Concrete firm finds it pays to be clean.

When Livingston's Concrete Services, Inc. moved to its North Highlands location on Roseville Road, it was like homesteading -- there wasn't much around it.

That was 1974.

In 1999, the concrete plant is surrounded by homes, and the area is still expanding. With the types of waste and impacts a concrete business inherently produces -- particularly dust, air pollution and wastewater -- companies like Livingston's could be pretty raunchy neighbors.

But it has chosen not to be, investing hundreds of thousands of dollars to reuse water and excess concrete and contain dust so it doesn't coat the neighborhood.

"You have to see the immediate investment as a long-term value," said Michael Livingston, president. "It's a big investment for us, but we're in it for the long term."

Founded by Vincent and Edith Livingston in 1953, the company prides itself on good service in a variety of areas. Part of that is being a good neighbor, said Livingston, and keeping an eye on the horizon. …