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SpaceX proposal aims to dump treated wastewater into the bay

SpaceX proposal aims to dump treated wastewater into the bay
1 year 2 weeks 6 days ago Wednesday, September 20 2023 Sep 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 8:40 PM September 20, 2023 in News - Local

SpaceX is asking the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for permission to dump 200,000 gallons of treated wastewater into the South Bay at Port Isabel.

The contaminants are removed from the wastewater, but some say the plan could become an issue for the environmental balance of the South Bay.

Port Isabel City Manager Jared Hockema said he's concerned freshwater added as wastewater will throw off the salt balance of the bay.

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“Ultimately, our aim is to preserve the environment for the use of the public,” Hockema said. “They depend on access to the environment, people want a pristine natural environment — that's why they come to Port Isabel [and] South Padre island. This is a very popular fishing spot, unique ecological location. We want to make sure that's not impacted."

Channel 5 News reached out to TCEQ, who said residents adjacent to the bay and located downstream from it were notified as the proposal.

A timeframe for the permit process isn’t currently available.

Watch the video above for the full story. 

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