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This bill would require the installation of at least three moss wall units (vertical structures of moss cultures used for the purpose of reducing airborne particulate matter and pollution) throughout the city, and a study of the effectiveness of the said moss wall units in reducing airborne pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, as well as recommendations on whether to install more moss wall units in the near future. The study and installation of moss wall units in the city is intended to further the goal of continuing to improve air quality in the city.

  • Filed (End of Session)

History

City Council
Filed (End of Session)
City Council
Referred to Comm by Council
City Council
Introduced by Council

Int. No. 1728

 

By Council Member Constantinides

 

A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to a pilot project for installing moss wall units in the city

 

Be it enacted by the Council as follows:

 

Section 1. Moss wall units pilot project. a. Definitions. As used in this local law, the following terms have the following meanings:

Moss wall unit. The term “moss wall unit” means a wall or vertical structure containing natural moss plants and moss culture used for the purpose of capturing airborne pollutants and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

City building. The term “city building” means a building that is more than 10,000 gross square feet, as it appears in the records of the department of finance, that is owned by the city or for which the city regularly pays all of the annual energy bills, provided that two or more buildings on the same tax lot shall be deemed to be one building. 

b. Installation of moss wall units. No later than September 30, 2018, one or more offices or agencies designated by the mayor, shall install, or cause to be installed, moss wall units in at least 3 locations in the city, in accordance with the following criteria: 

1. At least 1 moss wall unit shall be installed at or near a city building that was built before the year 1968.

2. At least 1 moss wall unit shall be installed at or near a city building that was built after the year 1968 and before the year 2000.

3. At least 1 moss wall unit shall be installed at or near a city building that was built after the year 2000.

4. All moss wall units shall be installed adjacent to a vent or exhaust carrying emissions from the city building to the outdoors, such that the outflow of the said emissions can be directed at the moss wall unit, allowing the said emissions to come into direct contact with the moss wall unit.

c. Report. No later than September 30, 2019, one or more offices or agencies designated by the mayor shall submit to the mayor and council a report analyzing the feasibility and appropriateness of installation of moss wall units throughout the city. Such report shall include, but need not be limited to:

1. An analysis of the costs and benefits of acquisition, installation, operation and maintenance of moss wall units in the city, including a review of the effectiveness of the moss wall units installed pursuant to subdivision b of this section with respect to reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and capturing of airborne pollutants, as well as other environmental benefits, security or other concerns and any available federal or state funds or incentives for the acquisition, installation, operation or maintenance of such systems; and

2. Substantive recommendations regarding whether and where to install more moss wall units throughout the city.

                     § 2. This local law takes effect immediately and is deemed repealed following the submission to the mayor and council of a report in accordance with subdivision c of section 1 of this law.

 

 

 

MN

LS #11288

09/27/2017 3:51 PM