Air Quality Continues To Improve In Lower Manhattan

Nov. 9, 2009 - PRLog -- The Lower Manhattan Construction Command Center (LMCCC), which is overseeing nearly 200 construction projects below Canal Street, announced today that its Environmental Compliance program has been able to minimize construction-related air pollution in Lower Manhattan, despite the unprecedented amount of construction taking place.

Robert Harvey, Executive Director of the Lower Manhattan Construction Command Center said, “We are extremely proud of the latest statistics which show that construction sites are taking steps to reduce emissions by using ultra low sulfur diesel fuel in their vehicles and controlling dust. Federally funded projects in Lower Manhattan have taken these standards a step further requiring diesel particulate filters for non-road construction equipment with engines greater than 50 horsepower. These important steps have translated into cleaner air for the people who live and work here.”

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg said, “As we continue to transform Lower Manhattan into a 24/7 neighborhood with new housing, schools and parks, we have a responsibility to ensure that we achieve the highest possible air quality. By reducing emissions and reducing dust, we are taking important steps to improve the quality of life for New Yorkers living in Lower Manhattan.”

The LMCCC Environmental Compliance Department, headed by Thomas Kunkel, operates four air monitoring stations surrounding major construction projects in Lower Manhattan. For the past three and a half years, overall air quality concentrations of  Particulate Matter (PM) 2.5, which are emissions from construction vehicles, and  Particulate Matter (PM) 10, which are dust particles from construction sites, were below National Air Quality Standards.

There has been an overall decrease in air pollution in Lower Manhattan for several years. When comparing the data from 2006 to 2008, it reflects a downward trend in concentrations of particulates for Lower Manhattan.  In the midst of an extensive reconstruction program, the data shows a promising air quality trend. The outlook for  2009 is a continued downward trend and hopefully ongoing improvement in Lower Manhattan air quality.  

“Vehicular traffic, wind transport and construction activities all contribute to air pollution. We work diligently with the contractors to ensure that they are taking steps to make their sites environmentally correct. The LMCCC is focused on maintaining and improving the quality of life in Lower Manhattan, said Kunkel. ”

The LMCCC has implemented Environmental Performance Commitments (EPC’s) for all of the project sponsors involved in the rebuilding and revitalization of Lower Manhattan. EPC’s focus on construction techniques, design elements and operating procedures to reduce the potential for adverse environmental impacts from construction activities on the general public. The LMCCC implements the EPC’s through Air and Noise Monitoring, Equipment Inspection and Certification, Site Inspections, Mobile Monitoring, Data Analysis and Reporting and Engineering Controls. The LMCCC’s program received the  U.S. EPA Environmental Quality Award in 2007.

For more information on our Environmental Compliance Department and the LMCCC, please visit our website at www.LowerManhattan.info.

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The Lower Manhattan Construction Command Center (LMCCC) was established by Governor George E. Pataki and Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg via joint executive order on November 22, 2004, extended by Governor Eliot Spitzer in January 2007 and continued by Governor David Paterson. The LMCCC is charged with coordination and oversight of all Lower Manhattan construction projects south of Canal Street, river to river. The LMCCC is taking steps to minimize the impact of ongoing construction on residents, businesses, and workers in Lower Manhattan and brings together private developers, public agencies, utilities, businesses, and residents in one location. In addition to its oversight and coordination responsibilities, the LMCCC provides a forum for expeditious and consistent decision-making on disputes among agencies. The Executive Director reports directly to the Governor and the Mayor.