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| The Army Corp of Engineers, for the purpose of building the
nearby Mud Mountain Dam, first developed the White River Quarry in the 1930’s.
The site was abandoned after World War II and sat idle until 1998 when Glacier
Northwest renewed operations for aggregate production. |
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Loading rip-rap in the mine
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Crushing plant in the distance
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| The site underwent a massive makeover to comply with the
environmental standards that we all live under today. Aside from the typical
mitigation requirements set forth by the regulatory agencies, Glacier also
provided several voluntary mitigation measures to protect the surrounding
environment. For example, a noise reduction berm was built along the east
property line to isolate processing noise from its neighbors. Glacier
voluntarily built and vegetated the berm in such a way that it could be used as
a wildlife corridor. It is common today to see deer, elk, coyotes, bobcat and
black bear traveling through this corridor. |
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Young blacktail deer entering the wildlife corridor
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Glacier also designed the mine dewatering system in such a way as to
disperse water through subterranean diffusers into adjoining wetland areas
to increase the survival rate of several species during long periods of
dry weather. Because of these efforts, the local wildlife are in better
health and larger numbers than they were before the mine reopened.
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On the human side of the issue, the management at the
quarry has put into place very strict standards regarding noise and
dust. Much of the mine has been paved to minimize dust and,
additionally, an automated road watering system is in place to keep
emissions at an absolute minimum.
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Migrating waterfowl use the detention ponds
in the Fall as a lay-over location"
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Concrete paving is used liberally around the mine
as a means to suppress dust
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Even though the nearest neighbors are more than 2,000
feet from the processing area, Glacier has surrounded the plant with
sound absorbent walls to dramatically decrease the noise levels from the
location. The standards that have been put into place far exceed those
put forth by the regulators. Due to these thoughtful measures, Glacier
Northwest has a very favorable and supportive relationship with its
neighbors. |
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