Miami-Dade implements new approach to protect local waterways

The Miami-Dade Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources, Division of Environmental Resources Management (DERM), is deploying new maintenance techniques in secondary canals throughout Miami-Dade County to preserve the drainage flow in the canals and remove harmful floating debris. This is helping to clean our canal system and to protect our ecosystem, while reducing reliance on chemicals to keep our waterways safe for all residents.

“Water quality remains a critical component of our community’s overall resilience, especially throughout our county-managed secondary canal system,” said Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “We’re proud to launch this innovative program that helps to decrease our reliance on chemical treatment and increases debris collection to provide a safer and reliable way to keep our waterways clean.”

DERM is responsible for maintaining more than 200 miles of secondary canals. To improve water quality and the overall health of the system, Miami-Dade is now deploying more mechanical harvesters and decreasing its use of in-water chemical treatment. Since launching in January of 2024, the harvesters program now maintains upwards of 80% of the secondary canal network.      

Additionally, as of June of 2024, 160 tons of debris have been removed from secondary canals before reaching Biscayne Bay.

“We’re proud to transition our canal maintenance from a largely chemical-based approach to an effective and safer mechanical program,” said DERM Director Lisa Spadafina. “This transition is critical for the protection of Biscayne Bay, one of our most important ecosystems in South Florida, because Miami-Dade’s secondary canals feed into the primary canal system that ultimately flows into the bay.” 

“Miami Waterkeeper is pleased to support this shift in canal management methodology which will improve canal water quality and ultimately the water quality of Biscayne Bay,” said Miami Waterkeeper’s Chief Executive Officer and Waterkeeper, Rachel Silverstein, Ph.D. “We applaud the County’s quick response to these concerns and dedication to protecting our region’s waterways.”

Mechanical harvesters help maintain the secondary canals, thus reducing in-water chemical treatment. Removal of floating debris in secondary canals is a preferred technique to prevent it from entering Biscayne Bay.

This rainy season serves as a reminder that what residents discard on dry land is easily carried into our waterways through rain, ultimately harming our ecosystem. Residents play a critical part in keeping our waterways healthy and can support county efforts by picking up their trash instead of littering, properly disposing of pet waste, and avoiding the use of fertilizer during the rainy season.

Members of the media are invited to visit the site and b-roll is available upon request for the installation that occurred at the canal located at Bird Road and SW 144 Avenue.  DERM staff is available for interviews as well.