Blue Origin’s Proposed Wastewater Discharge Into Indian River Lagoon Sparks Environmental Concerns

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has proposed a draft permit that would allow Blue Origin, Jeff Bezos’ rocket company, to discharge nearly 500,000 gallons of wastewater daily into the Indian River Lagoon. The permit, which would enable the operation of an industrial wastewater treatment facility at Blue Origin’s Merritt Island facilities, has raised concerns among environmental groups.

The proposed permit would allow up to 0. 49 million gallons per day of wastewater, including up to 15,000 gallons per day of non-processed wastewater, to be discharged into a large stormwater pond. From there, the wastewater would flow into the Indian River Lagoon in north Brevard County. Blue Origin’s manufacturing activities, including the production of its New Glenn rocket and Blue Moon lunar lander, generate the wastewater.

Blue Origin stated that the proposal is a renewal of an existing agreement that has been in place for over five years and that the company is committed to maintaining responsible and compliant operations. However, environmental groups are worried about the potential impact of untreated water on the estuarial waters, including the addition of pollutants and the dilution of saltwater levels.

The Brevard County Commission has voted to request a public hearing by the Florida DEP, and a Change.