Broward County Commission greenlights Monarch Hill Landfill expansion

Fort Lauderdale, Florida – In a decision that has sparked both strong support and fierce opposition, the Broward County Commission voted to approve the expansion of the Monarch Hill Landfill, located just outside of Coconut Creek. The approval, which comes after years of delays and public outcry, will allow the landfill to expand both horizontally and vertically, increasing its footprint by 24 acres and raising its height by 100 feet.

The owner of the landfill, Waste Management (WM), first applied for the expansion five years ago. However, the county commission had delayed making a decision on the proposal multiple times due to concerns raised by nearby residents and local officials. Despite these delays and the continued opposition, the commission’s decision on Tuesday cleared the way for the expansion to move forward.

The approved expansion includes extending the landfill horizontally onto land that previously housed an energy plant. In addition, the landfill’s height will increase from 225 feet to 325 feet, equivalent to a 10-story rise. While this decision marks a significant development for the landfill, it also continues to fuel ongoing disputes between the county and local communities.

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The expansion has faced strong resistance from nearby cities, particularly Coconut Creek, where residents and city officials have expressed deep concerns about the environmental and health impacts. The Coconut Creek City Commission recently voted to begin the legal process to sue the county over the expansion, and the city’s intent to pursue litigation was highlighted before Tuesday’s vote. Broward County Attorney Andrew Meyers acknowledged the potential for legal action, noting that litigation over the matter was likely to occur at some point.

“We’re not surprised,” Meyers said. “There’ll be litigation with somebody over this, probably at some point.” Despite the looming threat of a lawsuit, Meyers emphasized that the county commission should proceed with their vote without letting the legal battle affect the timing or substance of their decision. “We’ll deal with Coconut Creek, and we’ll hear what their claims are when the time is right,” he said.

During the public hearing before the vote, the city of Coconut Creek was represented by Ralph DeMeo, a lawyer from the Guilday Law firm in Tallahassee. DeMeo argued that the county’s decision to approve the expansion was “arbitrary and capricious” and urged the commission to reconsider. He also made it clear that if the expansion were approved, the city would pursue legal action. “The last point I want to make is that we will sue if we don’t get the relief that we believe we’re entitled to under the law,” DeMeo stated. “We expect to prevail.”

The public hearing saw impassioned remarks from about 20 residents and city officials, most of whom were from Coconut Creek. These individuals had already voiced their concerns during previous public meetings, including a four-hour debate in January and a lengthy discussion at a county commission meeting in November. Despite the overwhelming opposition, the county commission voted in favor of the expansion, with six commissioners supporting the measure and three opposing it.

Commissioners Nan Rich, Michael Udine, Steven Gellar, Robert McKinzie, Hazelle Rogers, and County Mayor Beam Furr voted to approve the expansion, while Commissioners Lamar Fisher, Alexandra Davis, and Vice Mayor Mark Bogen voted against it. The commission also unanimously voted on a separate measure that will exclude municipal solid waste — the type of waste that often generates unpleasant odors — from being dumped at Monarch Hill.

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Even with the approval in place, Waste Management still faces a series of regulatory hurdles before the expansion can officially begin. County officials noted that WM must navigate a range of local, state, and federal regulatory requirements, which could take many months to complete before any waste can be deposited on the newly approved 24 acres.

The Monarch Hill Landfill expansion is a significant development in the ongoing debate over waste management in Broward County. While the county commission has approved the measures, the battle is far from over. As Coconut Creek prepares to challenge the decision in court, residents and local officials are left questioning the long-term environmental and health impacts of expanding the landfill.

For many in Coconut Creek, the fight against the landfill expansion represents broader concerns about the quality of life, environmental safety, and the sustainability of waste management practices in the region. The legal battle is expected to continue, and its outcome could have significant implications for the future of waste disposal in Broward County.

In the meantime, Waste Management’s plans are in motion, though the company still has a long road ahead to meet the necessary regulatory requirements before construction on the expansion can begin. As the controversy unfolds, all eyes will remain on the courtrooms, public meetings, and the future of the Monarch Hill Landfill.