1 00:00:02,420 --> 00:00:07,420 Okay, so we can get started now. Welcome to the board, Ms. Lozano, Ms. Martinez. 2 00:00:10,940 --> 00:00:15,340 We'll move, we'll do the Pledge of Allegiance first and then we'll move on to the agenda. 3 00:00:21,080 --> 00:00:32,180 Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, underground, indivisible, with liberty, justice, health. 4 00:00:41,780 --> 00:00:44,800 I can never remember that, so we'll have to somebody else leave that. 5 00:01:04,170 --> 00:01:04,650 Okay. 6 00:01:06,570 --> 00:01:06,990 Thank you. 7 00:01:07,610 --> 00:01:12,710 We'll move on to the first agenda item, public comments, and there's a number of folks that 8 00:01:12,710 --> 00:01:15,110 have signed up, some online. 9 00:01:15,110 --> 00:01:21,190 And I'm just going to call out each person individually. 10 00:01:22,690 --> 00:01:25,670 You have three minutes to speak. 11 00:01:27,050 --> 00:01:29,790 I think once, at least about 10 or 11 people signed up, 12 00:01:29,830 --> 00:01:32,090 if you find that you're repeating the same things 13 00:01:32,090 --> 00:01:36,390 that somebody has already mentioned in order 14 00:01:36,390 --> 00:01:38,930 to expedite things, we'd like to move on. 15 00:01:39,230 --> 00:01:41,950 But I'll just go ahead and call the first person that's 16 00:01:41,950 --> 00:01:47,030 online. Patrick Anderson, are you there Patrick? 17 00:01:50,660 --> 00:01:52,280 Patrick Anderson, are you online? 18 00:02:00,230 --> 00:02:01,190 Do we unmute 19 00:02:01,190 --> 00:02:03,890 them from here or can they? 20 00:02:09,600 --> 00:02:16,620 Are they online? I don't see Patrick Anderson online. All right, 21 00:02:16,720 --> 00:02:20,460 so if he gets back online we can probably come back to him later. We'll move on to the next 22 00:02:20,460 --> 00:02:25,660 person in person. Kristen Davis Klein, Ms. Klein are you here? She could introduce 23 00:02:25,660 --> 00:02:27,980 yourself and have three minutes. 24 00:02:31,960 --> 00:02:34,040 Can you hear me? Can everyone hear me? 25 00:02:36,570 --> 00:02:36,790 Good 26 00:02:36,790 --> 00:02:39,970 afternoon. Thank you for having me here. My name is Kristin Klein and I'm a 27 00:02:39,970 --> 00:02:43,490 resident of Cameron County. I'm here to publicly comment on the beachfront 28 00:02:43,490 --> 00:02:46,210 construction certificate and dune protection permit that is being 29 00:02:46,210 --> 00:02:50,290 considered today. My request is that this committee perform its due 30 00:02:50,290 --> 00:02:53,910 diligence when reviewing this or any permit application that comes before you. 31 00:02:54,390 --> 00:02:57,990 I'm asking that after a comprehensive and thorough review of 32 00:02:57,990 --> 00:03:02,830 information presented in these documents that you not recommend at this permit unless it complies 33 00:03:02,830 --> 00:03:08,270 with the provisions of the Cameron County Dune Protection and Beach Access Plan, the plan from 34 00:03:08,270 --> 00:03:13,230 here on out. I would like to remind the committee of one of its responsibilities detailed in section 35 00:03:13,230 --> 00:03:18,130 three, subsection A of the plan. In reviewing applications at least three committee members 36 00:03:18,130 --> 00:03:24,190 are required to physically inspect proposed project sites. The committee can then recommend 37 00:03:24,190 --> 00:03:26,950 and approval with conditions, if appropriate, 38 00:03:27,270 --> 00:03:30,310 or denial of a permit or certificate. 39 00:03:30,950 --> 00:03:31,890 I am not an expert. 40 00:03:32,270 --> 00:03:33,630 I am simply a concerned citizen, 41 00:03:33,650 --> 00:03:35,450 and when I studied this application packet, 42 00:03:35,650 --> 00:03:36,910 several issues came to my attention. 43 00:03:37,350 --> 00:03:38,490 I only have time for a couple. 44 00:03:39,330 --> 00:03:41,550 First, the applicant spends a great deal of space 45 00:03:41,970 --> 00:03:44,790 trying to classify the air separation unit, or ASU, 46 00:03:45,150 --> 00:03:46,750 as a habitable structure. 47 00:03:47,210 --> 00:03:48,850 It made me wonder why this was so. 48 00:03:49,370 --> 00:03:51,090 Probably because the permitting process 49 00:03:51,090 --> 00:03:53,190 for an industrial facility would be more difficult 50 00:03:53,190 --> 00:03:54,430 hold or costly to obtain. 51 00:03:54,950 --> 00:03:58,350 Please look at the images in attachment G of the application 52 00:03:58,350 --> 00:04:01,850 and ask yourselves whether this structure that I'm holding up 53 00:04:01,850 --> 00:04:04,570 before you can be considered habitable. 