A few months back, Margate commissioners lead by Mayor Collins agreed that construction sites need to be kept environmentally safe and tidy. So, what’s the hold up?
When will Margate adopt an ordinance requiring building contractors to reduce microplastic contamination?
Sustainable Margate now warning residents about worksite contaminants.
New types of building materials like Trex and AZEK are impressive but can also be harmful to the natural environment and humans.
When contractors build houses, plastic dust clouds created when using a saw eventually falls into storm drains. These contaminants find there way into the bay and ocean.
Plastics pose a real danger to sea life and humans. Plastics wind up in the food chain – the fish eat the microplastics, and humans eat the fish.
Mayor Michael Collins agrees with the urgency but is still waiting for input from department heads. Collins wouldn’t provide a timeline for action.
The new ordinance would require contractors to:
- Use vacuum attachment on power saw to reduce microplastic dust.
- Use power saw in confined space (garage) for easy cleanup.
- Use tarp under power tools to catch dust and debris.
- Clean-up at day’s end. Ensure most particles don’t remain.
Sustainable Margate is gaining momentum, convincing local leaders to take action.
Green team member and Real Estate executive Sherri Lilienfeld said ‘spring and summer construction is when contamination could be at its worst.’
Lilienfeld and a growing group of Margate residents pressing Mayor Collins and the commissioners to introduce the ordinance.
Before a law is enacted, Zoning Officer Roger McLarnon wants residents and builders to understand the danger of worksite contaminants. Currently, when someone applies for a building permit, they get an info flyer. McLarnon wants to avoid punishing anyone unaware about the problem.
Lilienfeld said she’s willing to help with education. Maybe Margate will develop an incentive program rewarding contractors for compliance?
I remember a fiberglass deck installed and the plumes of toxic dust was everywhere from just that singular process and choking me in the sanding stage —just went into the environment.
We must tackle these pollution issues one by one as I think they create many diseases in people, especially children; animals and plants, and the fish that we eat. Otherwise, it will be our own extinction—but the buildings will be beautiful, won’t they?
Just listened to this video; very informative, however, I hope that this group is well aware that these “ordinances” ARE going to drive UP the costs to the end user; the BUYER!
That said, I believe there are at least two other possibilities to building homes.
One, is to build everything off-site; like a factory, warehouse… then, truck it in and, assemble it! And, two, place then entire demolition &/or erecting a building/home into a very large Bubble (tarp).
Just a couple more ideas to float around…
HAZMAT, Crime scenes, Fire scenes, launching of space shuttles, etc all keep the public at bay, why can’t the builders of homes?
Large buildings in cities have always been cordoned off; when house movers move houses/homes, they must protect other people’s properties…
Maybe a study on toxins released from nail salons?
Ever wonder why nail technicians wear masks? The acrylics and glues being used here in the Downbeach community has become toxic to our community.
Proper ventilation should be in place for salons.
Technicians have been Wearing mask way before Covid.