Controversy Surrounds Blue Origin’s Plans For Industrial Wastewater Facility Near Indian River …

In Brevard County, Florida, a contentious issue has emerged surrounding Blue Origin’s plans to operate an industrial wastewater treatment facility near the ecologically imperiled Indian River Lagoon. The company’s proposal has drawn criticism from local residents and environmental advocates, who are urging for a public hearing before the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) grants a state permit.

The DEP’s draft permit would authorize Blue Origin to discharge 490,000 gallons per day of process and non-process industrial wastewater into an onsite stormwater pond, which would then flow into the Indian River Lagoon. This has sparked concerns among community members, who argue that the plan is outdated and neglects innovative solutions for stormwater management.

Stel Bailey, a Port St. John resident and executive director of the environmental nonprofit Fight for Zero, expressed frustration with Blue Origin’s approach, stating that the company should be encouraged to adopt more modern and sustainable practices. Bailey, who is also a member of the Indian River Lagoon Roundtable steering committee, suggested that Blue Origin could be building reservoirs, filtering and reusing water, or creating regional retention systems on its thousands of acres in the wildlife refuge.

The Brevard County Commission has unanimously voted to request a public meeting to discuss the draft permit, with Commissioner Rob Felt ← →