FAQ
How often do you blast?
Martin Marietta plans to blast two – three times per week.
Do you monitor the vibrations from blasting?
Martin Marietta hires a third-party engineer to monitor seismic readings as a result of blasting. You can request that a seismic reader be placed at your home by contacting us. Below is a graphic that shows where monitoring currently takes place.
How can I be notified when blasting is going to occur?
We encourage you to sign up for text message blasting alerts. You can also continue to visit this website for blasting alerts and news about the quarry.
Do you allow schools to tour the quarry?
Yes! We encourage students to learn about quarry operations and geology. School officials and teachers can schedule a tour with us.
Does Martin Marietta give back to the community?
We are a proud community neighbor, participating in fundraisers for the Food Bank, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Ronald McDonald House, Meals on Wheels, United Way and many other nonprofit and charitable organizations. We are always looking to partner with local charities. Contact us for more information.
What are aggregates and why are they important?
Aggregates are sands, gravel and crushed stone, products of a pit or a quarry. Aggregates can be used to build roads, sewers, sidewalks, schools, factories, offices, parking lots, driveways, recreation centers, hike and bike trails and many other amenities of modern living.
Can I see what the quarry looks like?
Yes. We welcome groups from schools, civic organizations and neighborhood associations to learn more about the operations and uses of aggregates produced at the Beckmann Quarry.
How long has the Beckmann Quarry been operational?
More than 70 years.
How many years will it be before Beckmann is fully mined and the quarry can be redeveloped?
The mining potential of the Beckmann Quarry is expected to be depleted sometime in the 2030s.
What effect will blasting have on my home??
If blasting takes place near your home, it’s possible you will hear some noise and feel some vibrations. The U.S. Bureau of Mines published RI 8507 in 1987 detailing what happens to a home as a result of ground vibration from surface mine blasting. The study concluded that typical human activity such as slamming a door or pounding a nail into a wall creates strains in a residence well in excess of those corresponding to typical low-level blast vibrations.
The USBM study tested a structure with repeated low-level blasts and concluded that multiple blast vibrations over time do not cause material fatigue.
You can download a comprehensive summary of the USBM report here.