Oh for a breath of fresh air!!

The air quality in the Golden Triangle is compromised. That is not a statement which lies in the realm of conjecture, but rather could more accurately be classified as a truism. The problem is attributable, to the plethora of construction sites in the community, with little or no mitigation practices, regarding the ensuing dust pollution. Hence, any resident within the broad area, will advise, that their houses and furniture are covered in dust and the air is thick with all manner of pollutants. This, is of course compounded by night, when a few of the commercial establishments within the community decide to burn their daily waste. All this in full view of the regulatory bodies of NEPA and the KSAC.

Any cursory review of the academic literature, will reveal that dust generated by various construction site activities, can indeed make a significant contribution to local air pollution. Indeed, the high levels of dust in Seymour Lands, in conjunction with other outdoor pollutants, are responsible for an increase in the number of respiratory illnesses affecting the citizenry, particularly the elderly and small children at this time. Further, it is accepted that whereas inhaled particles may aggravate asthma and bronchitis, very small particles may cause cancer. It is also worthy of note, that dust also increases the rate of corrosion and therefore continued exposure to a dust nuisance is likely to cost substantial sums of money in terms of additional healthcare costs, as well as higher home maintenance bills. Hence, quality of life is compromised without adequate mitigation measures, which should seek to prevent or at least minimize the levels of air pollution emanating from these construction activities.

Mitigation Measures should include:

1. The use of water sprays to dampen exposed working areas that can generate dust;;
2. The enclosure and routine dampening of fine particle materials on site;
3. The utilization of wheel washing facilities to be used by all vehicles leaving the site;
4. That absolutely no construction materials are stored outside the site perimeter;
5. That absolutely no construction waste be stored outside the site perimeter and that all requirements for construction waste disposal be adhered to; and
6. At the conclusion of the works, all bare surfaces to be effectively landscaped as soon as possible.

In the absence of rigid enforcement of these mitigation measures, the quality of life in the Golden Triangle and the wider Kingston Metropolitan Area, will continue to decline as the city continues to be covered in a sea of pollutants.