Blue Origin seeks clearance to discharge treated industrial wastewater into the Indian River Lagoon. The plan envisions a 490,000-gallon-per-day treatment facility, with about 15,000 gallons daily routed to an on-site stormwater pond before reaching the lagoon.
Florida Tech’s Spaceport Education Director, Don Platt, anticipates public concern over rocket propellant toxicity reaching the water, but emphasizes broader chemical considerations. He notes that the facility uses highly filtered water to test and clean rocket components, and that many processes for shaping and cooling metal parts rely on water, which must be treated and disposed of properly.
The permit outlines two discharge options: release into the municipal sewer system or discharge into a large on-site pond, with Platt explaining that the water would be diluted before entering the pond and eventually flowing to the lagoon. He adds that current science supports the safety of this approach, given appropriate dilution and monitoring.
This request is not a new development; Blue Origin describes it as a renewal of an agreement that has been in place for more than five years. A company spokesperson says the firm is committed to responsible and compliant operations.
Environmental protection agencies are tasked with ensuring that any finalized agreement keeps chemical concentrations below levels deemed dangerous.
Brevard County Commissioners are set to consider a motion at Tuesday night’s meeting that would schedule a public hearing. The hearing would solicit input from community members before a permit is issued.
