Dear Editor, and Island Lovers ––
This is an urgent cry to you all to help preserve our beautiful island, the surrounding communities, ecosystems, sea turtles, dolphins, and all the wildlife and pets we love. It is time for human beings who know in their hearts that this is the wrong path to stand up and make their voices heard.
SpaceX rocket launches are just too close. The new systems they have put in place do not help enough with the vibrations created by the rocket. Our windows and possibly the structural support of our homes and properties will be greatly affected. The new technology is so intense and unstudied that we do not know what the effects will be. After experiencing last week's launch, I feel very sure, at the least, we will be replacing our windows quite frequently.
The rocket sounds and feels like we are in a war zone. At least we humans know what is going on, but our pets do not. I don't think our animals should be forced to endure these launches. We should not have to sedate our animals or take them and leave.
The island is our home! Not some wasteland. Why should we have to leave so a privileged few can go to Mars, which can't even support human life?
We have been an ecotourism community for decades. The activities of Spacex threaten our livelihoods. I understand that last week, the influx of tourists here to see the launch brought some money into the community. But that in no way can match the amount of money made by tourists who come for our natural beauty.
Birding alone is a multi-million dollar business in the valley. If these launches are allowed to continue, and SpaceX gets its way, they will destroy the ecotourism industry.
SpaceX has put in a permit with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to dump 200,000 gallons of treated wastewater daily in South Bay. In 1982, South Bay was designated a preserve. It is one of only eight hypersaline environments in the world. The extra saltines make it highly buoyant. That is one reason our Laguna Madre Dolphin tribe keeps their babies there during their first year of life. The babies don't have much blubber and can float better in South Bay. If they are allowed to dump in South Bay, scientists have said this will kill the sea grass and the ecosystem that supports endangered sea turtles and other marine life. Not to mention killing one of the best fishing areas in Texas.
The fact that SpaceX put in this permit demonstrates that they have no genuine concern for our land, water, community, or way of life. The public comment period is still open with the TCEQ.
There are things we can do. We will have to organize and get loud. Everyone who feels this way should email our representatives and senators.
We all need to contact the governor's office. I encourage everyone also to email McAllen senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa. Although he is not our senator, he has been a friend of the environment in the past.
The spirit of Texas is still alive and well, which is why I have been campaigning to get this message out to all Texans, not just in our area.
Boca Chica Beach was purchased in 1992 to be a Texas state park. As it was purchased with Texan taxpayer's money, it belongs to all of us.
A bipartisan group of state legislators defied the Texas Constitution in 2013 when they passed House Bill 2623, getting us into this mess.
It will take all of us to save this beautiful place—a big order but not impossible, as nothing is impossible for Texans on a mission.
– With Great Love and Thanks,
Camille Felgner Lamon | The Veranda Condominiums HOA President |
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Editor ––
I have a bit more information regarding the liability of damage caused by SpaceX. I verified with my Home Owners Insurance (Coleman, Hall & Heinze), and they will NOT cover any damage caused by the SpaceX rocket launches!
So if the 2013 Texas law relieves SpaceX from any damage claims, the local homeowners will be responsible for all damage repairs!
We really need to get Governor Abbott to review this 2013 Texas law or not allow the FAA to give approval for any future SpaceX launches.
Regarding my Home owners insurance, I have received contradictory information. One representative stated damage caused by SpaceX was covered, and another stated that it was NOT?!?
I did contact the FAA, and they stated all damage claims must be collected through SpaceX. (2013 when then-Gov. Rick Perry signed a state law that says space companies testing, launching, or recovering rockets can’t be held legally liable for damages caused to surrounding areas or properties.) See website below: https://www.krgv.com/news/2013-state-law-protects-spacex-from-being-liable-for-damages-caused-by-launches/ I had my backyard wall repainted and all cracks sealed in 2020 for a cost of over $1900.
After the launch on April 20, 2023, numerous cracks in the stucco had to be repaired. Photo attached. |
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Also, I have a video from the inside of my house that documents the noise and vibration from this launch. (My china cabinets rattled as well as light fixtures.) Please by sure to turn up the volume while watching this video.
I am very fearful that the next SpaceX launch will do more damage, and the launch on April 20, 2023 did not have all booster rockets firing! – Marlene Roehl |
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