Healthy Ground, Healthy Planet!

Several years ago, the state of Florida was conducting animal testing on their wildlife and discovered elevated levels of metals (specifically cadmium) in their systems. During their investigation to discover the root cause of this, they found that these higher concentrations of metals were localized in animals grazing around old mine sites. This is due to the mass of unused materials that are pumped back into large open-pit areas. This unsettled “blend” is true to its name: it is (quite literally) blended materials in which pockets of metals can be found in much higher concentrations than what is typically found in nature. Such infused earth then affects all flora and fauna, damaging the ecosystem as a whole. Once these findings were shared, similar studies on wildlife were conducted nationwide. Sure enough, North Carolina discovered the same problem. Thus, our job was born!

To help maintain a healthy ecosystem, we work to restore the ground’s natural levels of metals before trees are planted and wildlife is reintroduced. We do this by pumping sand onto the blend filling old mine sites. Once the ground is stable, our scraper operators then cap these sanded acres with quality material for planting. At the completion of each project (each bid consists of several hundred acres!) we are approved by our employer, Nutrien, who is then approved by the state of North Carolina. Within one to two years of completion, trees are planted.

Reclamation work is our passion. We are so happy to be a part of creating a healthy environment for our wildlife here in eastern NC!

More information on cadmium toxicity can be found here.