Environment Questions Could Delay SW Ranches Detention Facility
MIAMI (CBSMiami/AP) – In another effort to stall or even stop the construction of a massive immigration detention facility in Southwest Ranches, the Florida Immigrant Coalition has sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security demanding that they halt any negations regarding the facility until a full National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) review is conducted.
NEPA requires that all federal projects must be assessed to determine their impacts on the environment. This environmental review must be performed as early as possible in the planning. This process ensures that all environmental consequences are taken into consideration, including impacts on the Everglades, water, traffic, home values, utility consumption, property values, and future development all of which impact local residents' quality of life.
A lawyer for the Florida Immigrant Coalition said Wednesday under federal law the U.S. must get a public review of the site, even if a private company is building the prison since immigration officials are requesting it. He argues the review must be done before any contracts are signed with Corrections Corporation of America which will build and maintain the facility.
"This is more than just a technicality. Failure to review these impacts, as required by law, subverts a public discussion and public review of the project while it is still possible to change direction. The size of this facility, which could be one of the largest in the country, will significantly impact the quality of the human environment not only for Southwest Ranches residents, but also for large communities in Pembroke Pines that surround the area," said Florida Immigrant Coalition attorney Charles Elsesser in a statement.
When questioned at the public meeting held on Nov. 5th, CCA representatives stated that because they are a private company and are building the facility from their own money, that they are not subject to NEPA. They add that they already have all the permits they needs.