54 00:04:05,370 --> 00:04:07,790 Do an internet search for the Standard Industrial 55 00:04:07,790 --> 00:04:12,410 Classification, or SIC, SICK code for an ASU. 56 00:04:12,970 --> 00:04:15,650 Look closely at the area in which the applicant proposed 57 00:04:15,650 --> 00:04:19,670 to build the ASU, Property ID 171647. 58 00:04:19,930 --> 00:04:20,870 Can't see it on this one. 59 00:04:20,970 --> 00:04:21,510 It's too small. 60 00:04:21,510 --> 00:04:26,650 But it's red in the star based comprehensive plan and you will see that it is zoned heavy 61 00:04:26,650 --> 00:04:32,510 Industrial then please refer to section 3 subsection d2 of the plan and weigh the wishes of applicant 62 00:04:32,510 --> 00:04:36,530 Against the needs of local residents and beachgoers as well as Cameron County itself 63 00:04:37,130 --> 00:04:41,870 Second under the tech at Texas open each beaches act and the Texas Dune Protection Act 64 00:04:41,870 --> 00:04:47,790 Counties and cities are required to protect public public access to beaches and to preserve the natural coastal environment 65 00:04:47,790 --> 00:04:53,070 These statues direct local governments to avoid approving construction that jeopardizes 66 00:04:53,070 --> 00:04:57,490 the stability of dunes, which serves natural protection against storm surge and coastal 67 00:04:57,490 --> 00:05:02,770 erosion, does not consider if alternatives of the project site exist, does not provide 68 00:05:02,770 --> 00:05:07,210 an adequate mitigation plan to fully offset the unavoidable harm the project may cause. 69 00:05:07,930 --> 00:05:12,570 A high-pressure gas facility located just yards away from the Gulf of Mexico and within 70 00:05:12,570 --> 00:05:16,130 a federally designated hurricane zone may violate the intent of these laws. 71 00:05:16,130 --> 00:05:27,630 The recent explosion at the Massey site underscores how volatile SpaceX operations can be and how real the risks to nearby residents, public land and protect ecosystems are. 72 00:05:28,210 --> 00:05:38,110 Approval of this permit would not only contradict Texas coastal protection law but would also expose Cameron County to liability in the event of a future accident evacuation or environmental catastrophe. 73 00:05:38,970 --> 00:05:44,890 The public's safety and access to the beach should be just as important as supporting the effort to get to Mars. 74 00:05:44,890 --> 00:05:57,930 thank you thank you next we have online Sharon Wilcox hello can you hear me yes 75 00:05:57,930 --> 00:06:03,190 please go ahead thank you my name is Dr. Sharon Wilcox and I serve as the 76 00:06:03,190 --> 00:06:07,410 senior Texas representative for defenders wildlife we respectfully 77 00:06:07,410 --> 00:06:12,510 oppose the issuance of a beachfront construction certificate and doom 78 00:06:12,510 --> 00:06:16,730 protection permit for the proposed air separator unit at Boca Chica. 79 00:06:17,630 --> 00:06:22,910 The Texas Dune Protection Act is clear, dunes must be preserved for their vital ecological 80 00:06:22,910 --> 00:06:24,370 and protective functions. 81 00:06:25,330 --> 00:06:30,790 The proposed site lies within an active dune system that protects inland areas from storm 82 00:06:30,790 --> 00:06:32,010 surge and erosion. 83 00:06:33,450 --> 00:06:33,830 And 84 00:06:41,860 --> 00:06:47,240 its ability to withstand severe weather events, threatening the natural, recreational 85 00:06:47,240 --> 00:06:49,880 and human resources in this area. 86 00:06:51,360 --> 00:06:55,660 Boca Chica provides vital habitat for federally protected species, 87 00:06:55,980 --> 00:06:59,340 like the Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle, which nests on these beaches, 88 00:06:59,840 --> 00:07:04,820 and many migratory shorebirds that rely on the intact dune and beach habitat. 89 00:07:05,980 --> 00:07:10,620 These animals have extremely limited nesting and roosting habitat left in Texas. 90 00:07:11,420 --> 00:07:14,980 Continued fragmentation will only push them closer to extinction. 91 00:07:16,120 --> 00:07:21,920 It is worth noting that Cameron County is a global destination for birding and ecotourism 92 00:07:22,220 --> 00:07:25,300 and it is a major contributor to our local economy. 93 00:07:26,260 --> 00:07:29,720 Each disturbance erodes this ecosystem's resilience. 