October Executive Director’s Blog

Hello CSSGA members and construction industry partners.  The CSSGA remains in full swing as cold weather sets in and many jobs are yet to be completed before weather turns colder.  I trust everyone has a busy and prosperous warm weather season.  So while roadbuilding and some jobs will be shut down during colder temps, aggregate facilities around the state remain active to meet ongoing demand.  Below is a brief overview of actions underway and events at CSSGA.

• Regulatory Related Initiatives
  • CSSGA is representing industry regarding Colorado Air Quality Commission and the Regulation 26 Hearing.  Our Regulatory and Environmental Committee has formed a Task Force to provide pre-hearing testimony regarding restrictions on diesel powered engines.  This was sent into the state on Monday, Oct 30.  We will also participate in the Hearings that will occur in Early December.  We are hopeful the commission considers our comments while making their final determinations. 
  • CSSGA also utilized a similar process with the Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety (DRMS) with establishing guidelines for mining and the water monitoring in the permit application process.  This was a very successful process and we thank DRMS for the opportunity to discuss the process and improve the communication and overall permitting plans
• Governmental Affairs and Environmental Issues
  • Waters of the US (WOTUS).  CSSGA remains very active he Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) has requested the participation of CSSGA & CRMCA in a Governor appointed Task Force to discuss WOTUS and possible actions due to changes going on Nationally.  We have submitted comments and will be very involved regarding a congressional bill that is being drafted now.  Our next steps will be to engage in the bill drafting and legislative process on behalf of the concrete and aggregate mining industries. 
  • Also, regarding Governmental Affairs, We will soon be holding strategy sessions to discuss ways to increase our GA impact and effectiveness.  This will address our monthly Legislative meeting process which occurs during the Legislative Session each year.  These meetings will be scheduled for lunch meetings in downtown Denver and will align with both CSSGA and CRMCA Board meetings.  Thanks to Chris Oestreich (Burnco) for volunteering as out GA Committee chair.  We look forward to his leadership.  I also want to thank Garrett Varra for leading this initiative previously.  Garrett has chaired the committee for several years and much has been accomplished.  Look for more information to follow or contact Todd if you would like to be involved. 

• Martin Marietta hosted the most recent Industry Tour at the Spec Agg Quarry.  Thanks for Jeff Lines with Martin for being a great host and on-site tour leader.  Legislators, Regulatory officials, and many members attended.  We will also be doing another one soon for some that could not make the previous date work.  It is important to bring people into sites and see the great work the industry does in running clean, safe operations. 
• Sporting Clay Shoot – The Sporting Clay Shoot was a very successful event, held on Sept 18.  Always a great time for Networking and business interaction.  Thanks to all those in attendance!
• Also, thanks to those who participated in our Fall Networking event in South Denver last week.  We had several elected officials on hand who addressed the group.  These events are also for non members who want to see what CSSGA is all about.  So feel free to attend and bring a potential member next time! 
• Lastly, the registration for the Annual Conference at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs is out now.  The event is scheduled for November 16 and 17 and I look forward to seeing all current CSSGA & CRMCA members there.  We are getting some great speakers set up for the keynotes and breakout sessions.  It promises to be a strong event.  Again, look for the registration link or contact the CRMCA office for information on this event.

Thanks again.  Please reach out if we can be of assistance. 

Todd R. Ohlheiser, CAE
Executive Director
Colorado Ready Mixed Concrete Association (CRMCA)
Colorado Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (CSSGA)