Federal Aviation Administration released a draft version of its environmental impact on Monday for the proposed SpaceX space port to be built near the city in the southern part of Texas and said that while there were a number of potential concerns, there was nothing that would cause SpaceX to be denied a permit to build the space port.
The study of a proposal to build a rocket launch site in South Texas says it could affect several endangered species, but any "significant impacts" to wildlife could be avoided if steps are taken.
The draft report is an important step in SpaceX's consideration of the site not far from where the Rio Grande empties into the Gulf of Mexico. The final report is a necessary precursor to the FAA issuing licenses allowing SpaceX to launch rockets there.
The final report is a necessary precursor to the FAA issuing licenses allowing SpaceX to launch rockets, but not a guarantee.
According to reports, other findings from the report include:
"Compatible land: No significant impacts to farmland or coastal resources.
"Properties: FAA has determined that temporary closures would not reduce the enjoyment because impacts from closures would be intermittent and temporary.
"Noise: Small increases in noise levels along State Highway 4 because of delivery trucks and other vehicles. Short term increases in noise levels received in the community from the proposed launch are anticipated to be significant.
"Visual resources: Daytime operations would not have an impact because of light emissions. Nighttime launch operations would result in considerably higher levels of light emissions than those present at Boca Chica Village.
