Boom! You thought I disappeared on ya. Sorry to disappoint y’all. I spent far too much of the past 18 months documenting SpaceX’s shitshow on the gulf, the Boca Chica launch facility. Long-time readers know that a majority of my work centered on the public portion of the FAA-sponsored NEPA permitting process, which was initiated in September of 2021 and wrapped up in Summer of this year.
Has on official complaint been made to TCEQ regarding the unauthorized industrial wastewater discharge? The State might not officially look into the matter unless they are forced to.
What enforcement mechanisms does tceq have? I work in industrial wastewater permitting (for a POTW) and if a company in our area was discharging industrial waste without a permit we'd immediately take enforcement action (likely Termination of water and sewer service or referral to law enforcement). From what you describe it sounds like they need a direct discharge permit from epa or tceq. In my experience they dont have many enforcement options to shut it down. Just look at the fiasco with Formosa Plastics in Point comfort. Been non-compliant for years yet the just go on discharging and pay some fines (they at least have a permit, just constantly violate it).
Has on official complaint been made to TCEQ regarding the unauthorized industrial wastewater discharge? The State might not officially look into the matter unless they are forced to.
Excellent writing - keep up the good work, and thank you!
What enforcement mechanisms does tceq have? I work in industrial wastewater permitting (for a POTW) and if a company in our area was discharging industrial waste without a permit we'd immediately take enforcement action (likely Termination of water and sewer service or referral to law enforcement). From what you describe it sounds like they need a direct discharge permit from epa or tceq. In my experience they dont have many enforcement options to shut it down. Just look at the fiasco with Formosa Plastics in Point comfort. Been non-compliant for years yet the just go on discharging and pay some fines (they at least have a permit, just constantly violate it).