Miami's Strategies To Combat Land Pollution

Miami, the southeastern Florida metropolis, experiences elevated air pollution levels common to urban areas. However, its coastal peninsula geography helps keep air pollution levels relatively low compared to other cities of a similar size. Miami-Dade County has implemented various strategies to reduce land pollution, including regulating land uses and activities that may contribute to pollution, monitoring, soil and water remediation, stormwater management, and natural resource restoration. The county has also adopted fertilizer regulations to protect the Biscayne Bay from nutrient pollution, which can harm marine life and ecosystems. In addition, the county is working to reduce transportation-related fuel consumption and expand and protect green and blue spaces, which help absorb and store carbon dioxide and other types of pollution.

Reducing transportation-related fuel consumption

Miami-Dade County's transportation is responsible for 55% of the community's greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollutants. Reducing transportation-related fuel consumption will have the most significant impact on climate pollution in the county. Here are some ways Miami is working to reduce transportation-related fuel consumption:

Reducing Vehicle and Mobile Equipment Usage

Miami aims to reduce vehicle usage by implementing strategies such as:

• Encouraging telecommuting for employees and exploring methods to encourage other large employers to do the same.
• Increasing the number of roundabouts instead of traditional street intersections to improve traffic flow.
• Developing infill, compact, and mixed-use redevelopment projects to reduce commuting distances.
• Constructing transit-oriented developments (TODs) to reduce the need for residents to drive, such as the MiamiCentral station of the Brightline commuter rail.
• Prioritising the positioning of bus stops under shade to protect transit users from extreme heat.
• Implementing a Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) program and a Countywide Mobility Rewards Program to incentivise the use of public transportation.
• Analysing and proposing adjustments to school schedules to minimise traffic during school hours.

Expanding Effective Low-Carbon Mobility Options

Miami is also working to expand low-carbon mobility options, including:

• Implementing the South Corridor Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project, providing 20 miles of exclusive electric bus transit.
• Encouraging the use of public transportation, walking, bicycling, and micro-mobility options like electric scooters.
• Implementing the Miami-Dade 2045 Bicycle/Pedestrian Master Plan and developing a pedestrian prioritisation plan.
• Deploying premium public transit solutions, such as the Brightline commuter rail, to increase ridership and reduce single-occupancy vehicle use.
• Allowing the use of excess solar power at bus shelters to power micromobility equipment.
• Encouraging the use of electric vehicles (EVs) by increasing the number of charging stations and offering incentives such as exclusive parking spots.

Accelerating the Electrification of Vehicles and Equipment

To accelerate the electrification of vehicles and equipment, Miami is taking the following actions:

• Installing electric vehicle charging ports across the county, with a focus on downtown areas and County-owned properties.
• Procuring electric buses to add to its fleet, with a goal of making at least 50% of its buses electric by 2030.
• Deploying electric buses to serve disadvantaged communities first to address historic inequity issues.
• Enforcing and expanding ordinances that require public charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.
• Assisting multi-family residential, office, and commercial properties in retrofitting for EV charging.
• Encouraging the use of low- or zero-emissions landscaping and gardening equipment.

Cutting Emissions from Commercial Hubs

Miami is also working to reduce emissions from its seaport, airports, and other commercial hubs:

• PortMiami is installing shore power to provide cruise ships with electric power while docked, reducing carbon emissions.
• Miami International Airport is expanding its automated docking system to reduce aircraft engine run-times and carbon emissions.
• Setting goals to reduce emissions at PortMiami and Miami International Airport facilities, and working with cruise lines and airlines to implement best practices.
• Educating airport and seaport facility user groups on industry-best practices for reducing fuel consumption.
• Implementing a Visual Guidance Docking System (VDGS) at airports to reduce aircraft idling.

Reducing fertiliser use

Miami-Dade County has implemented several measures to reduce land pollution, including the adoption of a Florida-friendly fertilizer ordinance in April 2021. This ordinance includes regulations such as skipping fertilizer use during the summer rainy season, using phosphorus-free fertilizer, and applying fertilizer away from storm drains and surface water bodies. These measures are essential to protect Biscayne Bay, a central feature of South Florida, and reduce the impact of fertilizer pollution on the environment and the local economy.

