Miramar is gearing up for another robust demonstration of community strength as residents and city leaders prepare to oppose the construction of a proposed waste incinerator near city limits.
The Miami-Dade County Commission is set to vote on the incinerator’s location during a meeting on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, and Miramar officials are determined to make their voices heard.
In preparation for this critical vote, the City of Miramar is hosting a Community Logistics Meeting on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. at the Sunset Lakes Community Center. The gathering aims to strategize and encourage a strong turnout for the Miami-Dade Commission meeting.
“This incinerator is a threat to our air quality, water safety, and the health of our families. We need every voice in this fight to protect our city,” said Miramar Mayor Wayne Messam. He, along with the Miramar Commission, has called on residents to “show up in full force” to contest the project.
Since April, Miramar officials have rallied alongside community organizations and leaders from nearby cities like Weston, Pembroke Pines, and Southwest Ranches to oppose the proposed Opa-locka West Airport site, less than an eighth of a mile from West Miramar. In September, the city escalated its opposition by threatening legal action.
“Our message is simple: Miramar says ‘no’ to the incinerator,” Mayor Messam stated at a September press conference. “We are consulting experts and preparing to challenge the proposal in every way possible. We will not be bullied into accepting a flawed project.”
Environmental issues at the forefront
The proposed incinerator is intended to replace the Doral facility, which was destroyed by a fire in February 2023. That facility, operated by Covanta Energy, processed roughly 50% of Miami-Dade County’s waste. County officials are now considering three potential locations for the replacement: Opa-Locka West, an industrial area in Medley, and a return to Doral. A recent report suggested Opa-locka West poses the lowest risks of the three sites.
Miramar officials, however, strongly disagree. They argue that the site’s proximity to residential areas endangers nearly a quarter-million residents in surrounding cities. Environmental concerns also loom large, as the previous incinerator emitted pollutants linked to cancer, respiratory problems, and other severe health risks.
The Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives has emphasized that waste incineration contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. Miramar leaders are determined to prevent similar issues from affecting their community.
As the December 3 decision looms, Miramar residents and officials remain steadfast in their opposition. “This is about the health and safety of our families,” Messam reiterated. “We are ready for a fight, and we are determined to win.”
The Community Logistics Meeting on November 21 is expected to play a key role in uniting the community and solidifying its stance ahead of the decisive vote.
