Miami-Dade County has reached a key milestone in the modernization of its wastewater infrastructure with the completion of new thickening and dewatering facilities at the Central District Wastewater Treatment Plant (CDWWTP). The project forms part of the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department (WASD) $8.9 billion Capital Improvement Program (CIP), one of the largest water and wastewater investment initiatives in Florida.
The works represent a major upgrade in solids handling processes at the facility, introducing high-capacity centrifuge systems and gravity belt thickeners designed to significantly enhance operational performance. These technologies enable a substantial reduction in processing time—from several days to seconds—while improving sludge characteristics by producing a higher solids concentration. The installation includes some of the largest centrifuge units currently operating in the state.
“These facilities are capable of processing nearly 530,000 pounds of waste material per day,” said Chief Utilities and Regulatory Services Officer Roy Coley. “The upgraded system reduces hauling requirements, lowers operational costs, and supports compliance with federal environmental standards, advancing our Consent Decree project completion.”
In addition to process efficiency gains, the project incorporates enclosed treatment systems to mitigate odour emissions and improve environmental performance. The infrastructure has also been designed with elevated, flood-resistant structural elements to enhance resilience against extreme weather events and long-term climate risks.
The upgrade supports broader regulatory compliance objectives and contributes to ongoing efforts to protect sensitive receiving waters, including Biscayne Bay.
“These critical improvements demonstrate the importance of future-proofing our infrastructure,” said Daniella Levine Cava. “Through our historic Capital Improvement Program, we are making smart, forward-looking investments that protect public health, strengthen climate preparedness, and ensure reliable wastewater service for our residents.”
The completed facilities also align with system-wide improvements being implemented across WASD’s treatment plants, reinforcing capacity, reliability, and efficiency within one of the region’s most extensive wastewater networks.
