TCEQ approves SpaceX deluge-water discharge permit after denying hearing requests

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality voted on Feb. 13 to issue a permit to Space Exploration Technologies Corp. to authorize the intermittent discharge of deluge water from launch and return-to-launch-site activities, facility washdown water and stormwater, denying all hearing requests and requests for reconsideration.

The commission's decision followed staff and commissioner review of written comments and hearing requests from groups and individuals who raised concerns about potential effects on health, recreation and religious activities. Commissioners concluded that, given the volume and characteristics of the discharge and the distance between the discharge point and the locations identified by the requesters, the petitioners had not shown they would be affected differently than the general public. The commission adopted the executive director’s response to comments and directed staff to issue the draft permit.

Commissioners said the permitting case required technical work and commended staff for adapting to an unusual application. The motion to deny the hearing requests, adopt the executive director’s response, and issue the permit passed on an affirmative vote.

The commission noted that parties who had signed in for the item were noted for the record but that no oral argument would be taken. The decision closes the administrative phase at the commission level unless further legal action is pursued by affected parties.

Details not specified in the commission discussion include conditions or special monitoring requirements in the issued permit beyond what the executive director recommended.