Reducing fertilizer use is a crucial step in mitigating land pollution and its negative consequences. Here are some ways to reduce fertilizer use and its impact:

Apply the Right Amount at the Right Time

Farmers can significantly reduce fertilizer use by applying the right amount of nutrients at the right time of year and with the appropriate method. This ensures that plants absorb most of the nutrients, minimizing the risk of excess fertilizer reaching water bodies and causing pollution.

Adopt Nutrient Management Techniques

Nutrient management practices involve applying the right amount of nutrients (fertilizer and manure) at the appropriate time of year, using the correct method, and placing them in the right location. This helps improve nutrient absorption by plants and reduces nutrient losses from farm fields.

Use Slow-Release Fertilizers

Slow-release fertilizers release nutrients gradually over an extended period. By using these fertilizers, farmers can reduce the frequency of application and decrease the overall amount of fertilizer used. This helps prevent nutrient loss through leaching or volatilization and ensures a consistent supply of nutrients to plants.

Implement Conservation Tillage

Reducing the frequency and intensity of tilling fields can improve soil health and reduce erosion, runoff, and soil compaction. This, in turn, minimizes the chance of nutrients reaching waterways through runoff and decreases the need for excessive fertilizer application.

Plant Cover Crops and Perennial Species

Planting cover crops or perennial species helps prevent periods of bare ground on farm fields. It ensures that the soil is protected and reduces the risk of erosion and nutrient loss into nearby waterways. This practice also improves soil health and fertility.

Plant Field Buffers

Establishing field buffers by planting trees, shrubs, and grasses along the edges of fields, especially those bordering water bodies, is an effective strategy. These buffers act as a natural barrier, absorbing or filtering out excess nutrients before they reach water bodies, thereby reducing nutrient pollution.

By implementing these practices, farmers can play a crucial role in reducing fertilizer use and mitigating land pollution, protecting the environment, and preserving the health of aquatic ecosystems.

Protecting green and blue spaces

Miami-Dade County's land and marine ecosystems, or green and blue spaces, play a crucial role in reducing land pollution and mitigating the impacts of climate change. These ecosystems absorb and store carbon dioxide and other types of pollution, with coastal habitats absorbing carbon at a rate 10 times greater than mature terrestrial tropical forests.

One of the key strategies to protect and expand these spaces is through reforestation projects. The Department of Environmental Resources Management's Environmentally Endangered Land's program has initiated one of the largest reforestation projects in recent years, planting nearly 5,000 trees at and adjacent to Matheson Hammock, as part of a multiyear ecological restoration project.

Additionally, the creation of new parks and green spaces is essential. In August 2022, Miami-Dade County broke ground on Jeb Estates Park, a 1.5-acre undeveloped green space being transformed into a mini park with a nature-based playground and recreational amenities.

The protection and expansion of green and blue spaces offer multiple benefits. They enhance carbon storage in the soil, increase shade and cooling, and reduce urban heat. They also provide economic stability by creating green jobs, reducing infrastructure costs, and decreasing property damage from flooding. Furthermore, they improve the health of residents by providing access to nature, promoting physical and mental well-being, and reducing health inequalities.

Overall, the preservation and expansion of Miami's green and blue spaces are crucial in the fight against land pollution and climate change, offering environmental, social, and economic advantages.

