Miami-Dade Commission Delays Incinerator Decision

Miami-Dade County is facing significant opposition to its proposal for a new waste-to-energy incinerator at the Opa-locka West Airport site, with residents from neighboring Broward cities expressing strong concerns over potential environmental impacts. During a recent commission meeting, Miramar Mayor Wayne Messam and other residents decried the site's proximity to vital water resources, threatening legal action if the project proceeds. While Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava supports the site, citing factors like cost and project timelines, numerous environmental groups and community organizations are urging a rejection of all proposed incinerator locations in favor of more sustainable waste management solutions. The commission's decision has been deferred until November 6, allowing more time for public input. Activists warn that the emissions from an incinerator could undermine health and environmental restoration efforts in the region, including the Everglades. The controversy highlights the broader struggle between local government decisions and community health concerns in South Florida.