94 00:07:30,640 --> 00:07:36,900 Dunes Earth are difficult to restore once damaged and improving industrial infrastructure 95 00:07:36,900 --> 00:07:41,760 in this fragile zone directly contradicts the intent of our state's dune protection 96 00:07:41,760 --> 00:07:42,280 laws. 97 00:07:43,240 --> 00:07:49,620 mitigation as proposed cannot replace what would be lost. We must consider the cumulative 98 00:07:49,620 --> 00:07:56,880 impacts of the site. The star base footprint continues to grow and this project risks tipping 99 00:07:56,880 --> 00:08:04,100 the balance toward irreversible ecological harm. Every project sets a precedent allowing 100 00:08:04,100 --> 00:08:09,320 development of this nature this close to the dunes and shoreline invites future proposals 101 00:08:09,320 --> 00:08:11,980 that will further erode our coastal integrity. 102 00:08:12,900 --> 00:08:17,040 Critically this proposal fails to show impacts that have been avoided, 103 00:08:17,360 --> 00:08:22,500 minimized, or adequately mitigated. There is no alternative analysis, no 104 00:08:22,500 --> 00:08:25,420 assessment of impacts to adjacent state park lands, 105 00:08:25,900 --> 00:08:29,140 no detailed mitigation plan, and nothing that approaches 106 00:08:29,140 --> 00:08:32,800 the one-to-one restoration ratio. The applicant 107 00:08:32,800 --> 00:08:36,900 cannot simply push sand around and plant grass. True 108 00:08:36,900 --> 00:08:43,360 mitigation requires full and lasting ecological restoration. I urge the committee to deny 109 00:08:43,360 --> 00:08:48,200 this permit. The risk to wildlife coastal resilience and public trust are too great. 110 00:08:48,920 --> 00:08:55,400 Boca Chica holds deep significance to Indigenous cultures and to community identity. Any proposal 111 00:08:55,400 --> 00:09:02,060 here demands not just environmental review, but cultural consultation, respect and stewardship. 112 00:09:02,060 --> 00:09:03,340 ship. Thank you. 113 00:09:05,470 --> 00:09:09,590 Thank you, Miss Wilcox. Next we have in person René Medrano. 114 00:09:18,780 --> 00:09:19,580 Good afternoon. 115 00:09:20,620 --> 00:09:28,000 My name is René Medrano, lifelong residence of Brownsville. For more than 45 years, my family 116 00:09:28,000 --> 00:09:35,640 has lived about 17 miles from what is now Starbase. My concern is beach access. 117 00:09:35,640 --> 00:09:43,960 What is happening with SpaceX wanting to build more structures close to the only access onto the beach? 118 00:09:44,980 --> 00:09:48,400 How will this affect the only access we have to the beach? 119 00:09:49,240 --> 00:09:50,440 When is enough enough? 120 00:09:51,880 --> 00:09:56,080 I have seen chaotic changes that have happened in the area where I've lived, 121 00:09:56,440 --> 00:10:02,300 which includes dangerous traffic situations during shift changes at SpaceX, 122 00:10:02,300 --> 00:10:08,780 dangerous damaged roads with heavy oversized loads being driven back and 123 00:10:08,780 --> 00:10:16,780 forth on Highway 4 every day. Chaotic changes from what used to be a peaceful 124 00:10:16,780 --> 00:10:25,360 beautiful beach in Boca Chica is now an industrial eyesore to all traveling on 125 00:10:25,360 --> 00:10:30,460 on highway four to the only access onto Boca Chica Beach. 126 00:10:31,420 --> 00:10:32,320 When is enough enough? 127 00:10:33,320 --> 00:10:35,500 Cameron County has given everything they have, 128 00:10:35,540 --> 00:10:37,700 have asked for, and they keep giving them. 129 00:10:38,280 --> 00:10:39,640 And what does the county get in return? 130 00:10:41,100 --> 00:10:43,740 We get a burned up acreage of land 131 00:10:43,740 --> 00:10:47,360 from an extremely dangerous explosion the other night 132 00:10:47,360 --> 00:10:49,400 that rattled the entire county. 133 00:10:50,880 --> 00:10:54,220 We get roads so damaged it's hard to drive on 134 00:10:54,220 --> 00:10:56,000 and it's dangerous to drive on. 135 00:10:56,360 --> 00:11:00,520 We get very little communication from Cameron County, 136 00:11:00,900 --> 00:11:04,780 or SpaceX, or Starbase, for access to Boca Chica Beach, 137 00:11:05,120 --> 00:11:06,520 just for the common folk. 138 00:11:07,340 --> 00:11:13,000 It's always a guessing game to know when the only access road to the beach is open or closed. 139 00:11:13,960 --> 00:11:19,440 Starbase, Cameron County, SpaceX needs to develop a set schedule 140 00:11:19,440 --> 00:11:24,200 to let the general public know when access to the beach is open or closed. 141 00:11:24,680 --> 00:11:30,800 This 24-hour notice that Cameron County, SpaceX, Starbase, whatever it is, 142 00:11:31,340 --> 00:11:32,560 is followed as outdated. 