Each week, “Just the Facts” provides information about a key aspect of the new regional medical center being built by Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS). It is designed to keep our medical staff, employees and volunteers updated as well as our community members. We believe it's vital to keep our community informed about how we’re transforming healthcare in our region.
TOPIC FOR TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2019:
How will Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS) protect air quality as it starts taking down buildings and throughout construction?
As we begin to take down buildings in the footprint of the new regional medical center, we are taking all measures necessary to protect air quality and to ensure the health and well-being of our neighbors in Downtown Utica.
In order to ensure proper air quality throughout the construction process, we’re working closely with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). This department regulates air quality in construction projects such as this through their Community Air Monitoring Program (CAMP). We will be working diligently with NYSDEC and a third party air monitoring consultant to protect nearby businesses, properties and community members. As part of CAMP, one of the steps we are taking is to accurately test the air, which includes testing both upwind and downwind of the worksite, to determine if there are any air quality impacts generated by on-site work. If, for example, excessive levels of dust are found, work may be temporarily halted in order to use dust suppression measures and controls.
In addition to air monitoring, soil and ground water testing will also be conducted regularly.
Although we are relying on the NYSDEC, its processes and its programs, to provide guidance on the steps to take to ensure safe air quality, MVHS is taking extra measures, such as hosing down the buildings during demolition to reduce dust and capture particulate debris, which will help maintain the air quality in the area for our Downtown neighbors.
