Vice Chairman Kionne L. McGhee joined local community leaders and residents this week for an educational tour of Miami-Dade County’s South District Wastewater Treatment Plant (SDWWTP) and adjacent Solid Waste Landfill Site, emphasizing his ongoing commitment to fostering public awareness and engagement around the County’s cutting-edge environmental infrastructure. The tour highlighted Miami-Dade’s dual focus on sustainable innovation and community education, ensuring residents understand the critical role these facilities play in protecting public health and the environment.
Vice Chairman McGhee has prioritized keeping residents informed about the County’s waste management systems, organizing regular facility tours, workshops, and outreach initiatives. During the visit, he underscored the importance of transparency and education, stating: “An informed community is an empowered one. By opening these facilities to the public, we’re not just showcasing technology—we’re building trust and inspiring collective action to safeguard our environment for future generations.” The tour included detailed briefings on Landfill Operations, where participants observed daily waste compaction, leachate treatment, and the facility’s advanced environmental safeguards, including synthetic liners and groundwater monitoring; Gas-to-Energy Conversion, including a preview of the upcoming facility that will transform landfill and wastewater treatment gases into renewable energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels; and Wetland Restoration, a walkthrough of the 54-acre habitat supporting native wildlife, illustrating how waste management and ecological preservation coexist.
Expanding Public Outreach
Vice Chairman McGhee’s efforts extend beyond tours. He has championed partnerships with local schools and organizations to integrate facility education into STEM curricula and community programs. The co-located South Dade Home Chemical Collection Center—a resource for safe disposal of hazardous materials—also serves as an educational hub, offering residents guidance on reducing household waste and preventing pollution.
Sustainable Infrastructure Highlights
The South District Wastewater Treatment Plant (SDWWTP) $687 million expansion will boost treatment capacity to 131 million gallons per day (MGD), with upgrades designed to withstand climate impacts. The landfill’s Cell 5 construction ensures disposal capacity through 2029, while its gas-to-energy project aligns with Miami-Dade’s goal to achieve net-zero emissions. Partnerships like the Clean Water Recovery Center, which has a water reuse rate of 15 with FPL, highlight how innovation reduces potable water use by 500,000 gallons annually.
Community Impact
“These facilities are more than infrastructure—they’re classrooms,” Vice Chairman McGhee added. “Every resident who leaves here understands how their actions, from recycling to proper chemical disposal, contribute to a cleaner, healthier Miami-Dade.” Future initiatives include expanding digital resources, virtual tours, and multilingual outreach to ensure all residents can access information on sustainable practices. Vice Chairman McGhee reaffirmed his dedication to keeping education at the forefront of the County’s environmental strategy.
