Broward County commissioners defer decision on "Mount Trashmore" expansion
FORT LAUDERDALE - Broward County commissioners on Tuesday deferred a decision on the future of the Monarch Hill Landfill in North Broward.
The landfill, which opened in 1965, stretches across Coconut Creek, Deerfield beach and Pompano Beach.
The operator, Waste Management, said it will run out of space in six years. They want to add another 100 feet to the landfill so it will expand from 225 feet to 325 feet and add 16 years of use. The plan also is widen the landfill by 24 acres where an incinerator is being demolished.
The landfill takes in about 10% household waste.
Waste Management said eventually they want to accept just construction debris and bulk waste, which includes furniture and rugs.
But the expansion plan has resistance from residents and city leaders.
On Tuesday, residents and city commissioners spoke out against the expansion for the site known as "Mount Trashmore."
"If you allow it to 325 feet, it's bigger than the state Capitol building " Deerfield Beach commissioner Michael Hudak said.
"We are poisoning ourselves," Tamah Lettieri, of Coconut Creek, said.
It's not clear when the commission will reconsider the proposal.
Many urged the commission to wait until the solid waste management plan is complete next year.