143 00:11:33,800 --> 00:11:36,400 Beach access has always been number one concern. 144 00:11:37,080 --> 00:11:43,240 But now, with all this confusion on the beach access that has grown completely out of hand, 145 00:11:43,980 --> 00:11:45,460 will we always have access? 146 00:11:46,220 --> 00:11:47,180 I really hope so. 147 00:11:47,180 --> 00:11:54,160 You know, there needs to be an evenly structured plan so that we can reach Mars if we want 148 00:11:54,160 --> 00:11:59,280 to go to Mars, but more importantly be able to have access to enjoy Boca Chica Beach freely. 149 00:12:00,160 --> 00:12:05,540 So I hope this committee votes no to grant permission for yet more structures at SpaceX 150 00:12:06,280 --> 00:12:11,260 that will interrupt and affect the only access that we have in order to get to Boca Chica 151 00:12:11,260 --> 00:12:11,560 Beach. 152 00:12:12,280 --> 00:12:13,640 Thank you for your concerns. 153 00:12:14,580 --> 00:12:15,960 Thank you, Mr. Majano. 154 00:12:15,960 --> 00:12:18,480 next we have online Molly Smith 155 00:12:25,550 --> 00:12:32,310 okay I have I used to live in the valley and I'm 156 00:12:32,310 --> 00:12:36,950 a frequent visitor to the valley I'm here right now as a matter of fact I have 157 00:12:36,950 --> 00:12:41,010 several questions to ask right now though there are obviously many more how can it 158 00:12:41,010 --> 00:12:45,130 possibly be safe for an air separator that produces liquid oxygen one of the 159 00:12:45,130 --> 00:12:51,850 fuels for launching the biggest rocket ever made to be located in such close 160 00:12:51,850 --> 00:12:59,450 proximity to the launch site. If there was a mishap at the launch pad, it would compromise 161 00:12:59,450 --> 00:13:05,190 the air separation facility. Dunes are protected areas. How can it be that a very large facility 162 00:13:05,190 --> 00:13:10,710 can be built on such a fragile location? With the number of known explosions that have 163 00:13:10,710 --> 00:13:16,110 already occurred, how can it be assured or even close to assured that another one won't 164 00:13:16,110 --> 00:13:21,070 occur either at the air separator or during a launch? Will launch mishaps be more scrutinized 165 00:13:21,070 --> 00:13:25,550 if there is a facility right next door. If people during a launch can feel the ground 166 00:13:25,550 --> 00:13:30,110 shaking and hear windows rattling miles away, what effects will that have on the structural 167 00:13:30,110 --> 00:13:37,310 foundation of the air separator? In the prohibited activities section of when 168 00:13:37,310 --> 00:13:43,290 dune protection permits can be issued. The building of this facility obviously 169 00:13:43,950 --> 00:13:49,010 highlights many provisions such as removing sand from the beach and dune system to 170 00:13:49,010 --> 00:13:55,990 detonating bombs or explosives, that's one of the provisions, and accidental explosions 171 00:13:55,990 --> 00:13:59,870 are not specifically addressed, but they certainly have occurred multiple times. 172 00:14:00,510 --> 00:14:04,150 I hope that this, that this facility is disallowed. 173 00:14:04,150 --> 00:14:04,750 Thank you. 174 00:14:05,510 --> 00:14:06,370 Thank you, Ms. Smith. 175 00:14:07,110 --> 00:14:10,650 Next we have online Christopher Vasaldu. 176 00:14:11,450 --> 00:14:13,030 I hope I said that name correctly. 177 00:14:16,970 --> 00:14:18,850 I am Dr. Christopher Vasaldu. 178 00:14:19,090 --> 00:14:21,410 I grew up and I live here in Brownsville. 179 00:14:21,410 --> 00:14:27,710 I'm a co-founder of the South Texas Environmental Justice Network, and I'm a member of the Garisoko 180 00:14:27,710 --> 00:14:28,870 Makurudo Tribal Nation. 181 00:14:29,610 --> 00:14:35,190 I asked this committee to consider denying the construction permit, the construction 182 00:14:35,190 --> 00:14:37,970 certification for the air separator unit. 183 00:14:38,790 --> 00:14:44,510 It is unnecessary, and whatever gases or fuels that SpaceX needs, they do not need 184 00:14:44,510 --> 00:14:52,670 created their onsite destroying a delicate ecosystem and the public beach. These areas 185 00:14:52,670 --> 00:14:59,750 of Boca Chica Beach, the mouth of the river, and the area that SpaceX now is on, those are all sacred lands. 