EFTA00665808.pdf

From: Mayor Philip Levine • To: jeevacation@grnail.com Subject: Facts regarding the Health of the Bay Date: Fri, 10 Jun 2016 16:12:34 +0000 Having trouble viewing this email? Click here Dear Miami Beach Resident, A few years ago, the City of Miami Beach launched a historic effort to counter rising sea levels which threaten not just us, but coastal cities and communities throughout the world. EFTA00665808 We are writing to you to provide a quick update regarding recent articles about the City's storm water pumps and the water quality of our beautiful treasure, Biscayne Bay. The FIU and NOAA researchers who conducted the water quality test referenced in the articles made a presentation to the City Commission on Wednesday. We want to highlight some remarks that are consistent with the City's position, but that unfortunately get lost in the reporting of this complex story. The City of Miami Beach has never disputed the findings of contaminants detected in their samples at that point in time. From time to time and to varying degrees, contaminants exist in stormwater. This is why we have pollution prevention efforts and regulatory monitoring programs, efforts we take very seriously. However, the City takes exception with the conclusion that our new anti-flooding pumps were creating this problem, or that this is somehow unique to Miami Beach. These are, and remain, issues for all coastal communities. Of note, FIU geochemist Dr. Briceno, led his remarks on Wednesday with this assurance: "...pumps don't pollute," adding "...pumps are part of the solution." Other substantive points laid out during the Commission hearing included: • This is not a problem unique to Miami Beach • The City is not pumping "human waste" or "raw sewage" into the bay • The sample did have elevated levels of indicator bacteria; however, this type of indicator bacteria dies quickly and is diluted as it moves through the body of water • The actual physical pumping is not the source of any bacteriological contamination • From a public health perspective, the pumps may be beneficial by quickly removing water from the land, thereby reduce the overall contaminant load of the water with which people come into contact when water floods our streets All three scientists said they would swim in our Bay. They would, of course, not swim at an outfall - anywhere - and neither should you. The conclusion is that we all have a role in, and responsibility for, pollution prevention and stormwater management. The City cleans the streets and the pipes. We ask you to curb your dogs, and please be careful with the material you use to fertilize. We hope that you find this update helpful. The City of Miami Beach takes its environmental stewardship responsibilities seriously, and to that end we will continue to monitor the health of the Bay and protect our natural resources. The world is looking to Miami Beach to help provide answers to a problem that affects people across the planet, and we are committed to creating a blueprint others will follow. Enjoy the summer, our incredible beaches, and the beauty of our Bay. Yours truly, EFTA00665809 Office of Miami Beach Mayor, 960 Alton Road, Miami Beach, FL 33139 SafeUnsubscriberm jeevacation@gmail.com Forward this email I Update Profile I About our service provider Sent by EFTA00665810