https://www.popsci.com/science/spacex-mercury-water-pollution/ Popular Science Logo Search for: [ ] * Science + Archaeology + Biology + Dinosaurs + Physics + Popular Science Videos + Space + The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week * Technology + AI + Aviation + Best of What's New + Engineering + Internet + Military + Robots + Security + Vehicles + Photography * Environment + Agriculture + Animals + Climate Change + Conservation + Energy + Sustainability + Weather * DIY + Life Skills + Projects + Tech Hacks * Gear + Audio + Cameras + Computers + Fitness Gear + Gaming + Gift Guides + Home + Home Theater + Outdoor Gear + Phones + Tablets + Wearables * More + Newsletter + Cover Art + Store + Podcasts + Video + Popsci+ * FIND US ON + Social o Facebook o Twitter o LinkedIn o Instagram o Pinterest o Youtube + Flipboard + Apple News+ + RSS Popular Science Logo Popular Science Logo * Science + Archaeology + Biology + Dinosaurs + Physics + Popular Science Videos + Space + The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week * Technology + AI + Aviation + Best of What's New + Engineering + Internet + Military + Robots + Security + Vehicles + Photography * Environment + Agriculture + Animals + Climate Change + Conservation + Energy + Sustainability + Weather * DIY + Life Skills + Projects + Tech Hacks * Gear + Audio + Cameras + Computers + Fitness Gear + Gaming + Gift Guides + Home + Home Theater + Outdoor Gear + Phones + Tablets + Wearables * MERCH + Cover Art + Store * Newsletter Search for: [ ] * * * * * Science Space Private Space Flight Space X SpaceX accused of dumping mercury into Texas waters for years The bombshell allegations may violate the EPA's Clean Water Act. By Andrew Paul Posted on Aug 12, 2024 3:40 PM EDT 3 minute read Starship test launch in 2021 SpaceX has conducted four Starship test launches so far. Credit: SpaceX SpaceX's Starship launches at the company's Starbase facility near Boca Chica, Texas, have allegedly been contaminating local bodies of water with mercury for years. The news arrives in an exclusive CNBC report on August 12, which cites internal documents and communications between local Texas regulators and the Environmental Protection Agency. SpaceX's fourth Starship test launch in June was its most successful so far--but the world's largest and most powerful rocket ever built continues to wreak havoc on nearby Texas communities, wildlife, and ecosystems. But after repeated admonishments, reviews, and ignored requests, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) have had enough. The issues stem from a complaint filed to the TCEQ just over a year ago on August 6, 2023. Reportedly 14 separate incidents are cited in the letter regarding "environmental impacts from the Facility's deluge system" stemming from "discharging deluge water without TCEQ authorization." Water deluge systems work in tandem with flame deflectors to mitigate the intense heat, energy, and sound that accompany orbital rocket launches. Despite Starship possessing 33 methane- and liquid-oxygen fueled Raptor engines that generate a collective 16.7 million pounds of thrust, such a system was not installed at the Boca Chica Starbase before its first launch, although they are now in place. The initial test reportedly damaged local endangered species' nesting and migration sites and caused a 3.5-acre fire at Boca Chica State Park. [Related: SpaceX's Starship launch caused a 'mini earthquake' and left a giant mess.] Ahead of its second launch, SpaceX reportedly then bypassed regulatory permit processes regarding pollutant discharge limits, as well as failed to provide plans to treat its wastewater. The EPA issued SpaceX a formal notice of violation on March 13, 2024, but still proceeded with another launch the very next day using the unauthorized water deluge system. Local residents near Boca Chica have frequently voiced concerns about potentially dangerous conditions created by the 15-story-tall Starship's engines. Meanwhile, SpaceX's residential neighbors have described a liftoff's deafening noise and physical effects as "truly frightening." Dust plumes created from the spacecraft thrusters have allegedly caused health issues, while bowling ball-sized debris from a launch site's 25-foot-deep crater has severely damaged vehicles and shattered windows. In April 2024, 27 community and environmental organizations published an open letter voicing anger with the tests while highlighting Starbase's proximity to indigenous sacred lands. Monday's news came the same day as the FAA's announcement that it was indefinitely postponing a series of four public environmental impact assessment meetings. The four scheduled events were focused on Starship's future test launches at SpaceX's spaceport near Boca Chica, Texas. SpaceX hoped to receive approval to increase its total number of Starship tests there to 25 annual launches. A fully reusable Starship system is key to SpaceX CEO Elon Musk's goal of eventually transporting humans to Mars. Before that, however, it is currently scheduled to ferry NASA's Artemis 3 mission astronauts to the moon sometime in September 2026. It is unclear how or if the charges will affect that timeline for both the private space company and NASA. But even if the timeline remains the same, at least one recent study has raised concerns about the effects of Starship's massive landing thrusters on surrounding lunar surface conditions. SpaceX announced on August 8 that Starship was "ready to fly" on its fifth test launch "pending regulatory approval." The odds of receiving that green light, however, now appear slimmer than they did last Thursday. "We will get back to you," an FAA spokesperson told Popular Science earlier today ahead of CNBC's story. They have not responded to requests for a follow-up at the time of writing. Popular Science has also reached out to both NASA and local Texas representatives for comment. This story is developing... Share * * * * * Climate Change * Environment * Pollution Andrew Paul Avatar Andrew Paul Staff Writer Andrew Paul is Popular Science's staff writer covering tech news. Previously, he was a regular contributor to The A.V. Club and Input, and has had recent work featured by Rolling Stone, Fangoria, GQ, Slate, NBC, as well as McSweeney's Internet Tendency. He lives outside Indianapolis. * Latest in Space X Image of ice falling away from Falcon 9 rocket shortly before explosion Private Space Flight SpaceX's historic Falcon 9 success streak met a fiery end SpaceX's historic Falcon 9 success streak met a fiery end By Andrew Paul Image of the planet Mars Mars Elon Musk's Martian dreams include modded Cybertrucks and bioengineered animals Elon Musk's Martian dreams include modded Cybertrucks and bioengineered animals By Andrew Paul [popsci_logo-horizontal-white] Like science, tech, and DIY projects? Sign up to receive Popular Science's emails and get the highlights. LET'S GO * Science + Archaeology + Biology + Dinosaurs + Physics + Popular Science Videos + Space + The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week * Technology + AI + Aviation + Best of What's New + Engineering + Internet + Military + Robots + Security + Photography * Environment + Agriculture + Animals + Climate Change + Conservation + Energy + Sustainability + Weather * DIY + Life Skills + Projects + Tech Hacks * Gear + Audio + Cameras + Computers + Fitness Gear + Gaming + Gift Guides + Home + Home Theater + Outdoor Gear + Phones + Tablets + Wearables * More + Editorial Standards + How We Test And Review Products + About Us + PopSci Merch + PopSci Shop + PopSci+ + Privacy Policy + Terms & Conditions + Affiliate Disclosure + Sitemap + DepositPhotos FOLLOW US * * * * * --------------------------------------------------------------------- DISCLAIMER(S) Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. (c) 2024 Recurrent. All rights reserved.