EPA v. SpaceX Administrative Order (TXU009110)

Case summary

On march 13, 2024, EPA Region 6 issued an Administrative Order (AO) under its authority pursuant to Section 309 of the Clean Water Act to SpaceX. The AO was issued in response to an information request inquiring about discharges occurring at the SpaceX Launch Pad. The AO requires the facility to; 1.) eliminate unpermitted discharges 2.) submit a list of specific actions taken to eliminate the unpermitted discharges 3.) provide information associated with a November 18, 2023, and March14, 2024, Starship rocket launches 4.) submit a permit application to TCEQ if additional discharges are planned 5.) submit a comprehensive written plan for the elimination of discharges if SpaceX is unable to eliminate unpermitted discharges within thirty (30) days. SpaceX must respond to EPA Region 6 within thirty (30) days of the effective dated of the AO

Defendants (1)

• Mr. Matthew Thompson , DirectorNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• STARBASE - PAD 2

  LOCATED ON S SIDE OF THE EASTERN TERMINUS OF SH 4, BROWNSVILLE, TX, 78521

  Registry ID: 110071381325

Statutes cited

• CWA 301 — NPDES Discharge without a Permit

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• SpaceX Administrative Order (TXU009110)entered 2024-03-13

  Primary law: CWA

Timeline (4 milestones)

• 2024-03-13Final Order Issued
• 2024-07-15Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 2024-09-12Enforcement Action Closed
• 2024-09-12NPDES Closed