WRE News: Ambitious Growth Plans for Miami Clash with Mounting Environmental Crises

Miami, FL – August 19, 2023 – Miami aims to draw more out-of-state workers and wealthy newcomers like hedge fund tycoon Ken Griffin. However, the city faces a daunting environmental predicament. Some of Miami’s vast landfills, including “Mount Trashmore,” are projected to reach capacity by 2026, as per a report from County Mayor mayordlc‘s office. Even more urgent are the septic systems serving the city’s 2.7 million residents. During heavy rains, many of these sewage tanks overflow, releasing fecal bacteria and contaminants that transform parts of the region into toxic swamps, harming both marine life and people’s health. The issue extends across the county, encompassing affluent areas such as Coral Gables and Miami Beach, as well as more distant locations like Homestead near the Everglades. The lack of modern wastewater infrastructure surprises many planning and environmental experts. In response, Mayor Cava has proposed raising landfill heights, constructing a $1 billion incinerator and power plant, and addressing the failing sewage systems. However, eliminating septic tanks, which number around 108,000 in Miami-Dade County alone, could cost upwards of $4 billion.