186 00:15:04,520 --> 00:15:11,760 There has been no consultation with the tribal nation, and therefore there is no free prior 187 00:15:11,760 --> 00:15:17,320 and informed consent, and everything that SpaceX and Starbase are doing is not only an environmental 188 00:15:17,320 --> 00:15:22,540 disaster, but it's also a human rights violation and a violation of indigenous people's rights. 189 00:15:23,500 --> 00:15:31,800 I also ask you to not allow this permit to go forth to destroy the dunes. 190 00:15:31,860 --> 00:15:35,580 The dunes are delicate and also necessary, as well as beautiful. 191 00:15:36,600 --> 00:15:40,040 And we don't need more coastal erosion in the state of Texas. 192 00:15:40,580 --> 00:15:48,840 And as I said, you're allowing it to be destroyed for industrial purposes in an area that 193 00:15:48,840 --> 00:15:56,100 was never meant for industrial purposes, that the county and even the federal government 194 00:15:56,100 --> 00:16:00,160 has set aside lands out there to be wildlife refuge at State Park. 195 00:16:00,900 --> 00:16:04,900 So please deny the construction certificate and deny the permit of the dunes. 196 00:16:05,380 --> 00:16:13,600 I also demand that there be a full public hearings on these proposed projects with 197 00:16:13,600 --> 00:16:20,180 at least 30 days notice for the public to respond. For the documents they need to be more readily 198 00:16:20,180 --> 00:16:25,700 available to the public for review during that time and they must be provided fully in English 199 00:16:25,700 --> 00:16:32,340 and in Spanish so that people can have access to them both electronically and in public libraries 200 00:16:32,340 --> 00:16:39,140 here in Cameron County. We need an actual 30 days notice before we consider any of this. 201 00:16:39,860 --> 00:16:44,260 I want to warn Cameron County of the dangers of SpaceX and Starbase. 202 00:16:45,000 --> 00:16:49,880 When they originally proposed to their facility, they had a tiny project with a tiny footprint. 203 00:16:50,500 --> 00:16:56,060 They continue to take and annex and take more land and they are only polluting and 204 00:16:56,060 --> 00:17:01,440 destroying what was an incredibly beautiful area that human beings have had access to 205 00:17:01,440 --> 00:17:07,120 freely since the beginning of human living and occupation in these areas. 206 00:17:07,880 --> 00:17:14,080 Spacex will continue to pollute and destroy things. Cameron County should stop abating 207 00:17:14,080 --> 00:17:20,880 or helping or aiding or approving anything SpaceX does. I also want to remind Cameron 208 00:17:20,880 --> 00:17:25,740 County that Elon Musk made the Nazi salute at the presidential inauguration back in 209 00:17:25,740 --> 00:17:31,600 January. This should show you that he and his followers have a politic that is anti-human. 210 00:17:31,900 --> 00:17:34,080 Thank you, Mr. Basildo. I think you've reached your three minutes. 211 00:17:34,080 --> 00:17:34,940 Dr. Basildo. 212 00:17:34,940 --> 00:17:38,960 I'm sorry Dr. Bastold, I'm sorry my apologies. Thank you very much for your 213 00:17:38,960 --> 00:17:46,970 comments. I will move on to the next person. In person, Maria Galasso. Maria, 214 00:17:47,210 --> 00:17:47,550 are you here? 215 00:17:51,060 --> 00:17:53,560 Okay, she comes in later. I think I guess we could go back. 216 00:17:55,900 --> 00:17:56,080 I'm 217 00:17:56,080 --> 00:18:02,860 sorry. I'm online. She's online. I'm on, this is Maria Galasso. Okay, I'm sorry. 218 00:18:02,860 --> 00:18:07,080 Maria, I'd say she's in person here, so please go ahead. 219 00:18:09,800 --> 00:18:11,500 Okay, I appreciate it. 220 00:18:12,160 --> 00:18:14,140 Good afternoon, my name is Maria Galasso, 221 00:18:14,180 --> 00:18:15,960 and I live in Libana Vista. 222 00:18:16,340 --> 00:18:18,000 I've been here for about 15 years, 223 00:18:18,580 --> 00:18:21,400 but I was born here in the Rio Grande Valley, 224 00:18:21,480 --> 00:18:22,520 so I am a native. 225 00:18:23,600 --> 00:18:27,940 I'm asking that the item on the agenda for today 226 00:18:27,940 --> 00:18:30,420 be tabled for public safety considerations 227 00:18:30,420 --> 00:18:32,560 and possible alternatives. 228 00:18:33,380 --> 00:18:36,700 Before I begin, I will note that scheduling a meeting late 229 00:18:37,600 --> 00:18:40,240 in the afternoon at the start of this summer's biggest 230 00:18:40,940 --> 00:18:44,500 holiday celebrations suggest a lack of respect 231 00:18:44,500 --> 00:18:48,320 for public engagement and a lack of transparency. 