Concrete structures, typically used to aid our way of life above ground, can also be used to help marine life flourish. Hanson Pipe & Precast and Hanson Pressure Pipe, leading providers of concrete products in North America, donated approximately 200 tons of reinforced concrete pipe, precast structures and pressure pipe to the City of Jacksonville, Fla., Artificial Reef Program to be used as a reef in the Floyd’s Folly area offshore of Ponte Vedra. Hanson’s contribution provides the program and surrounding communities with an affordable and environmentally friendly way to create a new habitat for marine life, more accessible fishing grounds for anglers and nature observation area for divers to visit.
“This reef has a tremendous profile with such detail in the cavities – it is sure to become a fish haven in no time at all,” said Dana Morton, artificial reef coordinator for the City of Jacksonville Artificial Reef Program. “We are especially grateful to Hanson and all of the companies and volunteers who made this project possible.”
“The concrete deployment at Floyd’s Folly turned out excellent,” added Keith Mille, environmental specialist, division of marine fisheries – artificial reef program for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. “It is one of my top five favorite concrete dives in the state because of the size and complexity of materials.”
Hanson Pipe & Precast in Green Cove Springs, Fla., and Hanson Pressure Pipe in Palatka, Fla., donated the product for the project. The City of Jacksonville and its volunteers deployed the concrete products and reef structure August 18.
“We take great pride in participating in reef programs and have contributed to several reefs along the Eastern seaboard and look forward to participating in future projects,” said Bob Christensen, senior vice president of Hanson Building Products East.
Designated to aid sea life, the artificial reef lies in approximately 74 feet of water and stands more than 12 feet high. One of Hanson’s 20 feet long pressure pipes weighing almost 36,000 pounds served as the barge’s anchor when setting the reef in place and the concrete structures serve as sustainable and dependable components for the reef.
“This is a great way to sustain our underwater environment, aid the community in economic growth through tourism, and allow our product to be recycled and serve in a productive capacity,” added Charles Piwowarski, area environmental manager, Hanson Building Products. “And, as a diver, the reef provides a beautiful visual of nature at its finest.”
The cost for recycling concrete products varies from state to state, but can be a costly procedure. Hanson continually looks for ways to utilize its building products in an economical way to benefit the community. Hanson Pipe & Precast and Hanson Pressure Pipe are planning a dive to explore the new reef within the next few weeks.
One of Hanson Building Products corporate strategies is a continued focus on sustainability. The company is known throughout North America for contributions to its local communities, high quality standards, environmental stewardship and excellent occupational safety.
About Hanson Pipe & Precast
Hanson Pipe & Precast is the largest manufacturer of concrete pipe and precast products in North America. With more than 3,500 employees, the company has a network of manufacturing facilities and delivery capabilities that span the continent. Hanson Pipe & Precast products are used in residential and commercial applications that support our infrastructure’s needs, including storm water drainage and water transportation. For more information, visit www.hansonpipeandprecast.com.
About Hanson Pressure Pipe
Hanson Pressure Pipe, based in Irving, Texas, is the leading manufacturer and a principal supplier of highly engineered concrete and steel pressure pipe systems in the United States and Canada. The company has more than 80 million feet of pipe in service today. Strategically located in Texas, Tennessee, Florida, Illinois, Mississippi, Ontario and Quebec, the Hanson Pressure Pipe facilities serve major North American population centers and employ more than 1,100 people. For more information, visit www.hansonpressurepipe.com.
About Hanson Building Products North America
Hanson Building Products North America is comprised of Hanson Pipe & Precast, Hanson Pressure Pipe, Hanson Structural Precast, Hanson Brick, Hanson Hardscapes and Hanson Roof Tile. Based in Irving, Texas, Hanson Building Products North America employs approximately 5,000 people and operates 150 facilities with products available throughout the U.S. and Canada. For more information, please visit www.hanson.com.
Hanson Building Products North America and its divisions are part of the HeidelbergCement Group, the global leader in aggregates with leading positions in cement, concrete and heavy building. The company employs approximately 57,000 people across five continents.