A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket touches down at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida after launching the Transporter-2 rideshare mission to orbit, on June 30, 2021. (Image credit: SpaceX)
By EARYEL BOWLEG
Tribune Staff Reporter
ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
A TOP government environment official suggested yesterday that a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for SpaceX’s rocket booster landings in The Bahamas was not necessary because the company’s Environmental Baseline Assessment (EBS) was comprehensive.
The comments of Dr Rhianna Neely, director of the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP), followed criticism from environmentalists who argue that the EBS, released last week, is inadequate and does not replace a full EIA.
Dr Neely said the EBS includes key EIA components and details the proposed rocket re-entry site.
However, environmentalists note that an EBS differs from an EIA in that it primarily compiles existing environmental data. The document outlines baseline conditions but does not typically include a full analysis of potential risks, mitigation measures, or extensive consultation with stakeholders.
The EBS, submitted in March by local consulting firm BRON on behalf of SpaceX, was made public this month alongside the company’s Environmental Management Plan (EMP), which outlines mitigation strategies for the 19 upcoming booster landings in Exuma Sound.
The EMP states that the landings will have no lasting impact on marine life, air quality, or water pollution. The designated landing area is a deep-water zone with sandy seabeds, meaning booster returns will not disrupt marine ecosystems. A marine traffic survey found low vessel activity, reducing the risk of interference with boats.
In a worst-case scenario, where a booster breaks apart, up to 300 gallons of propellant could spill, but SpaceX deemed this a negligible hazard, as most of the fuel would burn off or dissolve. The EMP also dismissed air pollution concerns, stating that Falcon 9’s kerosene-based fuel produces fewer harmful emissions than solid rocket motors.
Regarding noise, the EMP predicted that a brief sonic boom — comparable to thunder — could be heard in some parts of The Bahamas. The 100-110 decibel landing burn would remain within safe exposure limits.
Comments
ExposedU2C 1 month, 2 weeks ago
Yet Rhianna Neely is not inclined or able to explain why these rocket booster recoveries have been banned along the coast lines of California and Florida by environmental authorities in those two states. She should be summarily sacked for betraying the statutory duties of her office and for her callous and uncaring disregard of the health of the Bahamian people.
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