The Invading Sea
  • News
  • Commentary
  • Multimedia
  • Public opinion
  • About
No Result
View All Result
The Invading Sea
  • News
  • Commentary
  • Multimedia
  • Public opinion
  • About
No Result
View All Result
The Invading Sea
No Result
View All Result

Incinerators pose significant risks, regardless of technological advancements

Miami-Dade should invest in waste reduction and eliminate the need for an incinerator near Miramar or elsewhere

by Wayne M. Messam
September 11, 2024
in Commentary
0

By Wayne M. Messam, Miramar mayor

Recent news reports touting a new $1.5 billion Miami-Dade incinerator project as “safe” and claiming ”zero emissions and no smells” I feel are misleading and lack scientific basis. Such promises do not pass the smell test — literally or figuratively.

The Global Alliance for Incineration Alternatives (GAIA) reports that incinerators emit 68% more greenhouse gases per unit of energy than coal plants, making them among the most toxic and climate-polluting industries.

They disproportionately impact lower-income and minority communities — those least responsible for our waste crisis. With Miramar’s population being 46.3% Black and 36.2% Hispanic, these concerns hit close to home.

Incinerator smokestacks (iStock image)
Incinerator smokestacks (iStock image)

Last month, Miami-Dade announced the new incinerator would be capable of turning 4,000 tons a day of trash into electricity and alternative fuels. The county’s main incinerator plant in Doral was heavily damaged in a fire.

County consultants are considering three potential sites — at the original Doral location, in an industrial tract in Medley and at the defunct Opa-locka West Airport near the Broward County line.

(The city of Miramar, for one, has threatened to sue if the Miami-Dade incinerator is placed at the Airport West site. Some environmental groups have also campaigned against the other sites.)

The notion of “zero emissions” from any incinerator is scientifically untenable. Even the most advanced technologies release harmful pollutants, including carbon dioxide, dioxins, mercury, lead and PFAS.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s April 2024 report stated that current data is insufficient to determine the effectiveness of incinerators in treating PFAS, known as “forever chemicals,” due to their persistence in the environment.

Renderings of the proposed facility show a single smokestack — hardly a “zero-emission;” operation. Miami-Dade’s own consultant, Arcadis, admitted that the facility would require four flues to handle 4,000 tons of garbage daily. This alone belies the zero-emissions claim and highlights the misleading nature of the project’s promotional materials.

Moreover, promises of “no smells” are equally deceptive. The city of Miramar reviewed the Florida Department of Environmental Protection records for a similar state-of-the-art incinerator in Palm Beach County.

Since its 2015 launch, there have been 245 emissions malfunctions and numerous complaints of foul odors. In one such complaint, a resident described the stench as “overbearing and downright vile,” forcing them to leave their bedroom at night.

This is not a future we want for Miramar, which lies less than a mile from the proposed site.

Rather than subject any community — Miramar or Doral — to these risks, Miami-Dade should invest in waste reduction and eliminate the need for an incinerator.

Wayne M. Messam
Wayne M. Messam

Miramar supports 10-Step Strategy to Implementing a Community Zero Waste Program, which offers a sustainable path forward. This approach mitigates environmental harm and fosters economic growth by creating green jobs and promoting innovation.

Our opposition is grounded in public health, environmental protection and community integrity.

We have reviewed numerous studies and consulted with environmental experts who affirm that incinerators pose significant risks regardless of their technological advancements.

As Miramar’s mayor and in partnership with my colleagues on the city commission, we are committed to replacing half-truths with facts and obfuscation with clarity.

Our city has a history of standing up for what is right. We call upon Miami-Dade leaders and the broader South Florida community to join us in seeking truly sustainable and safe waste management solutions.

The truth matters, and we must protect our environment for future generations.

Wayne M. Messam is the mayor of Miramar. This opinion piece was originally published by the Miami Herald, which is a media partner of The Invading Sea. 

If you are interested in submitting an opinion piece to The Invading Sea, email Editor Nathan Crabbe at ncrabbe@fau.edu. Sign up for The Invading Sea newsletter by visiting here. 

Tags: DoralFlorida Department of Environmental ProtectionGlobal Alliance for Incineration Alternativesgreenhouse gas emissionsMiami-Dade incinerator projectMiramarPalm Beach CountyPFASzero waste
Previous Post

10 tough climate questions for the presidential debate

Next Post

Waste-to-energy facilities are environmentally responsible, compatible with nearby communities

Next Post
A waste-to-energy facility in Palm Beach County (Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County)

Waste-to-energy facilities are environmentally responsible, compatible with nearby communities

Twitter Facebook Instagram Youtube

About this website

The Invading Sea is a nonpartisan source for news, commentary and educational content about climate change and other environmental issues affecting Florida. The site is managed by Florida Atlantic University’s Center for Environmental Studies in the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science.

 

 

Sign up for The Invading Sea newsletter

Sign up to receive the latest climate change news and commentary in your email inbox by visiting here.

Donate to The Invading Sea

We are seeking continuing support for the website and its staff. Click here to learn more and donate.

Calendar of past posts

September 2024
S M T W T F S
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
2930  
« Aug   Oct »

© 2022 The Invading Sea

No Result
View All Result
  • News
  • Commentary
  • Multimedia
  • Public opinion
  • About

© 2022 The Invading Sea

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In