Elon Musk’s SpaceX has found itself in hot water over environmental concerns, as recent reports reveal multiple violations of state and federal regulations. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has issued a notice detailing SpaceX’s repeated discharges of pollutants into or near bodies of water in Texas. This follows a similar notice from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued five months earlier. These violations could jeopardize the company’s ambitious plans to scale up Starship launches from its Starbase facility.
The TCEQ’s notice, dated last week, centers on SpaceX’s water deluge system at its Boca Chica launch site. The agency reported receiving 14 complaints about environmental impacts from this system, which is designed to manage heat, sound, and energy generated by rocket launches. The complaints allege that SpaceX operated this system without proper authorization.
The environmental infractions have been ongoing. In March 2024, SpaceX was formally notified by the EPA for breaching the Clean Water Act, which also relates to the deluge system. Despite these notices, SpaceX continued to operate its water deluge system and press ahead with its third Starship test flight in March 2024. The company only submitted its permit application for the system in July 2024, significantly past the EPA’s 30-day deadline.
Environmental experts have expressed serious concerns about the potential impact of these violations. Eric Roesch, an environmental engineer, warned that continued discharges could lead to further investigations, fines, or even criminal charges. Coastal ecologist Kenneth Teague has criticized SpaceX’s permit application for its inadequate details and highlighted the alarming levels of mercury in the wastewater, which exceed safe limits and could significantly harm aquatic life.
SpaceX has countered these claims by asserting that its operations do not cause environmental harm and that other permits should cover the water deluge system’s use. However, experts argue that the company’s application fails to address key environmental risks adequately. The U.S. Geological Survey notes that mercury contamination poses severe threats to water quality and wildlife health.
These environmental issues come at a crucial time for SpaceX as it seeks to expand its launch operations. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had planned public meetings to discuss SpaceX’s plans to increase its Starship and Super Heavy launches but has postponed these meetings without specifying a reason. This delay adds another layer of uncertainty to SpaceX’s future operations and could be linked to the ongoing regulatory scrutiny.
As SpaceX navigates these environmental challenges, the company’s ability to meet regulatory requirements will be crucial in determining its future launch capabilities and broader space exploration goals. The situation underscores the tension between rapid technological advancement and the imperative to protect environmental quality.