource to cement companies to facilitate and support the development of BMPs. The intention is to present the key issues, to provide a clear set of guidelines that are site-specific, but also to create a centralised resource that links to relevant case studies, datasets, tools and other available resources and publications. 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 The WBCSD/CSI The WBCSD’s Cement Sustainability Initiative (CSI) is a global effort by 24 leading cement producers with operations in more than 100 countries, to address key sustainability issues voluntarily, proactively, and over an extended

346

6th International Conference on Sustainable Development in the Minerals Industry, 30 June – 3 July 2013, Milos island, Greece

time period. Collectively, these companies account for around 30% of the world’s cement production and range in size from very large multinationals to smaller local producers. All CSI members have integrated sustainable development into their business strategies and operations as they seek strong financial performance with an equally strong commitment to social and environmental responsibility (WBCSD, 2013).

to the context. The guidelines have been designed to complement rather than replace, existing successful rehabilitation practices. The CSI Guidelines feature 30 operational case studies covering a wide range of quarry types and local habitats around the world (WBCSD/CSI, 2011a). While quarry rehabilitation, in a broader approach, addresses more than just biodiversity issues, the cases studies outlined here focus mainly on biodiversity.

1.2 Benchmarking: The CSI Quarry Rehabilitation Guidelines

2. TITAN AMERICA INITIATIVES

With the aim of transforming worked-out quarries into actual assets for communities and the wider environment, CSI member companies continue to undertake significant work to improve biodiversity and amenity value through quarry rehabilitation. 2011 saw the publication of the WBCSD-CSI Guidelines on Quarry Rehabilitation (Fig. 1), which aim to: (1) ensure CSI members have a common understanding of the key performance indicators on quarry rehabilitation; (2) support the process of quarry rehabilitation; and (3) achieve consistent reporting across members. It is for each company to mandate and apply the guidelines within its operations, as appropriate

Figure 1: WBCSD/CSI Guidelines on Quarry Rehabilitation.

2.1 Center Sand Gopher Tortoise In April 2009, Titan America was presented with the Florida Mining Association Environmental Award for the development of the Center Sand Conservation Area, next to the aggregates quarry of Titan/Tarmac America, located in Clermont, Lake County of Florida, USA, adjacent to a state preservation site. The threatened species intended to protect is the sandburrowing gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus), a burrowing tortoise that cohabitates with other burrowing creatures such as the sand skink. Florida State planning and conservation efforts are geared to eliminate any mortality for the tortoise during developments such as mining or other infrastructure activities. In the Center Sand quarry, alluvial deposits of fine sands provide a 280-hectare open pit mining area, mostly already excavated and turned into a shallow man-made lake or lagoon (Fig. 2). This practice is a common form of re-

Figure 2: Center Sand Quarry, Florida USA.

6th International Conference on Sustainable Development in the Minerals Industry, 30 June – 3 July 2013, Milos island, Greece

habilitation after quarry closure, according to the local geology, types of raw materials, hydrogeology and hydrologic conditions, and the mining method/system in place (floating dredge operation) (WBCSD/CSI, 2011b). Under the Center Sand mining plan, operations would have to encroach on the tortoise burrows. The quarry - in turn - had to plan and implement, beforehand, the relocation of Gopher Tortoises in a nearby and safe, ‘no-mining’ preservation area. In 2008, having studied the issue in cooperation with specialists and the State of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC), Titan conducted site surveys with specialized personnel, equipment and instrumentation from experienced Florida Ecologist Experts and Consultants (Biological Research Associates, BRA) to determine locations and identify the type of burrows and the number of inhabited burrows on the property. The number one target was to preserve and enhance local gopher tortoise populations. Following, the local landowners had to be incentivized, to protect the species by having their land certified as “Recipient Sites”. A new 14.2 hectare nature reservation habitat was finally created adjacent to the mining property in order to safeguard the Gopher Tortoises existence and sustainable population growth. Actions necessary and measures taken: - Hog-fencing: an eco-friendly barrier was created (buried) in the ground, to keep the tortoises from returning to the mining areas. - Pine trees were thinned and/or removed from the adjacent preservation area and the land was reseeded with foraging plants suitable for the tortoises, in order to facilitate the species’ relocation into their new home. - Most of the area was surveyed for burrows. The approximate location of each burrow was marked on a 1" = 200' aerial photograph, used for permitting as required by the state license. The survey also listed all other important species (sightings and signs like tracks, scat) observed on the site. The BRA experts looked for occurrences and relative abundance of species considered endangered, threatened, or of special concern by the US