Reducing air pollution from cruise ships

Miami-Dade County is taking several steps to reduce land pollution and its impact on the environment. One notable initiative is the reduction of transportation-related fuel consumption, which includes cutting emissions from the seaport and airports. PortMiami, for example, is installing the first shore power system in the southeastern United States, specifically to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Now, here are some ways to reduce air pollution from cruise ships:

Cruise ships are a major contributor to air pollution, and their impact on the environment is significant. To reduce air pollution from cruise ships, several measures can be implemented:

• Shore Power: Also known as "cold ironing," shore power allows cruise ships to use electricity from the shore while docked instead of burning fuel. This significantly reduces air pollution in port cities. PortMiami, for example, is installing shore power to achieve its goal of cutting overall emissions by 50% by 2030.
• Cleaner Fuel: Cruise ships can switch to cleaner fuel options, such as low-sulfur fuels or liquefied natural gas (LNG). LNG, for instance, reduces nitrogen oxide and particulate emissions by about 80%. While LNG also contains methane, a potent greenhouse gas, overall, it is a much cleaner alternative.
• Exhaust Gas Scrubbers: Many cruise ships have installed exhaust gas scrubbers to comply with cleaner fuel rules. However, it is important to ensure that these scrubbers do not simply convert air pollution into water pollution, as contaminated wastewater can be just as harmful.
• Electric Engines: For shorter distances, electric engines can be used. They do not emit noxious gases, are silent, and require less maintenance. However, electric batteries are heavy and may not be suitable for longer journeys.
• Catalytic Converters: Similar to cars, cruise ships can install catalytic converters to reduce emissions.
• Oily Water Separators: According to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), 62% of cruises filtered their wastewater (grey water) in April 2019.
• Relocating Terminals: Moving cruise ship terminals away from densely populated areas can reduce the impact of air pollution on local inhabitants. However, this solution may simply shift the problem to surrounding towns and villages, and port cities may lose the economic benefits of tourism.
• Emission Control Areas (SECAs): SECAs mandate the most stringent marine sulfur fuel emission standards. However, as of 2017, there were only two SECAs in Europe, and even within these areas, cruise ship air pollution can remain an issue.
• International Treaties and Regulations: The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set important standards for containing the environmental pollution of shipping, such as MARPOL 73/78, which prohibits dumping within three nautical miles of a coastline and sets limits on sulfur and nitrogen oxide emissions.
• Advocacy and Consumer Choices: Organizations like Friends of the Earth advocate for laws and regulations to stop cruise ships from dumping waste and polluting the oceans. Consumers can also choose greener cruises by opting for cruise lines with better environmental practices, as outlined in Friends of the Earth's Cruise Ship Report Card.

By implementing these measures, the air pollution caused by cruise ships can be significantly reduced, benefiting the health of both locals and passengers, as well as the environment.

Reducing fats, oils, and grease in sewers

Miami-Dade County's sewer system has been facing a major problem due to fats, oils, and grease (FOG). This issue is particularly prevalent among businesses, especially restaurant owners. To combat this issue, several measures can be implemented to reduce the impact of FOG and protect the sewer system:

• Guidelines and Education: Miami-Dade County provides guidelines and information to businesses, especially restaurants, on how to reduce their FOG output. It is important for establishments to follow these guidelines and educate their staff on the proper handling and disposal of FOG substances.
• Proper Disposal: Fats, oils, and grease should never be poured down drains or sinks. Instead, they should be collected in containers and properly disposed of as solid waste. This simple practice can significantly reduce the amount of FOG entering the sewer system.
• Grease Traps and Interceptors: Installing grease traps or interceptors in sinks and drains can help capture FOG substances before they enter the sewer system. These devices act as barriers, allowing FOG to cool and solidify, making it easier to collect and dispose of responsibly.
• Regular Maintenance: Maintaining sewer systems and grease traps is crucial. Regular cleaning and inspection of grease traps ensure they function effectively and prevent FOG build-up in pipes. This maintenance also helps identify potential blockages early on.
• Community Engagement: Raising awareness among residents about the impact of FOG on the sewer system is essential. Educating the public about proper disposal methods and encouraging them to report any FOG-related issues or illegal dumping can help create a collective sense of responsibility.
• Enforcement and Regulation: Miami-Dade County should enforce regulations and standards for FOG management, especially for businesses in the food industry. Regular inspections and fines for non-compliance can serve as a deterrent and encourage establishments to adopt better practices.

By implementing these measures, Miami-Dade County can effectively reduce the amount of fats, oils, and grease entering its sewer system, thereby minimizing blockages, overflows, and potential environmental hazards.

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