Blue Origin, owned by Jeff Bezos, seeks approval to discharge 500,000 gallons of wastewater daily into protected lagoon amid survival struggles.

Jeff Bezos' space venture, Blue Origin, has requested authorization to discharge a substantial volume of wastewater into the Indian River Lagoon, an area recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency as a "natural treasure."

About the Lagoon

The Indian River Lagoon, located on Florida's Space Coast near Cape Canaveral and the Kennedy Space Center, is one of North America's most biologically diverse estuaries. Florida State Parks notes that it supports roughly one-seventh of the regional economy.

The Permit Request

Blue Origin is pursuing a permit to release 490,000 gallons of wastewater into the lagoon each day. The amount is significant because it falls just below the 500,000-gallon threshold that would require stricter environmental regulation.

Residents have expressed concern online, questioning why the company cannot invest in water treatment infrastructure instead of relying on local systems that are already overburdened. One Reddit user noted that expanding Brevard County's wastewater facilities would cost over $130 million.

Environmental Concerns

A Blue Origin spokesperson stated that the request is merely a "renewal" of a current permit. However, environmental advocates remain wary. A Change.org petition highlights the lagoon's declining health, citing decades of nutrient pollution, algal blooms, seagrass collapse, habitat loss, and record manatee deaths.

One Lagoon, an organization dedicated to the lagoon's protection, stressed the ecosystem's fragility, pointing to industrial pollution, overuse of resources, and wastewater discharges as major threats.

Local Reactions

Advocates like Stel Bailey have urged Blue Origin to explore alternative solutions such as constructing reservoirs, filtering and reusing water, or creating regional retention systems within its expansive land holdings. Bailey questioned why the company is being allowed to discharge wastewater into the lagoon instead of being encouraged to innovate.

Florida Department of Environmental Protection records indicate that Blue Origin has faced multiple fines in recent years for permit violations, particularly concerning industrial wastewater management.

Next Steps

Residents have until December 18 to request a public hearing on the matter with the Florida DEP. While the permit could potentially move forward, public opposition may influence the final decision.

Author: Logan Reeves