347

Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) under the rules and standard methodology of the FFWCC. - Excavation followed in July 2008, to capture the Gopher Tortoises (Fig. 3), reaching their burrows with backhoes/excavators and by hand, to avoid destroying the burrows, tortoises and their eggs. - 56 tortoises (22 male, 24 female, 10 immature) were manually moved from the planned mining area and placed in their new protected habitat. The tortoises were all measured and marked (Fig. 3), and documentation was overseen by BRA. The safe-zone area is regularly maintained, including mowing to provide foraging areas for the tortoises. The project, including licensing, studies and field work, took approximately one year, including two walking surveys 6 months apart to obtain un-biased results and reliable measurements. There is an on-going program of monitoring the gopher tortoise preservation area. The aftermath: Sensitive, tedious and complex project, where the contribution of experts in the field and specialized scientific crew of ecologists plays a crucial role. Florida Forestry Service (FFS) representatives have recently visited the site to review site conditions and initiate a joint partnership between Center Sand and FFS to control invasive

Figure 3: Finding burrows, capturing and measuring tortoises before releasing them to their new habitat.

348

6th International Conference on Sustainable Development in the Minerals Industry, 30 June – 3 July 2013, Milos island, Greece

natal grass in the gopher tortoise preserve, which is encroaching on the FFS’s adjacent property and the several listed species of plants that are known to exist there. The control of the natal grass will also enhance the gopher tortoise area’s environment by removing/reducing the invasive species. 2.2 Roanoke Cement Rainbow Trout An old limestone pit belonging to Titan America’s Roanoke Cement Company (RCC) in Cloverdale, Virginia, USA, has been turned into a 6-acre pond filled by groundwater inflows and rainfall (WBCSD/CSI, 2011c). The site is ideal for hosting rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), which is an environmentally sensitive species. By enforcing water-level control, and thus flood prevention, RCC preserves the lake conditions and meets the aquatic habitat requirements. The quality of water inside the pond is monitored once per year through measurements of water temperature, in order to assess conditions for the trout survival. Beyond the pond, the surrounding site also offers 8,400 square feet of land for restoration (Fig. 4). The Trout Pond Restoration Project started in 2008 and was developed to create a sustainable ecosystem rich in biodiversity. The area adjacent to the pond was restored with soil and planted with recommended native species, based on the results of a biodiversity study, made in collaboration with Roanoke College. Bird feeders, birdhouses, and beehives have been installed to attract wildlife.

Figure 4: Restoration of an old limestone pit, Roanoke, Virginia USA.

Restoration and interest in the site was elevated in 2009, through a partnership with the Trout Unlimited, a USA organization dedicated to conserve, protect and restore North America’s trout and salmon fisheries and their watersheds. In March 2009, 350 rainbow trout were released into the quarry pond (Fig. 5) in line with Roanoke Cement Plant’s commitment to raise awareness towards preserving valuable watershed resources. To take full advantage of the shoreline, a 10x20’ eco-friendly fishing pier with floating dock was constructed out of pine, allowing visitors to fish or view wildlife (Fig. 5). Targets and aims of this initiative: - To bring the old quarry “back to life” with restoration and biodiversity. - To preserve and enhance trout species inside a sustainable ecosystem. - To raise awareness on preserving watershed resources with the participation in the “Trout in the Classroom” program through Trout Unlimited organization, which enables middle to high school students to observe trout in an aquarium setting in their classrooms. The students raise the trout from eggs to fingerlings, monitoring water tank quality and engaging in a stream habitat study while realizing the goals of appreciating water resources, fostering a conservation ethic and understanding ecosystem connectivity. The mature

Figure 5: Trout release and fishing dock in quarry pond.

6th International Conference on Sustainable Development in the Minerals Industry, 30 June – 3 July 2013, Milos island, Greece

fish are then released back into nature in the spring - a perfect adjunct to Roanoke Cement Company's clean water efforts. The initiative has ever since demonstrated that this fish can survive in the pond throughout the year, subject to water conditions, by staying in the cooler, deeper parts of the lake. Other restoration activities in the area adjacent to the pond: works began with leveling out the rock and placing on-site clay soil - taken from overburden in the operating quarry site for planting over the area. On the far left of the pond, a shallow area was created to grow wetland vegetation. Plantings included: Tuscarora Crape Myrtles, Weeping Willows, Spiraling Willows and Cattails. Kentucky 31 Tall Fescue grass was sowed, perfect for the clay soil conditions surrounding the trout pond. The fescue has a widespread root system allowing the grass to be highly drought resistant. Plant species found in the region or native to the state were favored as sustainable choices. To bring in more native wildflowers, clay beds were laid out along the bank of the pond. Native habitats were created adjacent to the trout pond using premixed seed including: Indiangrass, Canada Wild Rye, Big Bluestem, Partridge Pea, Ox Eye Sunflower, Black Eyed Susan and Switchgrass. Bird feeders and birdhouses were installed to lure native species back to the area that were impacted by mining activity. Various birdhouses included: eco-friendly structures hung near the trout pond as well as globe cage feeders that resist squirrels and other species of birds that bully smaller birds. A variety of species now occupy the various habitats within the pond, including several different species of dragonfly that require water for breeding. Dragonflies are especially important indicators for gauging the health of a trout pond. The restored trout pond provides now an excellent habitat for dragonflies, as well as other species, such as butterflies and grasshoppers. The trout pond also attracts native birds by providing freshwater, food and nesting materials. In July 2011, Roanoke Cement Company was recognized by Virginia DMME (Division of Mining Mineral and Energy) and VTCA

