Last Wednesday, the City of Miramar escalated its opposition to a proposed trash incinerator site near the Broward County border, threatening legal action if the plan proceeds. At a high-profile press conference, Miramar Mayor Wayne Messam and other city officials voiced their fierce opposition to the Opa-locka West Airport site, arguing that it poses significant risks to nearby residents
“Our message is simple: Miramar says ‘no’ to the incinerator,” declared Mayor Messam. “We’re taking action, and we are consulting experts and preparing to challenge the proposal in every way necessary and possible. We will not be bullied into accepting a flawed project. We are ready for a fight and determined to win.”
This issue has been a months-long controversy. Back in April, Miramar leaders, alongside prominent community organizations and elected officials from neighboring cities, gathered at City Hall to express their concerns about the proposed site. The Opa-Locka West location, situated less than an eighth of a mile from West Miramar, threatens nearly a quarter million residents in surrounding cities like Weston, Pembroke Pines, and Southwest Ranches.
The facility is intended to replace the Doral incinerator, which was destroyed by a fire in February 2023. The Doral plant, operated by Covanta Energy, handled about 50% of Miami-Dade County’s waste before its closure. The county has identified three potential sites for the new incinerator: Opa-Locka West, an industrial area in Medley, and a return to Doral. Despite a report indicating that Opa-locka West had the lowest potential risk among the sites, Miramar officials argue that its proximity to residential areas makes it an unsuitable choice.
Environmental concerns of Miramar residents
Environmental concerns are central to the dispute. The Doral incinerator was known for emitting pollutants linked to severe health risks, such as cancer and respiratory problems. The Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives has highlighted the broader environmental impacts of waste incineration, including its contribution to greenhouse gas emissions and pollution.
In a proactive move, Miramar has launched a six-figure campaign against the Opa-locka West site. As of June, the city had invested over $300,000 in the fight, with additional funds earmarked for hiring experts to assess the potential impact of having an incinerator nearby on surface water, health, ecological, and air quality. Michael Goldstein, an environmental lawyer representing the city, announced that Miramar is prepared to file a series of lawsuits if the Opa-Locka West site is approved.
“If the county elects to approve the Opa-locka Airport site as the site for the incinerator,” said Goldstein, “the city will file a host of lawsuits that will roll out over a period of time.” He added that nonprofit groups and environmental organizations are expected to join Miramar in its legal fight.
The press conference was supported by various allies, including members of the NAACP Miami-Dade Branch, Florida Rising, and Democratic state Rep. Robin Bartleman. Bartleman highlighted the potential threat to the Florida Everglades and criticized the county for risking the preservation efforts funded by the state legislature.
Annastacia Robinson of Florida Rising also pointed out the historical pattern of placing incinerators in communities of color, emphasizing that Miramar—like previously affected communities—deserves better treatment.
In response to the proposed incinerator, Miramar has also initiated a petition demanding a thorough environmental impact assessment before any construction begins. “We need to explore sustainable options for waste management rather than resorting to outdated methods like incineration,” Mayor Messam asserted. “Our city deserves better.”
