March 15, 2024
Comments are being accepted on the proposed construction and operation of a new SpaceX Starship/Super Heavy launch facility at Cape Canaveral Space Force Base, see https://spaceforcestarshipeis.com/. This link provides pages on the Public Meetings and Comment Submittals, as well as slide deck giving some information on:
- The Proposed Action and the EIS process at: https://spaceforcestarshipeis.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/SpaceX_Starship_CC_Boards_English_web.pdf
- Comments/questions for the EIS process must be submitted by March 22. The can be emailed or entered on a form at see https://spaceforcestarshipeis.com/comment-submittal/.
Introduction
The EIS for the proposed SpaceX Super Heavy launch pad construction and operation is a milestone in the development of the Cape. It demands attention by all stakeholders as it may set the rules for all future major development. Cape Canaveral is a critical part of the magnificent but badly damaged ecology that is the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) Basin. This and future development must balance the opportunities for space development with the sustained protection of our community’s quality of life. It CANNOT be done is piecemeal manner: It must include meaningful analysis of the Cumulative and Indirect impacts of expected growth.
Alternative I
This alternative is unacceptable. The destruction of a large acreage of critical, undisturbed natural land will mean the significant loss of already diminished wildlife capable land. It may include wetlands which we now protect. It will also mean the loss of valuable recharge land for our diminishing aquifers. The addition of acres of new impervious surface will result in millions of gallons of new fresh water runoff to further damage our salty lagoon. We strongly request Alternative I be eliminated from consideration.
Cumulative and Indirect Impacts
It is essential that the EIS rigorously examine the Cumulative and Indirect impacts using state of the art analytical and modeling techniques and basing this analysis on all existing data and information. The operational and environmental impact of the near future proliferation of space industry activity at the Cape will dramatically impact every area listed in the Scoping document for study and more. We request that Cumulative and Indirect impacts be added to this EIS.
Use and Identification of all Data and Information
We request that EIS results be provided as actual, current data with source references, sensors, locations, and date of collection. We expect that EIS results will include specific information such as current non-point volume inflow to surface water and model depiction of such volume post development.
An example:
We know that massive developments are taking place at the Spaceport to support our growing number of launches (72 last year and an expected 140 this year) by SpaceX, Blue Origin, Relativity, and other private and government rockets. Current demands are already causing different parts of our County to re-plan for this growth. The Port, for example, is examining how it may have to undertake major construction to meet the needs of space companies for fuel, supplies, and handling of returned rocket stages as well as its current demands by the cruise industry.
The Starship/Super Heavy is the largest rocket ever built, dwarfing rockets currently in operation. Blue Origin’s massive New Glenn rocket is ready to begin launching as well. Adding the projected 76 annual Starship/Super Heavy flights plus New Glenn and others to the current schedule of launches could create a sea change in the industry’s demands on Brevard’s transportation and infrastructure in addition to imposing noise, vibration and other risks and disruptions on residents. The EIS should consider both the Cumulative (Starship, Blue Origin New Glenn and other known and anticipated developments) and their Indirect Impacts (the Cumulative Impacts on transportation and other community infrastructure).
