Phosphate

Weeping Water

Box 171, Weeping Water, NE 68463 | (402) 267-2915
William Donohue, Operations Manager | E-mail William

Operations

Weeping Water produces the animal feed ingredients dicalcium phosphate (18.5 percent P), monocalcium phosphate (21 percent P) and coarse monocalcium phosphate. It has an annual capacity of 230,000 tons.

Limestone is accessed from an underground mine located between 125 feet and 145 feet below the surface. Approximately 125,000 tons of limestone rock are removed annually, with reserves expected to last more than 60 years.

Significant Achievements

Improvements in product quality were accomplished by installing a better computer control system.

The site met its safety goals in 2007.

Weeping Water achieved a very high rating in the Behavior Science Technology (BST) cultural survey (OCDI) conducted in September 2007. Nine of the 10 predictive scales had scores ranging from 93 percent to 99 percent. These scores indicate the commitment of employees to safety and leadership.

Extra cameras, fencing and gates were installed to upgrade plant security to meet Safe Feed/Safe Food standards.

Community Relations

Several discussions were held with city council about accessing the new walk/bike path via the adjacent properties owned by PCS Phosphate and the City of Weeping Water.

The site sponsors underground mine tours during the annual Limestone Days celebration and information about the facility is presented at the local Community Center. Employees volunteer to assist with the tours.

The facility participated at the Cass County Fair and distributed informational material about the site to visitors.

Community Contributions

The value of cash donations to local community organizations in 2007 was $15,830. The top five recipient organizations were City of Weeping Water, Limestone Days, Cass County Agricultural Society, the Lofte Community Theater and Weeping Water School.

In-kind contributions totaled $5,840. This support went to the Syracuse School District, Murray Rescue Squad, Cass County Agricultural Society, Weeping Water School and American Legion Auxiliary Unit #237.

PCS at Weeping Water will support the project to refurbish and remodel an existing auditorium for city and community activities. The site will provide cash donations as well as encouraging employees to volunteer their services if necessary. Parts of the building will be available for rent by local residents.

Awards

The site received a number of safety awards in 2007.

• For the 12th year, a platinum award of honor with distinction was received from the National Safety Council of Greater Omaha.
• The Sentinels of Safety Award was presented by the Mine Safety and Health Administration for 9,981 employee-hours worked underground without a lost-time injury in 2007.
• Weeping Water received the Peak Performance Award from the Nebraska Safety Council.
• The site also received the Pinnacle Award from Union Pacific for Chemical Transportation Safety.

Environmental Initiatives

The plant asphalted the county road and two blocks of the city road at the plant site to reduce dust and fine particles.

Local Procurement

The value of all goods, materials and services purchased locally by the site in 2007 (excluding raw materials, transportation and energy) was $2.3 million. Local purchases accounted for 81 percent of purchases.