SpaceX has applied for a Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (TPDES) Permit with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to dump polluted water into South Bay, a region sacred to the Carrizo/Comecrudo Tribe of Texas. November 5 Update: TCEQ posted a notice that the public meeting concerning the SpaceX permit to discharge polluted water into South Bay, initially scheduled for November 14, has been CANCELED. The meeting will be RESCHEDULED for a later date, which will be announced soon. Link to the notice of canceled meeting: https://www.tceq.texas.gov/downloads/agency/decisions/hearings/notices/2024/2024-11-14-space-exploration-technologies-corp-wq001342001-pm-cancellation-letter.pdf
Here’s a link to the TCEQ permit:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1gOkoQEja5L_euEpbwSIZGvdcnI77cqhe?usp=sharing
Submit a comment to oppose the SpaceX permit:
The public can submit comments online from now until the date of the rescheduled TCEQ meeting (TBA). Below are the step-by-step instructions for submitting an online comment. If you need more information about submitting a comment to the TCEQ, please click this link for helpful guides created by Texas RioGrande Legal Aid in Spanish & English.
Instructions for Submitting a Public Comment to TCEQ:
Go to the website: https://www14.tceq.texas.gov/epic/eComment
Permit Number: WQ0016342001
Please list all the reasons why SpaceX’s water pollution and activities directly impact you on Boca Chica Beach. Here’s a template public comment that you may reference:
I am opposed to the issuance of the following permits for SpaceX LLC: WQ0016342001
The SpaceX launch pad and Starbase facility emit unacceptable levels of pollutants that
threaten Brownsville and Rio Grande Valley residents’ health and well-being. Water pollutants
also damage the sensitive wetland, salt marsh, and mudflat ecosystems of South Bay, Lower
Rio Grande Valley Wildlife Refuge, and Boca Chica Beach, home to numerous endangered and
threatened species, especially migratory birds. As a member of the surrounding community, I
am directly impacted by SpaceX’s pollution and activities. I request that TCEQ
provide sufficient Spanish language interpretation and translation services at the hearing to ensure that all participants’ questions are answered. In addition, TCEQ and
SpaceX staff must consult with the Carrizo/Comecrudo Tribe of Texas, the original Native
people of this region, about this permit application and all SpaceX activities at the Boca Chica
Beach site.
Me opongo a la emisión de los siguientes permisos a favor de SpaceX LLC: WQ0016342001
La plataforma de lanzamiento de SpaceX y las instalaciones de Starbase emiten niveles
inaceptables de contaminantes que amenazan la salud y el bienestar de los residentes de
Brownsville y el Valle del Río Grande. Los contaminantes del agua también dañan los sensibles
ecosistemas de humedales, pantanos salinos y marisma de South Bay, el Refugio de Vida
Silvestre del Valle Bajo del Río Grande y la Playa de Boca Chica, hogar de numerosas
especies amenazadas y en peligro de extinción, especialmente aves migratorias. Me afecta
directamente la contaminación de las aguas residuales y las actividades de SpaceX. Solicito
que TCEQ brinde además servicios de interpretación y traducción al idioma español en la
audiencia. Además, el personal de TCEQ y SpaceX debe consultar con la
Tribu Carrizo/Comecrudo de Texas, el pueblo nativo original de esta región, sobre esta solicitud
de permiso y todas las actividades de SpaceX en el sitio de Boca Chica Beach.
More information about SpaceX’s negative impact on the community & environment: