A coalition comprised of local and state elected officials and a representative from the environmental sector sat down Oct. 26 with Lafarge North America leaders to begin a relationship that will benefit the community and the Lafarge Cement Plant in Cementon, Whitehall Township.Held at Assante Ristorante Italiano, Northampton, the purpose of the first session was to get a handle on Lafarge's plans as its moves forward into the 21st century and to receive input from the invitees.

Joseph Uliana of J.M. Uliana & Associates, Bethlehem, served as chairman and coordinator for the meeting, representing Lafarge. There was agreement the panel, labeled the Lafarge Whitehall Community Liaison Panel, should continue with such meetings, with the next one to be held in several months.

Attendees included Whitehall Mayor Edward D. Hozza Jr., state Rep.Julie Harhart (R-183rd), state Rep. Daniel McNeill (D-133rd), Kurt Derr from state Senator Lisa Boscola's (D-18th) office, Coplay Mayor Joseph Bundra, Northampton Mayor Thomas D. Reenock and Scott Cope, vice president of education, Wildlands Conservancy. The Lafarge contingent included Lorraine Faccenda, Lafarge Whitehall plant manager; Jason A. Griffin, Lafarge North America, state government relations; and Kevin Bretz, Lafarge North America, Environmental and Public Affairs. Uliana said Lafarge has shown leadership in technology and alternative fuels in running its Whitehall plant, noting emissions are well under the state Department of Enviormental Protection standards. Uliana added the plant's emissions are a model in the industry. Along with using tires for fuel for its kilns, Uliana noted since the early 1990s, the Whitehall plant has been at the forefront of using alternative fuels through tire derived fuel and plastic derived fuel.

"Currently, the facility diverts more than 10,000 tons per year of nonrecyclable plastics and more than two million tires per year from being landfilled," acording to Lafarge.

In operation for more than a century, the plant presently produces up to 900,000 tons of Portland cement per year. Lafarge bought the plant in 1981 and employs approximately 80 persons.

The company has said it believes in developing meaningful relationships, and has developed partnerships with World Wildlife Fund, Wildlands Conservancy, as well as participating in a Wildlife at Work program through Wildlife Habitat Council and various local events. The company also participates in educational programs with local schools and universities, namely the Northampton Area School District Middle School.Those in attendance spoke highly of Lafarge's commitment to the community.