Norfolk, VA. - The Wildlife Habitat Council certified both of Titan America's cement plants: Roanoke Cement Company near Roanoke, VA and the Pennsuco Complex in Medley, FL for their "Wildlife At Work" programs last week at the Hilton Baltimore in Baltimore, MD. The prestigious distinction was awarded as a result of each plant's demonstrated commitment toward long-term wildlife habitat enhancement efforts.
"I commend the wildlife teams at Roanoke Cement and Pennsuco on achieving 'Wildlife at Work' certification for the successful implementation of comprehensive wildlife habitat management programs," said Robert Johnson, President of the Wildlife Habitat Council. In a letter congratulating Roanoke Cement Company, Johnson cited the following efforts in particular:
· Dedication to Catawba Creek through voluntary clean-ups and water quality monitoring;
· Frequent newsletters for employees and the community;
· Creation of important wetland habitat for migratory birds; and
· Partnerships with Trout Unlimited and Virginia Save Our Streams to educate students and the community.
"We are pleased with the recognition by the Wildlife Habitat Council," said Lance Clark, Environmental Manager at Roanoke Cement Company. "RCC documented action on its property and the associated outreach meshed perfectly with the Wildlife at Work certification initiatives."
Johnson also praised the Pennsuco plant, specifically for its "thorough documentation provided and diligent efforts to go above and beyond invasive species control requirements."
Muhammad Khan, Environmental Manager of Titan America's Pennsuco Complex, lauded the Wildlife Habitat Council's program.
"Our efforts included on-site 'greening,' such as monitoring and maintaining approximately 50 acres of littoral shelves or wetlands," said Khan. "We have also planted many trees on a small upland planter near the northeast corner of the project area." The dedicated 3,000 sq. ft. section, featuring red maple, bald cypress, gumbo limbo, live oak, leather fern, wild coffee, wax myrtle and Simpson stopper, helps re-colonization of native species and increases foraging habitats for wading birds.