Quarry Tours Galore!
DEQ Workshops This summer, VTCA has been on the move – partnering with the Virginia Asphalt Association (VAA) to host an impressive series of five DEQ Quarry Tours, with the final tour scheduled for August 13. These tours are designed to give Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) staff a firsthand look at aggregate and asphalt operations, highlighting both the essential role these industries play in building our communities and the steps taken to protect the environment. The program has been a resounding success, averaging 20+ DEQ staff members per tour, including five of the six DEQ Regional Managers. Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, with many surprised by the level of cleanliness and environmental stewardship on display. As one DEQ attendee remarked, “I can’t get over how clean these operations are,” while another admitted, “I never knew.” The tours have sparked engaging discussions, with DEQ participants asking thoughtful questions and showing a genuine interest in the work being done.
VTCA extends sincere thanks to the members who opened their facilities and made these tours possible:
Through these tours, VTCA and VAA are strengthening relationships with DEQ, building greater understanding, and showcasing the industry’s dedication to producing the materials Virginia needs—while protecting the environment every step of the way.
Legislative Tours Alongside the successful DEQ tours, VTCA has also been busy hosting legislative tours to connect elected officials with the aggregates, asphalt, and road construction industries. These tours give lawmakers a firsthand look at how vital our work is to Virginia’s economy, infrastructure, and quality of life – while reinforcing the need for sustainable funding. Boxley has led the way, hosting two tours that welcomed State House Representatives, Senators, and local government officials. Attendees included Delegates Wendell Walker and Tim Griffin, Senator Mark Peake, and the legislative aide for Senator Chris Head. Luck Stone also opened its doors, teaming up with Superior Paving and Branch Civil to host a full-day tour for a group of Northern Virginia legislators. The event covered multiple stops, including Bull Run Quarry, Bull Run Asphalt Plant, and the Fairfax County Parkway highway project. Starting at 11:00 a.m. and wrapping up after 4:00 p.m., the tour offered an in-depth look at the industry in action.
Participants included industry representatives and Delegates David Reid, Brianna Sewell, Holly Seibold, and David Bulova, along with staff members for Delegate Karrie Delaney and Senator Jennifer Boysko. Bill Cutler, VDOT – NOVA District Engineer, also played a key role, fielding technical questions from legislators throughout the day. Through these tours, VTCA continues to build strong relationships with policymakers – ensuring they understand both the challenges and the critical contributions of Virginia’s transportation construction industry. |
