Silver Spring, Md.— The National Ready Mixed Concrete Association has signed an agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop and promote environmental management tools to help ready mixed concrete plants comply with their Clean Water Act obligations. "Beyond Compliance" Principles of Environmental Stewardship - New Agreement to Reduce Environmental Footprint of Ready Mixed Concrete Operations was signed last month at NRMCA's Annual Convention in Las Vegas.
NRMCA's efforts in this arena have long included an Environmental Certification Course and, most recently, the addition of the Association's new Green-Star Program. Green-Star is an environmental management system (EMS)-based program developed specifically for the ready mixed concrete industry that's geared to recognize facilities that have implemented an EMS based on continuous improvement. The agreement will also further the goals of EPA's regional Healthy Waters Priority and the Green Highways Partnership's "beyond compliance" principles of environmental stewardship.
"This agreement is another example of our industry's longstanding commitment to being a good steward of the environment," said NRMCA President Robert Garbini. "We are very pleased that EPA recognizes the efforts made by concrete producers throughout the U.S. As their national trade association, NRMCA will continue to look for new methods to fit under our agreement with the agency."
NRMCA, based in Silver Spring, Md., represents the producers of ready mixed concrete and the companies that provide materials, equipment and support to the industry. It conducts education, training, promotion, research, engineering, safety, environmental, technological, lobbying, and regulatory programs