Committee approves ordinance creating enhanced safeguards against environmental contaminations

Today, the Zoning, Neighborhoods and Development Committee approved file #231338 – an ordinance relating to reviews for potential environmental contamination prior to the issuance of occupancy certificates. The file was introduced by Common Council President José G. Pérez, and co-sponsored by Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II, Alderman Michael J. Murphy, Alderman Robert J. Bauman, and Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa.

The ordinance seeks to prevent future health issues like the ones seen in Milwaukee and Glendale. It requires that an application for an occupancy certificate for a residential use, in a structure that was previously a non-residential use, undergo a review from the health commissioner based on available environmental contamination information and data, in addition to environmental contamination reviews from the appropriate state agencies.

“When hazardous health events occur like those seen last year that displace residents and expose them to an unhealthy environment in the form of toxic TCE levels, it is incumbent upon us as city leaders to do what we can to make sure residents are protected both now and into the future,” said the Common Council Members.

“It became abundantly clear that extra guardrails needed to be put in place to prevent that type of situation from ever happening again, and we believe this ordinance accomplishes this goal by ensuring all relevant City departments are involved in the process and coordinating appropriately with the State. We want to thank our colleagues and all those involved for their support of this file as we continue to seek ways to have a healthier, safer community.”

The full file can be viewed here, and will be before the full Common Council for adoption at its next meeting at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, January 17.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.