Miami-Dade Faces Pushback on $1.5B Incinerator

Miami-Dade County is facing significant opposition from Miramar officials and residents over the proposed site for a new $1.5 billion waste-to-energy incinerator near the county line. Miramar Mayor Wayne Messam has criticized the plan, stating it was introduced without consulting the city and highlighting environmental and public health concerns. The opposition is especially strong against the Opa-locka West site, which is less than a mile from Miramar's border and near residential areas. A new site proposed by developer David Martin in an agricultural area outside Hialeah Gardens could potentially mitigate the conflict, as it is nearly two miles from the closest neighborhood. The decision on the incinerator's location, involving three potential sites, is expected to be made by the Miami-Dade County Commission in September. Despite assurances from the county that the facility will have 'zero emissions,' Miramar has mounted a significant campaign to challenge the proposal, emphasizing the impact on their predominantly Black community.