Environment

Texas Grants SpaceX Permit for Starship Launch Tower Wastewater After Long Delay

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.

RA Staff

Written by RA News staff.

Recent Posts

Buckley Vows to Pass STAAR Overhaul in Late-Night Hearing

The House Public Education Committee early on…

12 hours ago

Texas Democrats Rethink Their Leverage Play

A quiet but meaningful political shift unfolded…

1 day ago

Advocates Warn Texas Bill Would Funnel More Children Into Adult Prisons

A bill that just passed the Texas Senate is drawing fierce criticism from youth justice…

1 day ago

Trump To Endorse Dustin Burrows For Texas House Speaker, Abbott Told GOP Caucus

Gov. Greg Abbott told members of the Texas House Republican Caucus that President Donald Trump…

1 day ago

This website uses cookies.