SpaceX Attempting to Launch Rockets Near Texas Wildlife Refuge
Environment Texas Launches Petition to Stop Project
For Immediate Release
Friday, June 1, 2012
AUSTIN – Environment Texas launched a petition drive today to stop the proposed construction of a spaceport on 49 acres of land almost completely surrounded by a south Texas park and wildlife refuge. California company SpaceX – which made news last week when their commercial spacecraft successfully attached to the International Space Station - has applied to the Federal Aviation Administration for a license to launch million pound rockets from an area home to endangered sea turtles, ocelots and falcons.
“I love the space program as much, if not more, than anyone,” said Environment Texas Director Luke Metzger. “But launching big, loud, polluting rockets from the middle of a wildlife refuge will scare the heck out of every creature within miles and spray noxious chemicals all over the place. It’s a terrible idea and SpaceX needs to find another place for their spaceport.”
On Tuesday, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) sent a letter to the Federal Aviation Administration outlining significant concerns with the proposed facility, which would include a hangar, a launch pad, a stand that contains a flame duct, propellant storage tanks, and more. TPWD wrote that “noise, heat, vibration, fencing and hazardous material spills” from the project could harm endangered and threatened species and diminish the value of Boca Chica State Park (near Brownsville) and the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge. SpaceX had previously approached TPWD about leasing parkland for the project, which the agency declined. SpaceX then instead leased 49 acres of land almost completely surrounded by the state park (see attached map). TPWD also noted
"potential for significant contamination of very senstive resources in the event of a catastrophic event (i.e., hurricane)"
the area is "extremely susceptible to wildfires" which could result from launch failures and accidental fires
concern "with the loss of the function and value of all wetlands"
"recreational use of the TPWD lands as currently planned would need to be revised"
"the proposed project area is within the Central Flyway, a route through which over 500 species of birds migrate annually"
Environment Texas also pointed out the risk the project poses to the south Texas economy. According to a 2011 Texas A&M study, nature tourism generates about $300 million a year in the Rio Grande Valley, created 4,407 full- and part-time jobs and $2.6 million in sales taxes and $7.26 million in hotel taxes. The Rio Grande Valley has been named the number two destination in North America for birdwatching and attracts visitors from all over the world to view almost 500 species of bird. The petition calls on SpaceX CEO Elon Musk to find suitable land for the project elsewhere.
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Boy this is a pretty strongly worded Press Release for a person/organization that has admittedly never been to Boca Chica beach and almost definitely has no real understanding of the issues we face in our community. It's quite simple to sit up there in Austin and tell us what we should do in our own backyard.
ReplyDeleteFurthermore, they are cherry picking data from a report released by a government body outlining the worst possible scenarios of putting in a launch pad but no at all looking specifically at this specific project and with no regard to the Environmental Impact Study that is currently getting underway.
So I guess they are just assuming that we have no good judgement down here and can't make decisions on our own and based on good science. Silly us for thinking we can handle our own issues.
As to the data about effecting eco-tourism... well, it's rather convenient that they are using numbers that are compiled for the entire region with no respect to what actually is generated just on Boca Chica Beach. They fail to mention that there is not a birding center there or any type of facilities aside of a Border Patrol Check Point. The county barely picks up trash out there so there goes the whole pristine dunes argument Jim tries to make. Jim, when was the last time you actually went down there or traveled from the mouth of the Rio Grande Valley to the jetties? Have you ever done it? I have. Have you ever stopped to look at the shear volume of trash or picked any of it up? I have. Have you ever taken your kids down there to play in the surf? Have you ever gone fishing in South Bay or kayaking? I have. Has Mr. Luke Metzger who is apparently so concerned ever done any of these things? No he is too busy chilling at coffee shops in Austin and crafting press releases and initiatives that could negatively effect our future.
I want to protect the environment just as much as anyone and would go as far as to say I have spent more time in it then a large portion of the people claiming to want to protect it. I would never want to do anything that would hurt that area. That is the purpose of the EIS. Let's do the research and find out what the harm can be. It's not as if they don't have a ton of eyes on them. Then when the study is done, let's analyze the data and see if we can mitigate the potential damage. Once we have done that, let's review what we can't mitigate and see if there are things that can be done to compensate. Just saying "no" without doing that is short sighed and frankly, bad business. If we are to grow out of this economic funk and provide hope and opportunity for our area's children, we have to act like adults and research the facts before making decisions.
Everyone needs to get over this idea that people are always trying to screw or take advantage of another. They need to look at the entire situation from all angles and make a well informed educated decision. Let's hope our community and our leaders continue to do that. Let's hope we all work together for what is best for Brownsville, not just our own self-interest.
Brownsville Living is bein a kiss ass. For good measure Creag, again name drop all your elected officials Space Ex 'friends' who are a lauging stock to the public. Jessica Tetrea the husband beater. Melissa Zamora and Rene Olivera who can forget his uninsured car crash incident! Don't forget Tony Martinez whose son is the treasurer for indicted racketeer Armando Villalobos for congress.
ReplyDeleteYa con the kiss ass Space Ex shit. I want to hear from Jim Barton and Envrionment Texas
That Craig Grove is more CROOKED than his left eye..doesn't give a hoot for what is done right for the People and by the People.Citizens of Brownsville do things the right way and not let leaders that don't know how to lead fill their pockets.That is when We the Citizens of Brownsville Texas have the last word.SO WE DON'T WANT A ROCKET IN OUR BEACH AND THAT IS THAT.
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