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GILMERTON RECOGNIZED FOR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
by Jim Johns
March 01, 2010

Less than two years after Luck Stone entered the Hampton Roads market, the company is earning recognition for its positive impact on the community. The Gilmerton Terminal was recognized as a Silver Award Winner by the National Stone, Sand, and Gravel Association (NSSGA) for Excellence in Community Relations. The Gilmerton team and other Luck Stone associates have done everything from upgrading the appearance of the terminal to supporting a Learning Barge. Ed Ladd, the general manager for the Gilmerton location, noted that this recognition is a result of everyone working together. “Thanks to the team effort demonstrated here, we can be proud of this industry distinction,” Ed said. “These awards go a long way towards identifying Luck Stone as a good neighbor, an environmentally conscientious company and a values-driven organization.”

Located in a very industrial area, the Gilmerton yard is set back from Bainbridge Boulevard and is further removed by a railroad crossing. Passersby are not able to see Luck Stone’s property from the road. However, Luck Stone believes that the appearance of our sites is integral to maintaining and projecting an image of quality and community support. A few improvements include clearing overgrown brush, building a new fence and replacing the office roof. Additionally, as part of the Gilmerton Terminal’s Environmental Management System, several improvements were made. Rip rap and berms were strategically placed around the property to control water flow and fine aggregate. Currently two rain gardens along the entry road are being constructed to improve the appearance of the site, as well as to more responsibly manage storm water. A local landscape architect is designing the project to ensure that it is both effective and aesthetically pleasing. The rain gardens will utilize Luck Stone’s Biofilter material.

Outside of the Gilmerton Terminal’s gates, Luck Stone provided significant support to the Elizabeth River Project (ERP). Stone and transportation costs were donated for the ERP’s Money Point Project, which is focused on rehabilitating Money Point, one of the most polluted areas on the river. The Luck Stone Foundation supported the ERP’s Learning Barge with a $25,000 grant. The Barge, the world’s first and only floating wetlands classroom, allows students to visit the river and learn about the environment. The barge features an observation pool, an enclosed lab, sun and wind power systems, and a wetland nursery, which uses Luck Stone’s Biofilter product. The lab and nursery demonstrate how a properly functioning wetlands system cleans water as it flows to the river.