Uses for Protection of the Environment
In addition to the uses already described, crushed limestone is found in a variety of applications that help protect the environment. Examples are:

• Preventing sulfur from being emitted into the air by coal burning power plants using the methods of (1) flue-gas desulfurization or (2) fluidized bed combustion.
• Prevention of flood damage as the major component of underground stormwater infiltration basins.
• Neutralizing acid drainage on coal mine reclamation projects.
• Neutralizing the effects of acid rain in lakes and streams.
• Prevention of soil erosion when used as gabion stone, rip-rap and drainage blankets.
• Sewage filtration systems.

Obligations of the Industry
Limestone is processed into useable products at the site where it is quarried. Strict engineering requirements require the limestone to be subjected to crushing and screening to meet product specifications. This mining and processing activity is tightly controlled to reduce its environmental impact and is monitored by federal and state regulatory agencies.

The primary environmental considerations are (1) control of dust emissions into the air; (2) control of stormwater erosion; and (3) reclamation of mined land. All of these can be addressed in a responsible manner. For example, recent figures released by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources show that crushed stone operations generate only 0.4% of the air emissions reported by all regulated facilities in the state.

The quarry operator must also give attention to community concerns, such as truck traffic patterns, noise, and blasting.

Learn More...click a link below.

• Overview
• The Construction Uses of Limestone
• Uses for Protection of the Environment
• The Future of Limestone Industry

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