Cape Canaveral backs Brevard County in asking FDEP for public hearings on Blue Origin discharge permit

The City Council voted unanimously on Dec. 16 to send a letter supporting Brevard County's request that the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) hold public hearings on a draft industrial wastewater discharge permit submitted by Blue Origin.

Mayor Pro Tem and other council members told the council that the county had already prepared a formal letter and transcript from the county commission proceedings; the city attorney said the county's filing model meets FDEP format requirements and that the city's letter can be a direct expression of support. "I would draft a letter saying the city council supports the county's request for a public hearing," the city attorney said; the mayor agreed to sign the document and staff will send both mailed and electronic copies to the FDEP central district office.

The draft permit referenced in council discussion carries the identifier FL0A00007-002-IW7A and concerns a proposed discharge reported in the application as roughly in the range of 490,000 nd 500,000 gallons per day of process and non-process industrial wastewater to the Indian River Lagoon. Council members emphasized the need for a local hearing site so community members can attend; public commenter Mike Schaefer urged the city to include an offer of a local venue to encourage FDEP to hold a local meeting.

Council took the vote to send the support letter and asked staff to prepare it in the county-recommended format and present the signed copy for transmittal. The council also asked the clerk and city attorney to expedite the process so the city's filing is received before the stated deadline.

Next steps: the city attorney will draft the letter in the county-approved format; the mayor will sign and staff will send both an electronic submission and mailed copy to the FDEP central district. Council asked staff to follow the county on venue selection and to encourage a local hearing site.