The SEMO team also removed the Vertical
Shaft Impactor (VSI) crusher and performed a
complete crusher rebuild. The crusher rebuild
was a lengthy and costly process. As with any
item in a rock quarry, the rock is constantly
wearing out machinery and components. After
more than 18 years of production and crushing
millions of tons of rock, the rebuilt VSI crusher is
now ready for another lengthy term of crushing
rock.
Another major project at SEMO Stone
was the grading of the processing plant
area. Over the years, daily production of two
processing plants operating, side by side, had
caused the yard to increase in height. With
the decommissioning of the “Old” secondary
plant in 2015, SEMO had an opportunity to
improve the storm water drainage around the
processing plant by excavating YEARS of rock
build up. Careful planning was imperative,
due to a buried high-pressure natural gas
pipeline that runs approximately 12’ below
the surface through the yard. SEMO Stone
coordinated with Ameren Gas Company before
the excavation started. A representative from
Ameren stayed on site and monitored daily
excavation. Additionally, the crew managed
and maneuvered their excavation around water
lines and electrical lines that feed the processing
plant. In the end, the SEMO crew excavated
(and eliminated) 6 feet of rock build up and was
able to redirect plant storm water runoff into a
containment basin.
The pit crew normally assigned to run
production to the Primary Crusher was
SEMO Stone crew excavating overburden to uncover rock reserves.
assigned the task of removing overburden
from the northeast side of the quarry. This
excavation opens up access to Ledge-3 for the
2016 season. An estimated 60,000 cubic yards
of dirt was removed and hauled to the storage
dump area.
“I am proud of our team!” states Martin.
“Their hard work and collaborative ideas
have transformed the operation. Just saying
thank you seems inadequate. The efforts are
recognized and truly appreciated.” Throughout
the winter projects the crews had a safety
first focus before performing the work. The
crews built guarding and barricades before the
equipment was removed so that maintenance
work could be safely accessed. This is a great
example of Delta’s STOP-THINK-ASK-ACT
program.
SEMO Stone crew excavating the processing plant area. Approximately 6’ of rock build-up was removed.
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