Please submit your comments via email to: faaspacexels@carnotec.com
Ms. Stacey M. Zee, Environmental Protection Specialist
Federal Aviation Administration
RE: SpaceX EIS
Ms. Zee:
Please include my comments among those opposed to the proposed SpaceX Launch Site adjacent to Boca Chica Beach. The eight mile strip of undeveloped beach is an irreplaceable, yet fragile ecosystem, teeming with wildlife from organisms in the substrate to shorebirds, wading birds, birds of prey and white tailed deer. The beach is an inheritance for future generations of Cameron County children to enjoy in its current pristine form.
The industry associated with a launch pad will likely necessitate the use of extremely heavy trucks to haul structures, rockets, cooling water and fuel. The explosions associated with a launch, the decibel levels, the shockwaves under and above ground, the raw fuel, the emissions from combustion will all have an effect on the natural wildlife, the flora and fauna of the region.
My wish is that if SpaceX does locate in Cameron County, they find a suitable site that does not threaten the fragile ecosystem of Boca Chica Beach.
Sincerely,
James L. Barton
I agree 100%! Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI disagree. An 8 acre site out of this 8 mile beach is a drop in a bucket. This land is relatively pristine from the intersection of FM1419 all the way to the beach...about 15 miles, i would estimate. One launch a month is nothing. As for the heavy trucks....Sh4 is a state highwy which was disigned for heavy trucks.
ReplyDeleteThat's incorrect. Hwy 4 is made of WPA depression era concrete slabs just like the Old Port Isabel Road. It has a thin overlay of asphalt. It is not designed for heavy industrial traffic.
DeleteJim
I SECOND THAT MR.BARTON!!
ReplyDeleteJim, your letter is blarney. "Fragile ecosystem"....it's only sand and will only be used once a year. The biggest problem with SpaceX at Boca Chica is that illegals coming across the border at the mouth of the river might be challened and the drugs which come ashore there might seek a new venue....but their presence will present less of an environmental problem than development on South Padre Island. And, by the way, Cameron County allowed drilling for oil and gas out there already. Your letter just means you prefer to send those prospective jobs to Florida or Puerto Rico. Jim, you obviously believe our town should avoid progress and remain isolated....even here in the valley. The motto of the city in your mind would be "Ignorance is Bliss".
ReplyDeleteIf you really believe that the area adjacent to Boca Chica is "only sand," we can't have an intelligent dialogue.
DeleteJim