Implosion sent chunks of debris into environmentally-sensitive waters.
A developer with plans to build a new waterfront high-rise will be cited by county environmental regulators after the implosion of an Edgewater apartment tower sent debris flying into Biscayne Bay over the weekend.
Detonations exploded Saturday inside the 12-story Electra on the Bay tower, causing the building to collapse in a matter of seconds. The developer says the demolition was “the result of months of careful planning,” and demolition plans were reviewed and approved Sept. 30 by Miami-Dade’s Department of Regulatory & Economic Resources.
“The building detonated toward the west, which was intentional,” said spokeswoman Tere Florin, adding that nothing appeared to be amiss at the time. “But there was debris that flew out in the opposite direction.”
A video of the implosion (which we brought you yesterday) shows chunks of debris plunging into the water. After being contacted by media, Florin said the department sent a biologist onto the bay Tuesday and confirmed that the implosion sent materials into the bay.
Florin said the department intends to serve the owner Thursday with a notice of violation. She said the developer went through the proper environmental steps before imploding the building, but will nevertheless have to clean up the bay bottom, and then contact the county to allow for a an inspection.
