A legislative task force was recently created to assist the state’s Fire Marshall Office in its efforts to find some solutions to the blasting which is allegedly causing damages to homes in the Northwest Miami-Dade area and the City of Miramar.
Miami Lakes residents Josh Dieguez, Albert Aguiar and Daissys Estrada, Country Club of Miami Community Councilman Alex Rizo, Palm Springs North Civic Association board member Mercy Sierra and Miramar resident Kate Tobon will review the findings of the state’s blasting study and help State Representative Manny Diaz Jr. craft ideas, solutions, ideally for legislation, clarifying certain statues and working with the Fire Marshall to reform how residential areas are impacted after the study is completed sometime in June.
Diaz and State Senator Rene Garcia secured $300,000 last year for the blasting study after residents complained about the rock miners’ explosions allegedly destroying their properties.
The study would include measures to reduce the blasting intensity and frequency; move blasting zones further from residential areas; and require compensation for property owners for damages.
Diaz indicated the study is not aimed at slowing down the rock mining industry’s blasting activities or hurting concrete business but making sure “we can find a middle ground between quality of life for residents near blasting zones and concrete production for the state.”
“We have been fighting this for years, and it’s time to get a resolution that finally addresses all concerns,” Diaz said. “Palm Springs North, Miami Lakes, Northwest Miami-Dade, Miramar and Doral all suffer these powerful blasts up to three times a week.”
Diaz said he’s optimist that the study will work in favor of both parties impacted by the blasting and the rock miners.
“I’m confident that the completed study will validate what we’ve been experiencing in our homes on a regular basis, and I look forward to the opportunity to finally address this issue and provide relief for these communities once and for all.”
CFO and State Fire Marshall Jimmy Patronis has visited the areas impacted by the blasting as part of the study in finding some solutions.
The Palm Springs North Civic Association, the Town of Miami Lakes and Miramar fully support Diaz’s initiative to resolve the blasting crisis.