Brevard County Commission to discuss the proposal on Tuesday
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Blue Origin is seeking state approval to continue discharging millions of gallons of wastewater into the Indian River, according to a permit request filed with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP).
The Brevard County Commission is scheduled to discuss the proposal on Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 5 p.m.
While county commissioners do not have authority to approve or deny the permit, they will consider sending a letter urging FDEP to hold a public meeting. Officials say the request comes amid growing concern from residents about potential environmental impacts.
In its draft proposal to the state, Blue Origin is asking for permission to “discharge 0.467 million gallons per day (MGD) of process wastewater and 0.015 MGD of non-process wastewater to a large onsite stormwater pond (402,981 square feet surface area) then to the Indian River.” According to the documents, only some of the wastewater would be treated in the stormwater pond before being released.
The company says it is seeking renewal of a permit it has operated under for nearly half a decade.
The Indian River Lagoon, one of the most sensitive ecosystems in Florida, has experienced years of environmental decline, and residents have raised alarms about additional wastewater entering the system.
FDEP will make the final decision on whether to grant the permit. Brevard County commissioners are expected to discuss the issue Tuesday evening and vote on whether to formally request a public meeting on Blue Origin’s proposal.
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