232 00:18:49,700 --> 00:18:53,820 Public safety, back in September of 2022, 233 00:18:54,560 --> 00:18:56,420 during a Starship Engine test, 234 00:18:56,960 --> 00:18:58,660 a fire surrounded the launch pad 235 00:18:58,660 --> 00:19:07,200 and burned 68 acres of Boca Chica. Then in April of 2023, the first Starship launch 236 00:19:07,200 --> 00:19:13,160 resulted in an explosion and another fire at the launch pad which burned three 237 00:19:13,160 --> 00:19:18,720 and a half acres and caused a particulate matter to rain down on 238 00:19:18,720 --> 00:19:24,760 Port Isbell and the surrounding areas. Since then each new launch carries 239 00:19:24,760 --> 00:19:29,880 with it, the very real possibility of a fire, explosion, or both. 240 00:19:31,260 --> 00:19:32,860 Fast forward to two weeks ago. 241 00:19:33,840 --> 00:19:35,540 What happened at the Massey test site? 242 00:19:36,320 --> 00:19:42,600 Not what caused the two explosions, but what actually exploded with starship, especially 243 00:19:42,600 --> 00:19:43,820 the second explosion. 244 00:19:44,780 --> 00:19:51,360 Was it a liquid oxygen filled tank, or was it liquid methane or LNG, or maybe both? 245 00:19:51,360 --> 00:19:58,580 So, we don't yet know for sure, but Valley Central reported that the financial fire department 246 00:19:59,240 --> 00:20:06,580 was on site and although they didn't engage, they were kept on deck in case of another 247 00:20:06,580 --> 00:20:09,520 explosion of the nearby canisters. 248 00:20:10,520 --> 00:20:16,020 We should wait for a public report from the local fire marshal to help answer these 249 00:20:16,020 --> 00:20:17,240 and other questions. 250 00:20:18,060 --> 00:20:25,360 A decision to permit an ASU with propellant filled tanks just across the road from the 251 00:20:25,360 --> 00:20:34,480 launch pad should be tabled at this time so that any possible public safety risks to both 252 00:20:34,480 --> 00:20:39,900 the beach and beach goers and residents can be explored and considered perhaps at a public 253 00:20:39,900 --> 00:20:46,440 hearing where questions can be asked and answered and discussed because public safety is 254 00:20:46,440 --> 00:20:53,920 important. The proposed ASU site location may make logistical sense for SpaceX flight activities, 255 00:20:55,100 --> 00:21:01,700 but this is not Cape Canaveral where the nearest population zone is 15 miles away 256 00:21:02,640 --> 00:21:11,400 and protecting a public beach is not a consideration. Alternatives. The permanent 257 00:21:11,400 --> 00:21:18,200 application simply states that there are no alternative locations for the ASU. But per 258 00:21:18,200 --> 00:21:19,460 the scene Antonio News. 259 00:21:19,880 --> 00:21:22,840 Miseraso, your three minutes are up. Thank you for your conversation. 260 00:21:24,740 --> 00:21:30,180 We'll move on to the next person, Mr. Juan Macias. In person. 261 00:21:38,330 --> 00:21:43,110 Good afternoon. My name is Juan Macias. I am the tribal chairman for the Carriza 262 00:21:43,110 --> 00:21:48,210 Comarquero, the tribe of Texas, and the honest spokesman for the tribe. I want to greet 263 00:21:48,210 --> 00:21:48,830 in my language, 264 00:21:52,890 --> 00:22:00,930 like I was, you know, I'm a spokesperson, and my name is Stanza Loam, 265 00:22:01,550 --> 00:22:07,250 and I'm here to let you know that I appreciate the ceremony of you guys getting sworn in, 266 00:22:07,790 --> 00:22:12,090 but I don't see any tribal people or advisors on this committee. 267 00:22:12,830 --> 00:22:17,670 And I think you need to start doing that because when you're celebrating your independence 268 00:22:19,410 --> 00:22:23,890 And to me, you're still perpetuating the genocide of tribal erasure. 269 00:22:24,690 --> 00:22:29,490 And in some of these reports, I'm going to offer to you, and I'm going to send to you, 270 00:22:30,110 --> 00:22:35,390 especially the HAVOC ones, they require that there should be tribal monitoring. 271 00:22:35,870 --> 00:22:42,690 And we're the only entity in Texas right now that has been recognized by Homeland Security to do tribal monitoring. 272 00:22:43,250 --> 00:22:47,270 Along the Rio Grande, along the coast, because of what's going on. 273 00:22:47,270 --> 00:22:55,410 And I think it's important that we are able to have that representation because we are still here and we have never gone in there. 274 00:22:55,650 --> 00:23:02,470 500 years ago when they first landed here on the river, there was clean water, clean air. 275 00:23:03,750 --> 00:23:10,870 The lomas were fine, but all this gentrification to me is terraforming so they can have a reason to occupy Mars. 276 00:23:11,490 --> 00:23:16,590 And I think that's one of the problems that we need to understand, that the air separator is not, is a problem. 