Aria, I have some news about Blue Origin and its plans to manage its wastewater.
Blue Origin is requesting permission to release industrial wastewater into the Indian River Lagoon. This proposal involves operating a wastewater treatment plant that would process up to 490,000 gallons of industrial wastewater daily. A portion of this, approximately 15,000 gallons per day, would be directed into an on-site stormwater pond before eventually flowing into the Indian River Lagoon.
"I'm sure that a lot of people are concerned that toxic rocket propellants are gonna seep into the Blue Origin water — um, no," stated Don Platt, Florida Tech's Director of Spaceport Education. He clarified that while rocket propellants aren't the primary concern, other chemicals used in the process require careful consideration.
But here's where it gets controversial...Platt explained that the company utilizes highly filtered water for tasks like testing and cleaning rocket components. "Things like machines that bend and machine the metal into the shapes needed for the rocket need to be cooled," Platt said. "They use water for that, so of course that water has to go somewhere.”
The permit outlines two options for wastewater disposal: discharge into the sewer system or into a large on-site pond. Blue Origin states that the water will be diluted before entering the pond and subsequently released into the lagoon.
"This is expected to be safe as the science we know today," Platt assured.
And this is the part most people miss... This isn't a completely new situation. A Blue Origin spokesperson mentioned that this is a renewal of an existing agreement, in place for over five years. They emphasized their commitment to responsible and compliant operations. Environmental protection agencies are responsible for ensuring that the final agreement with Blue Origin keeps chemical concentrations below dangerous levels.
Brevard County Commissioners are scheduled to vote on a motion at an upcoming meeting. This motion aims to schedule a public hearing to gather community input before any permit is issued.
What are your thoughts on this? Do you believe that the current safety measures are sufficient, or do you have concerns about the potential environmental impact? Share your perspective in the comments below!
