Will trash-burning incinerator be built near Broward? A vote again is delayed

A decision on where to build a trash-burning incinerator in South Florida has been delayed again — this time being pushed back until next month.

Miami-Dade County is considering many locations for its new incinerator, including one potential site that's drawn strong opposition from the nearby city of Miramar. Now, Miami-Dade County commissioners next are scheduled to address the issue Dec. 3.

In an Oct. 31 memo to county commissioners, Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava wrote that it's best to wait until after the Nov. 5 election, considering that the city of Doral also was having its elections.

"It is prudent to ensure that any final proposal from Doral with respect to an interlocal agreement (especially the financial terms) aligns with the priorities of the new Council," she wrote.

In addition, she said the county has received offers from the two privately owned sites for consideration, and "our team is currently reviewing these offers and engaging in ongoing discussions and negotiations in order to secure final cost figures for each of the sites."

There could be as many as four possible sites under consideration.

In September, Miami-Dade commissioners agreed to hold off on a decision on the placement of the incinerator until November. It is now scheduled for December. "We thank you for your consideration to defer this item for a few more weeks to allow the Administration more time to conduct additional analysis and obtain critical information that will lead to the best possible outcome for all of our residents," Levine Cava wrote.

In August, AtkinsRéalis Group Inc. announced that it was awarded an agreement to provide "professional and owners engineering Services" to Miami-Dade's Department of Solid Waste Management for its new state-of-the-art, waste-to-energy plant.

The project would create the largest waste-to-energy facility in the United States, able to process 4,000 tons of waste per day, AtkinsRéalis Group's news release said.

"We're perfectly positioned to continue to support our long-standing client with the development of a green mixed-use industrial campus that creates renewable energy," said Steve Morriss, president for U.S., Latin America, and Minerals & Metals with AtkinsRéalis, "while solving the County's growing waste challenges and opening the door for similar U.S.-based projects in the future."

One of the sites being considered by Miami-Dade County is less than a mile from Miramar, the site of a decommissioned airfield, near Krome Avenue and U.S. 27.

This is bringing out the opponents from Broward County, including city officials and residents from Miramar.

Miramar Mayor Wayne Messam said in a prepared statement that the city wasn't directly informed of the delay by Miami-Dade County. Still, "this delay underscores the importance of continued vigilance and advocacy on behalf of our community," Messam said. "While we understand the need for thorough deliberation, we urge the county to prioritize transparency and consider the significant impact this decision holds for our residents."