HANSON PIPE & PRECAST HELPS LIFE THRIVE DURING 2010 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF BIODIVERSITY

Hanson Makes it Possible to Co-Exist with Wildlife in Florida

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SPECIAL TO THE BEACON

posted Oct 20, 2010 - 1:48:24pm

IRVING, Texas (Sept. 30, 2010)

Understanding the contributions of biodiversity to human well-being and the urgency to preserve life, Hanson Pipe & Precast’s Deland and Winter Haven, Fla., facilities have made it possible to co-exist around the nesting land of Florida Sandhill Cranes, the most rare subspecies of the Sandhill Crane, with approximately 5,000 surviving today.

The number one cause of biodiversity loss is habitat destruction caused by human actions. The United Nations has marked 2010 the International Year of Biodiversity, in celebration of life on earth and the value of biodiversity in our lives.

“We found the cranes nesting and hatching near our facility,” said Charles Piwowarski, Environmental Manager, Hanson Pipe & Precast. “Since loss of habitat is a somewhat controllable cause of the Florida Sandhill Crane’s declining population, we ensured the nesting area where these cranes migrate to each year, was safe and that the cranes were unharmed.”

The Florida Sandhill Crane is a very sensitive bird that does not adjust well to change in environment or high human population and is most threatened by habitat destruction. Currently, the Florida Sandhill Crane is under protection of state and federal law.

Hanson Pipe & Precast designed plaques and an outdoor sign at its Deland and Winter Haven facilities to not only educate employees about the safety of the cranes and raise awareness in its communities, but to further emphasize the company’s role in reducing biodiversity loss as it relates to its focus and dedication to achieving sustainability and a healthier environment.

“The cornerstone of Hanson is sustainable development,” said Bob Christensen, senior vice president, Hanson Building Products East Region. “Safeguarding and reducing biodiversity loss now is sustaining life and contributing to a better future, and I am proud of the initiative taken by the Florida facilities’ to protect wildlife and our environment.”

Hanson Pipe & Precast is currently assessing other biodiversity projects at its locations across the U.S. For more information on the 2010 International Year of Biodiversity, please visit ,a href=http://www.unep.org/iyb/ target=_blank> http://www.unep.org/iyb/.

One of Hanson Building Products' corporate strategies is continued focus on sustainability. The company is known throughout North America for excellent occupational safety, environmental stewardship, high quality standards and contributions to its local communities. Its sustainability vision is, “Building on the Past. Restoring the Balance. Creating the Future.”

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, please visit www.hansonpipeandprecast.com.

— ag@powellgroup.net

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