PACA wishes to thank our 2024 Corporate Sponsors for their generous support and commitment this year!

• ASGCO Complete Conveyor Solutions
• Babst Calland
• Cleveland Brothers Equipment Co., Inc.
• Commonwealth Equipment Corporation
• Continental Placer, Inc.
• Conviber, Inc.
• East Rock Solutions
• Groff Tractor & Equipment
• Kemper Equipment, Inc.
• Maurer & Scott Sales, Inc.
• Mellott Company
• SIKA Corporation

PACA Welcomes New Members

PACA wishes to welcome our new member for the month of July:

ASSOCIATE MEMBER BUSINESS PARTNERS

• Kleis Equipment

Kleis Equipment joins the following new members to date (in order of the month the company joined PACA):

PRODUCER MEMBER

• Greer Industries, Inc.

ASSOCIATE MEMBER BUSINESS PARTNERS

• Aggregates & Soils Testing Co.
• Ascent Systems, Inc.
• J.D. Eckman, Inc.
• Jack R. Chamberlain, PLS
• FieldForce Rentals, Services & Sales
• ErieTec, A Division of Purvis Industries
• Hunter Truck
• Erie Strayer Company
• Hilltop Energy, Inc.
• The Vince Hagan Company
• Zircon Industries
• Ecomaterial Technologies
• Griffin Financial Group

Lawrence Named to PennDOT STIC

Andrew Lawrence, P.E., M and B Redi Mix, dba Dubrook, has been named as PACA's representative on the PennDOT State Transportation Innovation Council. Andy is the operations director for M&B Redi Mix with over 25 years of experience in the construction and ready-mix concrete industry. Congratulations Andy and thank you for representing PACA.

Summer Summit Presentations Available to PACA Members

PACA has permissions to share the following presentations from the PACA Summer Summit with our members:

• The Economic Outlook & the Impact for Construction Materials by George Reddin, Managing Partner, FMI Capitol Advisors
• Finding your IT Factor - Talk Like A Leader by Anthony Huey, President, Reputation Management LLC

Anthony has also provided bonus video content. Access HERE. Password: BonusContent2022

#ICYMI - July Members Forum Recording Available

The recording of this month's Members Forum Monthly Meeting is now available. This month's featured speaker was Bradley Heigel, P.E.; Chief Engineer for the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission The full agenda was as follows: Welcome Featured Speaker(s): Bradley Heigel, P.E.; Chief Engineer for the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission Topic: PA Turnpike Update Government Affairs. Hank Butler Budget Madness - Part II Regulatory. Josie Gaskey DEP Staff Update - Part II MSHA Proposed Silica Rule Specifications & Sustainability. Susan Armstrong Working Together to Educate Specifiers, Designers and Owners Open Dialogue. Adjournment. To view the recording: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/sh... Passcode: nB*&R*5t

August PACA Members Forum to Feature Rep. Mackenzie

PACA's August Members Forum online meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 8th at 11 AM.

The August members forum sponsor is Groff Tractor & Equipment

The August featured speaker is Pennsylvania State Representative Ryan Mackenzie

Topic: PA House Update

To register,GO HERE.

Join Us on August 14th at the PA Capitol for the 2023 PA Politics Event

Join us at the beautiful Pennsylvania Capitol Complex from 9 am to 4 pm on Monday, August 14th for PACA's PA Politics Event. To be truly effective in your job, you need to understand and know the role that politics plays in your everyday life. The purpose of this event is to make you more comfortable with the people and processes that affect your life. Cost is $50 to attend. Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided.

PACA's Lobbyist, Hank Butler, has arranged a SUPERIOR line up of presenters to speak on Pennsylvania's political process and the day will culminate with a tour of the Capitol Complex.

