DATE: February 15, 2000

CONTACT: Angie Sidwell, Larry Cobb & Associates, 242-7674, ext. 1

Elam Construction, Inc. received kudos from the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA) with a Diamond Achievement Commendation for its new, state-of-the-art, Asphalt Hot Plant at 2353 River Road in Grand Junction. The national commendation recognizes Hot Mix Asphalt production facilities that operate in an exemplary manner. The $2 million hot plant, which provides an improved asphalt product, utilizes a more efficient production method, while providing a gentler environmental impact. NAPA awarded Elam’s hot plant on the basis of appearance, operations, environmental practices, safety, permitting & compliance and community relations.

Elam went beyond the call of duty with the construction of the new hot plant, resulting in a cleaner, quieter operation, friendlier to nearby wildlife and other neighbors. Elam replaced an older, wet scrubber facility, which used less efficient 1970s emission controls, with a new, top-of-the-line hot plant. This included replacing the use of vaporized diesel fuel and its noisy, diesel generator system with clean, natural gas and the quieter operation of an enclosed burner.

"The new hot plant utilizes a ‘bag house’ technique in its emission controls operation," said Harold Elam, President of Elam Construction, Inc. "The bag house functions like a giant ‘shop vac,’ which controls dust more effectively and eliminates the need for pond reservoirs for wastewater from the wet scrubber."

Elam’s new hot plant is one of the cleanest plants tested in the Rocky Mountains, according to Paul Ottenstein, Technical Director of Air Pollution Testing, Inc., with emissions tested well below those permitted by regulation.

Elam Construction, Inc., has been ‘smoothing the way’ in Western Colorado and Eastern Utah since 1956. Based in Grand Junction, Colorado, with satellite offices in Aspen, Edwards, Craig, Montrose, Steamboat Springs and Fraser, Elam specializes in asphalt paving and patching projects for large and small clients.