The Army Corps of Engineers closed its review of SpaceX’s proposed expansion in Boca Chica Texas because SpaceX failed to provide adequate environmental documentation regarding how Starbase site growth might affect wildlife and ecology.
Bloomberg first reportedThe Army Corps letter to SpaceX describing the missing documentation. It should have included information about how South Texas’ planned expansion would affect the unique combination of coastal flats, wetlands, and wetlands that surround it. The Army Corps cannot approve the company’s proposed growth until it has submitted those documents.
Cameron County, Texas has seen a sharp divide over SpaceX’s expansion and Elon Musk’s plans for building and launching the Starship spacecraft from that location. This is partly due to concerns about the facility’s potential impact on the environment and beaches. Musk has spent about half his time in the area since Musk’s facility has grown rapidly in the past five years.
SpaceX rocket launches and booster test have occasionally exploded over the wetlands or coastal mudflats. Protocol last year heard from environmental researchers in the region that they are particularly concerned about the impact on some endangered bird species in the Lower Rio Grande National Wildlife Refuge. This refuge is located adjacent to the Starbase facility. Protocol was also informed last year by locals that Musk’s wealth, power and influence make it difficult for people to challenge the company for closing roads to beaches. Although the company has an agreement that allows them to close roads for a certain number of hours per year, the company has closed roads for longer hours than previously agreed.
The Federal Aviation Administration is also working on a final environmental report for the Starship, Super Heavy rocket and booster launch plans. This report has been supported several times by SpaceX over the past year. SpaceX currently plans to release the report on April 29th. This report will help determine if SpaceX needs to take additional steps in order to mitigate potential environmental effects of Starship launches.
SpaceX did no immediate respond to a request for comment.
