Limestone quarries have existed throughout South Texas for more than 100 years.  According to a study by the U.S. Geological Survey, “Quarrying rocks for use as crushed stone...can be accomplished with no significant impacts to the environment, if done carefully and within the limits set by nature.”

Quarries are low density developments that create little impervious cover and can be reused after quarrying activities have ceased.  In San Antonio, the San Antonio Zoo, Sunken Garden Theatre, Trinity University, Quarry Golf Club, Six Flags Fiesta Texas and The Rim are all located in former quarries.

The aggregates industry is heavily regulated by local, state and federal agencies.  Our operations will be monitored by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Medina County, Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA) and Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), to name a few.

Martin Marietta’s proven methods and long track record of meeting and exceeding regulatory requirements has allowed us to continually operate quarries in South Texas since the 1930s.  In 2006, Martin Marietta won six Environmental Excellence awards from the National Sand, Stone and Gravel Association (NSSGA), five of which were for quarries located in Texas, including two in San Antonio and one in New Braunfels.  In 2004, the San Antonio Water System (SAWS) awarded Martin Marietta the Industrial Stormwater Environmental Excellence award for our employee training programs.  Environmental stewardship is an absolute priority for our company and it is reflected in our excellent record. Below are some of the proven methods we will use at our Medina County quarry to protect and conserve water, maintain air quality, reduce waste and protect the environment.

• Processing plant (which is where the rocks are crushed into smaller pieces and sorted) will use clean electricity for power, a source of energy that does not pose a threat to the aquifer.
• We will use best management practices (BMPs) to control dust and minimize the use of water.
• None of the water used in our operations will leave the site.  Stormwater will be controlled and tested for quality.
• Each train equates to more than four hundred trucks kept off local roads.
• Rail distribution methods are two to four times more fuel efficient than trucks and release three times fewer emissions.
• Landscaping and berms around the perimeter will reduce noise and visual impact.
• Tires, oil, batteries and light bulbs will be recycled to reduce waste.

In addition to environmental stewardship at our own sites, Martin Marietta is constantly looking for ways to use our resources to improve the world around us.  In May of 2000, Martin Marietta was the only corporate contributor to an effort by the Trust for Public Land to purchase hundreds of acres of land over the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone.  By helping to protect the land, now known as Government Canyon State Natural Area, from future development, we aided in the conservation of our regional water supply and provided recreational space for future generations of Texans.