Blue Origin Seeks Permit To Discharge Industrial Wastewater Into Indian River Lagoon

Blue Origin, founded by Jeff Bezos, seeks to maintain its permit to discharge nearly 500,000 gallons of industrial wastewater daily into the Indian River Lagoon. This wastewater originates as potable water, utilized in rocket-component testing and cooling systems, before being classified as industrial waste. The water flows into a large pond, approximately the size of seven football fields, before reaching the lagoon.

The permit renewal, which has saved attention from the county and conservationists, allows Blue Origin to continue a process they’ve had a permit for over five years, with some modifications to their wastewater handling. The draft permit doesn’t increase the overall discharge cap but introduces a second, smaller outfall for cooling-tower water within the same capacity.

Stricter monitoring and numeric limits for nutrients have been added, reflecting updated water quality requirements. Located at 8082 Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island, Blue Origin’s manufacturing site is situated near the Pine Island Conservation Area. The Brevard County Commission and supporters of the Save Our Indian River Lagoon Program are advocating for a public hearing before the permit renewal.

They express concerns about the potential impact on the ecologically vulnerable waterway. Industrial wastewater, as defined by the DEP, encompasses waste from various sources, including manufacturing, commercial businesses, mining, agricultural production ← →