EFTA00689387.pdf

From: Mayor Philip Levine To: [email protected] Subject: Important update on Pump Station located at 10th and West Avenue. Date: Thu, 06 Aug 2015 13:13:44 +0000 Having trouble viewing this email? Click here Dear Friends and Neighbors, EFTA00689387 In the past few days, the City of Miami Beach has received concerns that our pump stations may be polluting Biscayne Bay - that they are not working because they are allowing pollutants to pass through the system. Contrary to these allegations, the pump stations are working. The purpose of the pump stations is to prevent flooding by removing rainwater from our city and keeping bay water from coming in. That said, the system is also designed to remove litter and sediments that are picked up by rainwater from the urban environment on its way into the system. As we upgrade our stormwater infrastructure, we are adding enhancements like the Vortex structures to further remove these pollutants and improve the quality of our discharges. These structures are cleaned and maintained on a quarterly basis to ensure that they are functioning propertly. The City has been conducting daily visual inspections of the 10th Street outfall (including divers in the water), where a supposed oily sludge has been reported, for indication of water quality concerns. To date, the City has not found any indication of oil or any other contaminants. It should be noted that the photo commonly presented as evidence of oil or sludge was taken last Fall, as evidenced by active construction depicted in the photo on the adjacent property that has, in fact, since been completed. Nevertheless, in an effort to further investigate these recurring concerns, the City hired an environmental services firm to sample the water for petroleum derivatives. The City anticipates these results within a few days. The only items that have been documented coming out of the outfall, as evidenced by City Manager Morales' e-mail dated August 4, are small leaves, shreds of leaves, and a few small plastic bags. Additionally, pressure and gas bubbles from the velocity of the pumped water were observed to cause sediments from the Bay bottom to rise, thus clouding the water. This is known as a turbidity plume, which dissipates as soon as the sediments have the opportunity to settle. We will be installing turbidity barriers at this outfall to limit the extent of the plume until a more permanent solution can be identified. The City understands that our natural capital is critical to our economy and our quality of life. We will continue to monitor this location and the water quality of our waterways. Sincerely, Philip Levine EFTA00689388  Mayor of Miami Beach Forward this email ur This email was sent to by Update Profile/Email Address Rapid removal with SafeUnsubscribe'm Privacy Policy. Office of Miami Beach Mayor 960 Alton Road Miami Beach FL 33139 EFTA00689389