277 00:23:16,590 --> 00:23:23,070 It has a lot of hazards and you need to look at those hazards and there's a lot of modifications 278 00:23:23,070 --> 00:23:25,230 they're going to have to put into these things. 279 00:23:25,730 --> 00:23:30,470 And I think there has to be a bigger investigation on what needs to be done on this. 280 00:23:30,770 --> 00:23:34,130 And you need to have that representation here to give you that information. 281 00:23:34,630 --> 00:23:37,690 Don't think just because we're native that we're not educated. 282 00:23:38,090 --> 00:23:39,090 We've learned that way. 283 00:23:39,490 --> 00:23:40,810 You just haven't learned our way. 284 00:23:40,810 --> 00:23:48,870 And that's important to understand to share those things together to be able to be to understand that those were old village village 285 00:23:49,450 --> 00:23:50,690 fishing villages of ours 286 00:23:50,690 --> 00:23:56,270 They've been taken and as a matter of fact the Monsea's family you still own all that land at one time 287 00:23:56,270 --> 00:23:59,930 And it was in my great great great aunt was 288 00:24:00,630 --> 00:24:02,910 Was conned out of it by a New York firm 289 00:24:03,610 --> 00:24:08,270 To hand it over to some of some of the plantation owners that came in there 290 00:24:08,270 --> 00:24:16,970 So I just want you to know that this is important, that we continue to talk about this and have the representation from the tribe. 291 00:24:17,050 --> 00:24:22,690 We may not be federally recognized, but Homeland Security recognizes us as tribal monitors. 292 00:24:23,330 --> 00:24:25,270 And we've been doing that for over 70 years. 293 00:24:26,010 --> 00:24:30,350 And this is important for me, that you start looking at this. 294 00:24:30,450 --> 00:24:35,870 If you really want to be representative of the body and this county wants to be representative of the body, 295 00:24:35,870 --> 00:24:37,670 They need to have the tribal representation. 296 00:24:38,110 --> 00:24:38,870 Thank you. 297 00:24:39,370 --> 00:24:40,210 Thank you, sir. 298 00:24:46,500 --> 00:24:48,760 We'll move on to the next in person. 299 00:24:49,200 --> 00:24:51,060 Ed Goti. 300 00:24:54,220 --> 00:24:54,860 I'm sorry, Edda. 301 00:24:55,200 --> 00:24:56,040 Edda Goti, I'm sorry. 302 00:25:07,180 --> 00:25:09,100 I am here to offer public comments 303 00:25:09,100 --> 00:25:11,340 regarding the construction permit that was, 304 00:25:11,900 --> 00:25:12,920 that is before you today. 305 00:25:13,080 --> 00:25:14,940 I am asking that the committee undertake 306 00:25:14,940 --> 00:25:16,660 a comprehensive and thorough review 307 00:25:16,660 --> 00:25:20,500 of the information presented in the application document 308 00:25:20,500 --> 00:25:25,160 and not recommend the permit unless it complies with the provisions of the 309 00:25:25,160 --> 00:25:31,240 Cameron County Dune Protection and Beach Access Plan. And specifically that, one, 310 00:25:31,640 --> 00:25:36,420 the proposed project does not directly or indirectly reduce the site or encroach 311 00:25:36,420 --> 00:25:41,740 on the public beach in any manner or impair or adversely affect the public 312 00:25:41,740 --> 00:25:48,080 use or access to and from the public beach. Number two, that the proposed 313 00:25:48,080 --> 00:25:56,400 Propose activity is not a prohibited activity as defined by subsection G to prohibited activities in the county plan. 314 00:25:57,140 --> 00:26:04,700 Number three, that the proposed activity will not materially weaken dune complexes or materially damaged dune vegetation. 315 00:26:05,520 --> 00:26:13,680 Four, that there is no practicable alternatives to the proposed activity and the adverse effects cannot be avoided. 