After nearly two years of operating without the necessary permit, SpaceX has received approval from Texas regulators to discharge wastewater from its Starship launch site in South Texas, according to the San Antonio Express-News.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) denied requests from local residents and environmental groups to reconsider the permit, which allows SpaceX to release up to 358,000 gallons of water into nearby wetlands during rocket tests and launches at Starbase, near Brownsville. The commission ruled that opponents failed to provide new information or demonstrate how the wastewater would impact them differently than the general public.
Concerns Over Industrial Wastewater
Environmental engineer Eric Roesch criticized the approval process, arguing that SpaceX’s wastewater should be classified as “industrial process wastewater” due to exposure to extreme heat and combustion. He also pointed out discrepancies in water sample records.
TCEQ rejected these claims, stating that those contesting the permit did not establish a legal connection between the wastewater and their activities. Additionally, SpaceX and TCEQ argued that opponents lacked legal standing because they did not provide addresses proving proximity to the launch site.
Fines and Delays
The approval follows a $152,000 fine imposed on SpaceX by the TCEQ and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for operating its deluge system without a permit. The system, which sprays water to mitigate heat and force from Starship’s engines, was installed after the rocket’s first test flight in April 2023 caused extensive damage to the launch site.
Public opposition has been strong, with over 2,250 written comments submitted against the permit and dozens of residents voicing concerns at a public meeting in Brownsville.
Future Launches and Environmental Impact
SpaceX plans to use the system up to 30 times per year, a number that could increase if the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approves more frequent Starship launches. The FAA has raised concerns about heavy metals—such as chromium, iron, and nickel—being discharged into wetlands. While regulators argue that the environmental impact is minimal compared to natural rainfall, residents worry about long-term contamination.
The company is currently preparing for its next Starship test flight, though a launch date remains uncertain as an investigation continues into the January 16 in-flight failure.
