New Sand and Gravel Plant Maintains Quality of Life

摘要

Observed from the quiet waters of Puget Sound, about 40 miles south of Seattle, Wash., a small barge-loading dock is the only evidence of disturbance to this picturesque forested area of America's Pacific Northwest. Yet, linked to this dock by a 4,000-ft conveyor is one of the largest sand and gravel operations in the United States. After a 13-year effort to appease nearby residents, environmentalists, and state and federal regulatory agencies, Lone Star Northwest acquired the numerous permits it needs to mine and process aggregate on a shoreline site near Dupont, Wash. Following a year of construction, the Pioneer Aggregate plant began producing natural and crushed stone in July 1997.