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The Lower Manhattan Construction Command Center will conduct air quality monitoring downtown
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With all of the rebuilding projects planned downtown, the Lower Manhattan Construction Command Center (LMCCC) has announced that this summer it will begin collecting background data as part of a long-term air quality monitoring program. Once the major projects are underway, the research gathered will be used to monitor air quality levels in those areas most affected by heavy construction activity, thereby ensuring environmental safety for the downtown community.
In a few weeks, fixed air monitors will be placed in the neighborhoods surrounding the sites of major construction activities in Lower Manhattan, including Battery Park City, Tribeca, Park Row/City Hall Park, and the Financial District. The major projects include redevelopment of the World Trade Center site; deconstruction of 130 Liberty Street; Route 9A reconstruction; and construction of the Fulton Street Transit Center and World Trade Center Transportation Hub. Throughout construction for each project, the LMCCC will monitor air quality levels on a daily basis by comparing the initial data to air surrounding construction activity. This process will enable the Command Center to determine when further investigatory and/or corrective actions are needed. Data will also be made available to the public on a timely basis.
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| The air monitoring program will help ensure environmental safety as projects like the WTC Transportation Hub get underway downtown |
"The Construction Command Center will consistently monitor the air quality in Lower Manhattan neighborhoods to ensure that construction projects are not adversely affecting the health of Lower Manhattan residents and businesses," LMCCC Executive Director Charles Maikish said in a statement. "Among the major goals of the Command Center is to mitigate the impact of construction on the Lower Manhattan community, including monitoring air quality, and to assure that project sponsors carry out their environmental performance commitments during construction."
The air monitoring program will be administered by the LMCCC, in consultation with the Environmental Protection Agency, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, and NYC Department of Environmental Protection. It is one component of a comprehensive environmental performance plan for Lower Manhattan that will be monitored and enforced by the Command Center. Other initiatives include
- Using ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel in off-road construction equipment;
- Imposing an idling time restriction of three minutes on diesel powered engines;
- Using equipment powered electrically, rather than by diesel fuel, on construction sites where practical, and
- Enforcing dust control measures at construction sites.
In an effort to minimize the impact construction activity will have on Lower Manhattan's business and residential communities, the mayor and governor signed executive orders in November calling for the creation of the Lower Manhattan Construction Command Center to oversee the extensive construction planned throughout the area and ensure that the various construction projects are consistent with the rebuilding timeline.
Related Links
Construction Command Center Director Named
Creation of Construction Command Center
Rebuilding Timeline
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