Speakers: (subject to change)

• Scot Sikorski - Deputy Chief of Staff at Senate Of Pennsylvania
• Anne Bologa - Chief of Staff to the Majority Leader, Pennsylvania House of Representatives
• Nolan Ritchie - Executive Director, Senate Transportation Committee, Office of Senator Wayne Langerholc at Senate of Pennsylvania
• Nicholas Troutman - Chief of Staff at Senate Of Pennsylvania, Office of Senator Gene Yaw
• Jon Hopcraft - Chief of Staff of Senate of Pennsylvania, Office of Senator Kristin Phillips-Hill
• Sam Robinson - Deputy Chief of Staff for the Governor of Pennsylvania
• Janelle Lynch - Executive Director, Pennsylvania House Appropriations Committee
• John Guyer - Executive Director, Pennsylvania Senate Appropriations Committee
• Representative Seth Grove - 196th Legislative District, parts of York County
• Mark Mekilo - Executive Director - PA Senate Appropriations Committee (D) -- Sen. Vincent Hughes, Democratic Chair
• Adam Pankake - Director of Legislative Development for Senator Kim Ward

This event has been pre-arranged for members of PACA's Emerging Leaders Academy (PELA) Class of 2023 and alumni from the PELA Class of 2021 and 2022 (ALUMNI - please contact Kallie Kline to register). And, now, we are opening it up to the full PACA membership, however space is limited. Attendance is limited to the first ten people to register.

To our Young Leaders - this is a great event for you to attend and we encourage you to do so.

This event is open to PACA members only and a log in profile to our registration system is needed to be able to register.

REGISTER HERE. Upon registering, please be sure to review the security protocols, entrance and parking information found in your email registration confirmation.

New Version of Environmental Activism

This article details a collaboration among PA DEP and green activist groups using drones to monitor air pollution with the financial help from EPA.

EPA has announced $53 million in grants in 37 states, including the Chesapeake Bay states of Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland, New York and West Virginia, to fund grassroots monitoring efforts in communities. The money will help pay for the purchase and deployment of various devices communities can use to detect air pollution, emissions and possible causes of health problems. (Note the article indicates the coal industry threatened criminal trespass charges for flying over their properties.)

Should you have any comments, contact Josie Gaskey.

MSHA Proposes Crystalline Silica Protection Rule

MSHA (Mine Safety & Health Administration) has released a proposed rule entitled, “Lowering Miners’ Exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica and Improving Respiratory Protection” with a 45-day comment period. MSHA will also hold two public hearings in Arlington, VA and Denver, CO to take comments on the proposed rule. MSHA is proposing an effective date of 120 days after publication of the final rule in the Federal Register.

Exposure to silica dust can cause adverse health effects, including silicosis, acute silicosis, accelerated silicosis, simple chronic silicosis and progressive massive fibrosis, emphysema and chronic bronchitis, lung cancer and renal diseases. Each of these potential diseases or effects are ongoing, irreversible and disabling or fatal.

Based on its own review of the health effects literature, MSHA has preliminarily determined that occupational exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) causes silicosis and other diseases. MSHA believes that under the existing standards, miners face a risk of health impairment or impairment of function capacity from exposure to RCS. Subsequently, MSHA proposes to amend its existing standards to better protect miners against RCS. MSHA’s proposal is to provide miners with exposure limits consistent with workers in other industries, and in alignment with NIOSH’s recommendation, and to improve miners’ health.

In summary,

• The proposed rule would establish for mines of all sizes, a permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 50 micrograms per cubic meter for a full shift, calculated as an 8-hour total weighted average, for all miners and an action level of 25 micrograms per cubic meter for a full shift, calculated as an 8-hour total weighted average.

• To meet the requirements of the proposed lower PEL, mine operators would have to implement engineering controls, followed by administrative controls if supplementary protection is needed. Engineering controls could include installation of proper ventilation systems, use of water sprays or wetting agents, installation of machine-mounted dust collectors, etc. Administrative controls might include having miners clean the dust off their work clothes at the end of a shift.

• All miners would be required to do exposure sampling, and corrective actions when their exposure exceeded the PEL of 50 micrograms per cubic meter. Periodic sampling would also be required when PELS meet or exceed the proposed action level of 25 micrograms per cubic meter.

• Medial surveillance requirements for metal/nonmetal miners are also included in the proposed rule. This includes chest x-rays, spirometry, symptom assessment and occupational history—at no cost to the miner.

• Medical recordkeeping requirements are included ranging from at least two years from date of each evaluation to the duration of a miner’s employment plus six months.

