In 2018, I was chosen to join a work group of residents to discuss and propose solutions to the crisis caused by rock mining blasting. This work group was formed by now Senator Manny Diaz Jr. and consisted of involved residents in the affected communities such as Albert Aguiar, Kate Tobon, Mercy Sierra, and Councilman Alex Rizzo. This work group identified several solutions to better equip affected communities in their efforts to understand and address rock mining blasting. In keeping with his promise to the work group and the community, Senator Diaz has now filed SB 1356, which incorporates just about all of the recommendations offered by the work group. It is my proposal the Council adopt a resolution in support of SB 1356 and send the same to our state and local elected officials and our neighboring HOA and civic associations asking for their support of the bill and, eventually, to the members of the committees of reference in the Senate and in the House (for its companion bill).

I am well aware that there are other bills related to rock mining blasting that have been filed. However, I do not have the same knowledge of how those proposals were developed or the impact they would have as I do with those contained in SB 1356. Additionally, I have not been able to consider their impact as I have with the proposals contained in SB 1356, including any unintended consequences. As a result, I do not feel comfortable recommending additional legislation at this time.

Rock mining blasting is an issue that has vexed our community for the last several years and caused significant damage to various homeowners in Miami Lakes and surrounding areas with many holes in the regulatory structure that oversees it. The proposals in SB 1356 were developed by residents and address many of the deficiencies these residents have identified in the regulation of the rock mining industry when it comes to blasting. For these reasons, I urge my colleagues to agree to the development of the proposed resolution as a step to improving the existing regulatory structure relating to rock mining blasting.

Fiscal Impact: Low