Week of July 2, 2009
| Miami air-quality proposals would regulate projects indoors and outside By Jacquelyn Weiner A remedy is in the works for the sneezing, wheezing Miami residents who live near construction sites, although the plans come after the city's condo-construction boom. Two proposals regulating air quality at construction sites passed initial vote at last week's Miami City Commission meeting. The first requires contractors to implement an air-quality management construction plan aimed at increasing air quality for future occupants. Residential buildings of more than three residences or commercial buildings larger than 4,000 square feet will be required to "have an indoor air-quality plan in place during construction and prior to occupancy," said Robert Ruano, the city's director of grants and sustainable initiatives, at the meeting. These air-quality management plans must include measures to protect air systems from dust and shield materials prone to absorption. The plan would be required as an affidavit before a building permit is issued, the legislation says. Before buildings pass final inspection, air filtration would have to be replaced prior to residents moving in, according to the legislation. In addition, air samples collected three to six feet above the floor during hours residents would typically be at home would be required, the legislation says. The second proposal focuses on containing the dust, soil erosion and waterway sedimentation generated from the exterior of construction sites. Aside from damaging air quality, such problems can prove costly for storm sewer maintenance, the legislation notes. Under the proposal, contractors that disturb areas of soil of a half-acre or more are required to create a storm water pollution plan. Prevention plans must be submitted to the city, although implementation will be the contractor's responsibility. A contractor that failed to control dust emitted from the construction site would face increased fines of $1,000 per violation, Mr Ruano said. The city is touting these environmentally responsible construction proposals as furthering Miami Mayor Manny Diaz's penchant for sustainable initiatives. "The commission once again demonstrated how important it is to create a sustainable, green Miami for all of our residents to enjoy," Mr. Diaz said in a news release. They also coincided with last week's citywide Green Week, which incorporated events with an emphasis on the environment, according to the news release. The proposals, however, come as construction of condominiums and other buildings in Miami has plunged from its peak years. While building permits are still being sought at stable levels and condo construction continues, total construction work has dropped about 20%, said Hector Lima, city building director. The focus has shifted to smaller projects such as affordable housing, Mr. Lima said. "What really has slowed down is the scope of work," he said. Why the mayor waited until the end of the construction boom and the close of his tenure as mayor is unclear. He leaves office this fall. His office did not respond to requests for comment. Both proposals will be up for final city commission vote July 9. |
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