• MSHA’s proposed definition of “respirable crystalline silica” would mean quartz, cristobalite and/or tridymite contained in airborne particles that are determined to be respirable by a sampling device designed to meet the characteristics for respirable-particle-size-selective samplers that conform to ISO 7708:1995.

• The proposed rule would incorporate by reference an updated respiratory protection standard from ASTM. ASTM F3387-19, Standard Practice for Respiratory Protection for RCS and all other regulated airborne contaminants. However, MSHA is proposing that respiratory protection should only be relied upon as an exposure control measure in limited situations and on a temporary basis, and to supplement engineering controls, followed by administrative controls.

• Periodic reviews are to be conducted to assure exposures are below the PEL. Additionally, semi-annual evaluations are proposed to determine whether any production or process changes or other changes will result in new or increased silica exposure.

• MSHA is not proposing to follow OSHA’s Table 1 approach, where MSHA would prescribe specific exposure control methods for task-based work practices, but they are asking for comments on what tasks that approach might work.

• This is the link to an MSHA Fact Sheet on the proposed RCS rule.
  

Should you have any questions, contact Josie Gaskey.

Change Starts Here!!! Let’s Work Together to Advance our Products!

Call to Action!

Aggregate, Cement and Concrete - Market Development Town Hall Meeting

Susan Armstrong, PACA's Director of Specifications and Sustainability

Please consider being a part of the new Market Development Community and participate in the upcoming Town Hall Meeting to discuss your thoughts on how we can successfully support you, our members and communicate the benefits and importance of our products to specifiers, developers, contractors, and owners.

I have begun scheduling visits with producer members and am looking forward to working with each of you as I begin my journey to both enhance and improve the specifications for aggregate, cement and concrete and show how our industry and products lend themselves to sustainable construction. Our Association is only as strong as our members’ engagement. The importance of participation on all levels is the foundation of our success. Community engagement allows for an ongoing dialogue between decision makers and stakeholders. A diverse set of perspectives are critical in gaining a balanced understanding of the community's views and enhances the value of that community.

With your help I would like to focus on individual specification challenges that our industry faces, and to help the specifying and design community better understand our materials. The focus of my efforts will be concentrated exclusively on the commercial and residential markets.

Regarding sustainability, we all know that there are limited natural resources, and that due to its resilience and versatility, concrete is the most consumed building material in the world. The importance of reducing the carbon footprint, from the cement manufactured, the aggregate mined, to the concrete produced. Education is KEY! We all know Type IL, EPD’s, and sustainable construction practices are here. I am available to discuss how our industries can help you provide a more sustainable and environmentally friendly project to key stakeholders of the design and specifying community.

Improvements in the quality of on-site testing are certainly needed. My goal is to help designers understand the impacts of these and how they can develop specifications to best address these issues. Our team of Ken Crank, Jim Casilio and I will be working in collaboration with ACI to clearly define responsibilities and minimize risk to all involved in a construction project. Ensuring properly trained people are performing the required work is essential and can be achieved by requiring the proper certifications depending on the work being performed.

I look forward to meeting with all members as we begin the journey together as we look to the future and help create a wider use and acceptance of our materials and provide an eco-friendlier climate for generations to come.

Please be on the lookout for a notice for the Town Hall meeting which will be held via Zoom.

Mellott Enters Into Business Agreements with McLanahan & Eagle Crusher

Mellott has entered into a business agreement with McLanahan Corporation, to sell, support, service and distribute McLanahan’s complete line of aggregate wet processing solutions, as well as aggregate sampling systems throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware.

Mellott has also entered into a business agreement with Eagle Crusher, to sell, support, service and distribute Eagle’s full line of Eagle Crusher heavy-duty crushing and screening equipment for the recycled concrete, asphalt, aggregate, and sand and gravel industries in the states of Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware. Kastrock-Mellott, based in Lakeland, FL will continue its Eagle Crusher distributorship in the state of Florida.

Mellott, based in Warfordsburg, PA, is an international leader in the quarry solutions industry. Mellott partners with the aggregate, slag, construction, and power industries, as a true full-service provider, supporting customers with expertise and leadership.

McLanahan, based in Hollidaysburg, PA, is a global provider of process solutions for a variety of industries including mineral processing, aggregate processing, agricultural and many others. McLanahan Corporation upholds the highest standards for engineering and manufacturing. Their equipment is known for its reliability and long service life.

