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In addition to extensive emissions controls,
2000 acres of the property are preserved as a
conservation area, and the company has an ongoing
reclamation plan for restoring land that has been
mined, ensuring that no more than 200 acres of land
is actively mined at any one time.
Barges also handle 75% of transportation for the
plant, which is one the most environmentally efficient
means of transportation. Efficient transport on the
river is credited with reducing CO
2
emissions by
10
–
25% when compared to industry averages per
tonne of cement produced.
Safety first
The importance of safe behaviours and a safety
mindset is constantly emphasised as LafargeHolcim’s
highest priority, with the goal of zero harm to people.
According to Goetz, the plant routinely holds safety
committee meetings, performs regular safety blitzes
in the plant, and conducts more than 6000 hours of
employee training in technical and safety practices.
Community support
The facility makes LafargeHolcim the largest source
of revenue for the Ste. Genevieve county, delivering
millions of dollars each year to schools, emergency
service providers, and other government services. Plant
employees are also involved in numerous activities
that benefit the community, including the Adopt
a Highway programme, Living Lands and Waters
initiative, Million Trees Project, and the Annual County
Household and Electronics Recycling Day.
Over the last several years, the company has
donated millions of dollars to the Ste. Genevieve R-II
Schools Foundation and Community Foundation to
improve education and enhance public safety. “We
are very active in our volunteer work and donation
of equipment and materials to our local schools for
improving student safety,” Goetz said. “In addition
to the foundation contributions, we invested close to
US$50 000 and 600 − 700 hours of community service
by employees in each of these projects in 2017.”
Looking forward
“We are honoured and excited to be hosting IEEE-IAS/
PCA Cement Industry Conference in 2019, which will
mark 10 years since the commissioning of the Ste.
Genevieve Plant,” Goetz concluded. “We look forward
to showcasing the operations of this world-class
facility and demonstrating the outstanding commitment
of our organisation and its employees to environmental
stewardship, safety, and community involvement.”