A smoldering battle could soon ignite in a fight over Miami-Dade's trash. Miami-Dade's Mayor presenting a report to the county commission today about a consultant's analysis reviewing air quality and environmental impacts of the three proposed sites for a new more than $1 billion-dollar waste-to-energy facility including the old Opa-locka West Airport.
"It's bad for the environment. It's bad for the public, bad for the region's supply of clean water, and will trigger a decade of litigation. Miramar will file suit if the site is selected, " said Miramar Mayor Wayne Messam.
Messam predicts environmental organizations and the Department of Justice will join the lawsuit.
The report shows low risk for air quality and environmental impacts at any of the three sites. The cheapest option would be rebuilding at the Doral facility that burned last year, but many residents oppose it and getting federal permits at the Medley site could be complicated.
Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine-Cava doesn't expect to bring a final recommendation to the County Commission until September.