Eagle Crusher, based in Galion, OH, is a worldwide leader in the manufacture of a complete line of heavy-duty impact crushers, portable crushing and screening plants, jaw crushers, cone crushers, hammermills, and conveyors for the recycle concrete, asphalt, aggregate, and sand and gravel industries. The company provides innovative, quality products and exceptional aftermarket service and support. Learn More

NRMCA To Host Concrete Training & Certification Short Course

The National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA) will host a Concrete Technologist Training and Certification Short Course in Columbia, MD.

Specifics on this training and course are as follows:

Date
September 11-15, 2023

Course Location & Travel Information:
Merriweather Lakehouse, 10209 Wincopin Circle, Columbia, Maryland 21044 - Complimentary parking on-site.

Hotel Reservation Link
Click here to book your group rate for NRMCA $229/night plus applicable taxes.
Cut-Off Date: Friday, August 25, 2023

NRMCA Members: $1,300 | Non-Members: $1,600

The Concrete Technologist Training and Certification Course “Short Course”, has provided intensive training and certification on the fundamentals of concrete, aggregates and concrete making materials since 1964. The following certifications can be obtained:

• NRMCA Concrete Technologist, Level 2
• NRMCA Concrete Technologist, Level 3

The “Short Course” is a 5-day program, with 4 days of training followed by certification exams. The course emphasizes nationally accepted standard procedures and practices by referencing ACI and ASTM documents for quality control and production of ready mixed concrete.

Topic sessions include:

• Fundamentals of Quality Concrete
• Aggregates for Use in Concrete
• Aggregate Test Methods and Calculations
• Portland and Blended Cement
• Fly Ash and Natural Pozzolans
• Slag Cement & Silica Fume
• Chemical Admixtures
• Batching, Mixing & Delivery and ASTM C94
• Concrete in Extreme Weather
• Basic Statistical Methods
• ACI Requirements
• Testing Hardened Concrete
• Quality Control Procedures
• Managing Returned Concrete
• Handling, Placing and Finishing
• Calculation Session – Level 3

VIEW THE SHORT COURSE WEBPAGE

REGISTER HERE

ACI Post-Installed Concrete Anchor Installation Inspector Certification Exam

Aug 10, 2023

Sheraton Harrisburg Hershey

PA Politics

Aug 14, 2023

Pennsylvania State Capitol Building

ACI Concrete Strength Testing Technician Certification Exam 2023

Aug 16, 2023

Written Exam takes place at the COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT HARRISBURG WEST/MECHANICSBURG and the performance exam takes place at Barry Isett Mechanicsburg.

ACI Adhesive Anchor Installer Certification Exam - Lititz

Aug 23, 2023

Rohrer's Concrete

ACI Concrete Field Testing Tech Exam - Wilkes-Barre Fall 2023

Sep 13, 2023

Written exam will be held at the Holiday Inn Wilkes-Barre & the performance exam will be held at Centre Concrete Northeast

ACI Concrete Field Testing Tech Exam - Leesport Fall 2023

Oct 4, 2023

Exams will be held at New Enterprise Stone & Lime Co., Inc.'s Ontelaunee Pavilion & Garge

ACI Concrete Field Testing Tech Exam - State College Fall 2023

Oct 18, 2023

Written Exam will be held at Toftrees Golf Resort & the performance exam will be held at Centre Concrete Company

ACI Concrete Field Testing Tech Exam - Lititz Fall 2023

Nov 1, 2023

Written Exam and Performance Exams will be held at Rohrer's Incorporated

ACI Concrete Field Testing Tech Exam - Harrisburg Fall 2023

Dec 6, 2023

Written exam will be held at the Sheraton Harrisburg Hershey & the performance exam will be held at Pennsy Supply, Inc.

ACI Concrete Field Testing Tech Exam - Bethlehem Fall 2023

Dec 13, 2023

Written Exam will be held at the Best Western Lehigh Valley hotel & performance exam will be held at Rahns Construction Material

Donate to the PACA-PAC

PACA-PAC is creating a unified and strong voice for our industry. DONATE TODAY!

© 2023 Pennsylvania Aggregates and Concrete Association