| Rehabilitation activities around the globe |
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Description Holcim’s approach to quarry management and rehabilitation is conducted according to a defined process that incorporates careful management of impacts at all operational stages. In this case, we profile three different Group company efforts to best meet company and stakeholder needs. |
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Holcim BulgariaObjectives: While our most visible environmental effects occur in the quarry, Holcim is committed to site rehabilitation wherever it is required. In Eastern Europe such work has been a major priority following acquisition of various facilities. The case of Holcim Bulgaria shows that excellent results can be obtained with limited capital expenditure and with recycling where possible. Activities: Demolition, refurbishment and cleaning of areas generated 300,000 tonnes of waste. Half the rehabilitation cost was covered by income from 25,000 tonnes of sorted scrap. Through its environmental investment program, the plant slashed average annual dust emissions from 80mg/Nm3 in 2000 to less than 10 in 2004. The rehabilitation of a 20.4 hectare site involved planting more than 9,000 irrigated trees and shrubs. Results: The total environmental refurbishment cost around Euro 6 million; yet the plant obtained ISO certification, and stakeholder relations markedly improved. |
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Holcim South Africa Objectives: A proactive approach to quarry management and rehabilitation practices is provided by this example, with the establishment of a Nature Conservation Trust to undertake the careful financial management of provisions and rehabilitation in line with objectives set by the trust. Activities: Financial provisions are calculated according to a simple formula, verified by an accredited third party, and then invested. Withdrawal only occurs with the trustee’s approval and then only for bona fide rehabilitation, consistent with closure objectives. These objectives form part of each site’s environmental management program, which is itself approved by authorities as part of the continuing license to operate. Closure objectives must preferably serve a community need and be self-sustaining. Examples include agriculture, water storage, botanical gardens or shopping centers, as needs demand in the various localities. Results: The company has found that this approach meets the needs of all stakeholders. It is transparent, independent, meets regulatory requirements and involves community members. The resulting sustainable, useful landform for future generations upon quarry closure is the best evidence of its success. |
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Holcim US Objectives: Increased need for process water at the Dundee, Michigan, cement plant of Holcim US provided an opportunity for cement kiln dust (CKD) remediation of settling ponds in the spent portions of its limestone quarry. Activities: The approach used dredging, grading, water re-routing and wetland development. Dredging of 53,500 m3 of sediment from the reservoir led to capping the CKD piles with fine-grained organic material of between 0.1 to 1.7m, providing a substrate for the wetlands. Stabilization of the slopes included the laying of a minimum of 300mm of soil and planting grasses. The system was designed so that water flows through the wetland, over a beaver/rock dam and down a rock fall to the settling lake that is included in the plant’s discharge permit. A manifold system was constructed to distribute quarry water to the newly created wetland and two observation platforms constructed for the viewing of, principally, birds. Results: The result was an unused area converted to beneficial reuse (wetland), conservation of a natural resource (water), and remediation of the CKD dump. Economic benefits included over 50% savings relative to traditional ‘cap and close’ approaches to CKD remediation, lower operating costs through energy and water savings, and the increased water storage capacity, reuse and improved quality. |
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