Orlando Suárez, a 53-year-old Cuban, faced a Miami-Dade court on Wednesday accused of intentionally polluting his five-acre property in the agricultural area of Redland, located in the southwestern part of the county, according to officials.
Authorities from the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office (MDSO) took Suárez into custody on Tuesday afternoon at his property on 19201 SW 180 Street. He is accused of contaminating the groundwater in the area with harmful bacteria, including Escherichia coli and total coliforms, as reported by Local 10 News.
The arrest report indicates that Suárez's property was not connected to the sewer system and lacked an authorized septic system.
At the site, Suárez had set up a mechanical area for commercial vehicles and used six recreational vehicles as living spaces. These were connected by makeshift pipes serving as a sewage line throughout the property, which discharged wastewater directly onto the ground.
Consequently, "the property caused contamination of the area's groundwater level, compromising the drinking water with harmful bacteria," stated the MDSO report.
Laboratory tests confirmed the severity of the issue. "Results from the septic tank laboratory samples indicated the presence of untreated wastewater (...) Drinking water also contained total coliforms and E. coli," the document specified.
Investigators also discovered several barrels on the property that appeared to be used for burning trash, seemingly for waste disposal and incineration.
Following his arrest, Suárez was held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center (TGK) and is facing a third-degree felony charge for deliberate environmental negligence. The judge set his bail at $2,500.
"Redland is a historic farming community that plays a crucial role not only in the Miami-Dade County ecosystem but also as a vital agricultural hub supplying food globally," states the arrest report. "Being a rural area, it relies almost exclusively on groundwater and well water, not just for crop irrigation but also for human consumption."
Understanding the Impact of Pollution in Redland, Miami-Dade
What charges is Orlando Suárez facing?
Orlando Suárez is charged with a third-degree felony for deliberate environmental negligence.
Why is Redland important to Miami-Dade County?
Redland is a historic farming community that significantly contributes to the county's ecosystem and serves as a crucial agricultural hub providing food globally.
How was the contamination discovered?
The contamination was discovered through laboratory tests that revealed untreated wastewater and harmful bacteria in the drinking water.