Home / Environment / Blue Origin Faces Water Woes Near Indian River Lagoon
Blue Origin Faces Water Woes Near Indian River Lagoon
27 Nov
Summary
- Proposed wastewater system concerns residents near Indian River Lagoon.
- Permit allows daily discharge of 15,000 gallons of industrial wastewater.
- Blue Origin cites renewal of existing five-year agreement for operations.
Blue Origin is facing local opposition regarding a proposed wastewater treatment system at its Merritt Island facility. A new petition highlights resident concerns about potential environmental impacts on the Indian River Lagoon from the discharge of hundreds of thousands of gallons of processed and up to 15,000 gallons of unprocessed industrial wastewater daily.
Organizers express worry that those pushing the plan do not live in the area and are unaware of the local reliance on the lagoon's water. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection's draft permit is pending, with public comments potentially triggering further review.
A Blue Origin representative emphasized that this is a renewal of a permit in place for over five years and affirmed the company's commitment to compliant and responsible operations. Space analysts note the necessity of purified water for rocket manufacturing but underscore the importance of public transparency in such matters.