349

(Virginia Transportation Construction Alliance) with the “Best Quarry” Reclamation Award (WBCSD Ecosystems, 2012). 2.3 RCC focuses on Catawba Creek Further, RCC has now restored adjacent areas, in line with Titan’s commitment to enhancing biodiversity and demonstrating land stewardship. Manufacturing cement for more than 50 years, the Troutville plant is located in the center of a pristine environment, much heralded as a recreation destination. Other initiatives taken by Roanoke Cement include the establishment of: - A right-of-way for hikers to cross its property on the Andy Layne Memorial Trail, dedicated in March of 2001, for the legendary Appalachian Trail hiker; - The annual event of “Catawba Creek Cleanup”, a spring Saturday morning gathering of employees and local residents who walk the banks of surrounding Catawba Creek polishing the stream. Roanoke Cement Company employees and volunteers have picked up more than ten tons of trash since the start of the program in 2006. In 2009 the Plant was honored with the Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence for Land Conservation. The company was recognized for its dedication, continued open access and upkeep of the Andy Layne Memorial Trail, as well as for continued stewardship of Catawba Creek. Further, in 2012 RCC received the Wildlife Habitat Council Certification as a result of the Plant's demonstrated commitment toward longterm wildlife habitat enhancement efforts, including the company’s dedication to the Catawba Creek through voluntary clean-ups and water quality monitoring, frequent newsletters for employees and the community, the creation of important wetland habitat for migratory birds and partnerships with Trout Unlimited and Virginia Save Our Streams to educate students and the community.

350

6th International Conference on Sustainable Development in the Minerals Industry, 30 June – 3 July 2013, Milos island, Greece

3. CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE STEPS The production of cement and aggregates requires extraction of raw materials which can have significant local impacts on the landscape, ecosystems and communities around quarries. Effective management and well-planned rehabilitation strategies help to restore or even create value in these quarries. CSI member companies recognize their responsibility for effective management and rehabilitation of both the quarry they operate, and wherever necessary, the surrounding area, during as well as upon completion of operations, having the vision that the development and implementation of a progressive and practical quarry rehabilitation plan will deliver significant environmental and social benefits, which can outweigh the long-term rehabilitation costs to the cement companies. In this respect, the CSI developed and published the Quarry Rehabilitation Guidelines, aiming at providing a clear set of recommendations, ensuring common understanding and supporting members around the development and implementation of a quarry rehabilitation plan. The vision is that by 2020 the CSI QRG become international good practice for all quarry activity. Further, work is currently ongoing within CSI to produce the Biodiversity Management Plan Guidance to facilitate and support the development of BMPs, which represent the highest level of biodiversity management for an active extraction site. Whereas every mining site must have a Rehabilitation Plan, a BMP is especially for those sites that are sensitive for biodiversity. Titan has launched a systematic program to communicate the CSI QRG to its business units, aiming to use them as a tool for supporting new rehabilitation plans or improving the existing plans at its quarry operations (Titan Group, 2007-2011). Further, Titan looks beyond “conventional” environmental impact assessment and rehabilitation plans and focuses on identified cases related to endangered species and habitats, and applies specific BMPs to preserve and enhance the areas. The initiatives of Titan America in the Center Sand Quarry and Roanoke Limestone Quarry are such case studies for the effective quarry rehabilitation and biodiversity management, but

efforts do not stop there. The ongoing expansion plan of the operating limestone quarry in Roanoke calls for certain actions: survey of any endangered species in the area, planning for the relocation of an existing stream that would preserve and enhance functions of streams, terrestrial and aquatic wildlife at its new position, and overall considering an off-site mitigation plan in cooperation with the respective authorities. Further, as part of the new mining permit in Titan America’s Pennsuco operations, which are located within the Lake Belt region of MiamiDade County in Florida, Titan will be mitigating approximately 250 acres of land around its limestone quarries, targeting at preserving and enhancing biodiversity in the wetlands developed on ‘littoral shelves’ of inactive quarries. REFERENCES Titan Group (2007-2011). Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability, Reports, Athens, Greece. WBCSD/CSI, (2011a). Guidelines on Quarry Rehabilitation. WBCSD/CSI, (2011b). Guidelines on Quarry Rehabilitation Case Study: Safe-guarding an endangered species. WBCSD/CSI, (2011c). Guidelines on Quarry Rehabilitation Case Study: Trout pond in an old limestone pit. WBCSD Ecosystems, (2012). Biodiversity and ecosystem services scaling up business solutions. WBCSD (2013) www.wbcsdcement.org