Here is a reformatted version of a thoughtful comment from "Mescalero" stating some concerns about SpaceX:
"I was there long enough to make sure that the politicians don't care about any environmental damage this project may do. The proof of that is that not a one suggested that his/her support was provisional, depending on what the EIS had to say. I wasn't surprised by this as earlier in the month the Herald quoted a city employee saying that there is nothing but sand out there. This was clearly a statement based on the supreme confidence of total ignorance.
The area is, in fact, loaded with life from the benthic community up to white-tailed deer. And I don't mean the nearby area. I mean the area(eight acres according to SpaceX) that will be directly under the launch pad. The area is an important rest and feeding area for shorebirds and wading birds and that in turn makes it an important area for birds of prey, including both Peregrine Falcons and Aplomado Falcons.
Though I expect the SpaceX project will do less damage then the unbridled and unregulated assault on the coastal environment by the ever multiplying wind farms, it will still take away a little from the Valley's wild areas. With about 98% of the Valley already cleared can we afford to lose even another square foot?
Don't forget that ecotourism brings tens of millions of dollars into the Valley every year and every time we reduce our available wild areas as was done by the construction of the border wall, we reduce the ecotourism dollars to the area.
Finally, can there be any doubt that this is going to be the end of Boca Chica Beach as we know it? Once the infrastructure goes in to support this project it will lead to the development of the area. First by the county who will put in some end of the road bathrooms to be poorly maintained and vandalized. Then, there will need to be a nearby store for the 900 people working out there and a place for them to eat and maybe get gas. And will the highway support the heavy weight of the trucks carrying all those rockets? It was built for passenger car traffic, not industrial use.
It just goes on and on. I hope the community informs itself because community leaders are not anywhere near offering an objective view of this project. They are just telling us what they want us to know, now what we NEED to know.
Mescalero
In response to Mescalero's comment above, the following responses appeared on Facebook:
Mary Helen Flores: Mescalero is right on target. Boca Chica Beach is irreplacable. Short-sighted decisions of this magnitude will cost too much in the tangible loss of the beach and surrounding wild life corridors and intangible loss of the peace, freedom and quiet that we enjoy now when we go to Boca Chica. Ecotourism is the industry we should be nurturing.
Teresa Saldivar: The beaches and wildlife around the existing SpaceX launch pads are pristine and thrive with wildlife. I hape the same can be accomplished here, should this project land in our community. What I see on Boca Chica beach is disrespect by so many who utilize the undeveloped beach. Trash, etc. are abundant on the beach by the humans woh refuse to accept the duty of good stewardship. I agree this region is prime for ecotourism. Unfortunately the current and past leaderships have ignored that industry over favoring Mexican business people which has led us to no jobs of substance that are visible as longterm expanding industries. So do we continue to wait for the same old, same old, or do we take the bull by the horns?
Mary Helen Flores: Down here, the loudest voice wins, not the wisest one.
Teresa Saldivar: There is still time to comment opposition to the FAA by May 30, 2012. If we citizens don't like it, it won't happen. This one is up to us.
SpaceX is a great project and beneficial to this area. The Port of Brownsville has turned over more land to salvage companies that will be required for this launch site. Did you listen to the presentation....only one launch per month and minimal permanent stucturss on the launch site. It is time to give some real science and technology to this community. Boca Chica is not "pristine"....it is little more than sand and seaweed. Time to bring Cameron County into the real world....the world of technology.
ReplyDeleteI agree Boca Chica is the grossest beach, it is nasty with dirty diapers and beer cans floating next to you if you swim. Then again there are some areas of it furhter north that are pure and wild and it would be a shame to destroy those parts. I support putting the launch site on the dirtiest part of Boca chica beach where the dead fish are always floating. Where the least harm done.
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