Hanson Pipe & Precast and Hanson Pressure Pipe 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 a 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 Aug 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 ft of water and stands more than 12 ft high. One of Hanson’s 20-ft-long pressure pipes weighing almost 36,000 lb 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 Pipe & Precast and Hanson Pressure Pipe are planning a dive to explore the new reef within the next few weeks.
Source: Hanson Pipe & Precast, Hanson Pressure Pipe
