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Martin Marietta Aggregates’ Franklin Sand &
Gravel Mine is located 20 miles southwest of Dayton, Ohio. Franklin is a
medium-sized operation, producing 800,000 tons of sand and gravel per year to
meet the asphalt needs of the local Ohio markets. The mine is bounded by an
elevated railroad to the west, and the Great Miami River to the east and south.
From the very beginning, Franklin has operated in a
conscientious manner, displaying both innovation and forethought. Prior to
receiving the mining permit, the operator planted a vegetative screen of pine
and red maple trees along the northeast boundary of the permit area adjacent to
a housing development. While mining has proceeded in other areas of the permit
site, the trees have matured and now help to provide excellent screening between
the new mining area and the nearby subdivision.
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The entrance to the Franklin Mine |
Concurrent reclamation is actively practiced at the
Franklin operation. To date, bond has been released on 80 acres of
previously affected area. Approximately 5,000 linear feet of bank along
the lake has been graded, resoiled, and reseeded. Still under bond,
another 1,000 feet of bank is being reclaimed, having been partially
graded and seeded. |
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Reclaimed area along the lake
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One of the challenges faced by the operator is the nearby
Great Miami River. The challenge was to provide a sufficient sound and
visual barrier to the housing development northeast of the site without
putting them at risk in the event the Great Miami River flooded. A
standard berm could have impeded flow, resulting in significant flooding
of the subdivision. The innovative solution was to install a series of
offset berms en echelon. These berms provide the necessary sight and
sound barriers desired, but are designed to allow floodwater from the
river to enter into the mined lake. This not only eliminates a potential
restriction of flow within the floodplain, but also provides flood
storage, thus helping to protect the community as a whole. |
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The topographic relief that allows flow of floodwaters
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The Franklin operation has been recognized by the
State of Ohio with the Ohio Aggregates and Industrial Minerals
Association Reclamation Award, and nationally by the National Stone
Association About Face Outstanding Achievement Award for constructive
and positive efforts to enhance the aesthetic appearance of their
operation. |
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