316 00:26:13,680 --> 00:26:20,180 it. Five, that the application mitigation plan will adequately minimize, mitigate, and 317 00:26:20,580 --> 00:26:26,940 or compensate for the unavoidable adverse effects. Six, that a hearing has been held 318 00:26:26,940 --> 00:26:33,000 on the application since mitigation is required. And seven, that the activity complies with 319 00:26:33,000 --> 00:26:35,620 all the requirements of the Dune Protection Plan. 320 00:26:36,800 --> 00:26:43,460 The Starbase proposed zoning maps has a proposed site zoned as heavy industrial. Taking 321 00:26:43,460 --> 00:26:47,960 into account the devastating explosion of starship and subsequent destruction of the 322 00:26:47,960 --> 00:26:53,020 Massey site. I respectfully urge the committee to carefully review the permit requested 323 00:26:53,020 --> 00:26:59,880 by SpaceX for the proposed ASU along the beach front in this area. The implications 324 00:26:59,880 --> 00:27:06,220 of constructing this ASU along the roadway to the beach that will be traveled by many 325 00:27:06,220 --> 00:27:11,320 residents of this county should be thoroughly examined and fully understood by the committee 326 00:27:11,320 --> 00:27:16,520 before a recommendation is made to the court. The public safety and access to the beach 327 00:27:16,520 --> 00:27:22,260 should be just as important as supporting the effort to get to Mars. Under the Texas 328 00:27:22,260 --> 00:27:30,700 Open Beach Act and the Texas Dune Protection and the city counties and cities are required 329 00:27:30,700 --> 00:27:35,340 to protect public access to beaches and to preserve the natural coastal environment. 330 00:27:35,340 --> 00:27:44,680 These statues direct local governments to avoid approving construction that jeopardizes the stability of dunes. 331 00:27:44,680 --> 00:27:49,200 Avoid approving construction if alternatives to the project site exist. 332 00:27:49,700 --> 00:27:54,500 Avoid approving construction that does not provide an adequate mitigation plan. 333 00:27:55,640 --> 00:28:00,620 Approval of this permit would not only contradict Texas Coastal Protection Law, 334 00:28:00,620 --> 00:28:06,740 but would also expose Cameron County to liability in the event of a future accident, evacuation, 335 00:28:07,260 --> 00:28:13,580 or in that environmental catastrophe. For these reasons, the county should be... Okay, thank you. 336 00:28:13,800 --> 00:28:18,440 Thank you, Ms. Cody. Next we have online, Elliot Treyhan. 337 00:28:25,640 --> 00:28:26,460 Elliot, are you there? 338 00:28:27,560 --> 00:28:30,280 Yes, I'm here. Sorry about that. Can y'all hear me? 339 00:28:30,640 --> 00:28:31,700 Yeah, go ahead, please. 340 00:28:32,260 --> 00:28:36,160 Perfect. Thank you. My name is Elliot Treyhan. I am a resident in Brownsville, Texas. 341 00:28:36,840 --> 00:28:51,740 And I'm asking the committee to deny all permits requested by SpaceX regarding the, sorry, I'm a little tired right now, regarding the Dune permit, the construction permit, and the air separator. 342 00:28:52,300 --> 00:29:00,820 And I'm going to be honest, I have not done the impressive homework that some of my fellow commentaries have done. I haven't gotten the chance to read the documents. 343 00:29:00,820 --> 00:29:02,640 It's super thoroughly. 344 00:29:03,060 --> 00:29:05,860 I haven't even had time to read the laws 345 00:29:05,860 --> 00:29:07,160 about doom protection in Texas, 346 00:29:07,360 --> 00:29:09,580 but I honestly don't think I need to, 347 00:29:09,800 --> 00:29:11,580 I don't think any of us need to know 348 00:29:11,580 --> 00:29:13,600 that this is not good for Cameron County. 349 00:29:13,720 --> 00:29:14,680 It's not good for the land 350 00:29:14,680 --> 00:29:19,620 and that it's going to be a violation of basic humanity, 351 00:29:20,160 --> 00:29:21,680 a violation of the law 352 00:29:21,680 --> 00:29:25,480 and just everything that we should hold sacred. 353 00:29:26,060 --> 00:29:30,000 And I notice because we've seen what SpaceX has done. 354 00:29:30,000 --> 00:29:32,860 It's not like this is a new company that we don't know. 355 00:29:33,240 --> 00:29:36,540 We've seen them just like Dr. Bucklew-Dew said from 2014, 356 00:29:36,800 --> 00:29:39,380 starting with a small site and continuing to grow and grow 357 00:29:39,380 --> 00:29:42,220 and grow and take and take and take and take. 358 00:29:42,400 --> 00:29:43,540 Every time we give them something, 359 00:29:43,780 --> 00:29:45,240 they take more and more. 360 00:29:45,940 --> 00:29:49,460 And they've shown themselves to be consistently flout rules. 361 00:29:51,300 --> 00:29:53,380 They've shown themselves to see, 362 00:29:53,760 --> 00:29:55,140 sorry, I'm not super eloquent right now, 363 00:29:55,140 --> 00:29:55,600 I'm a little tired. 364 00:29:55,600 --> 00:29:59,600 They've shown themselves to disregard rules. 365 00:30:00,000 --> 00:30:27,000 To break them, to violate laws. So even if they did have all their paperwork right, which as others have pointed out, they don't. Even if this committee had given the public 30 days to review documents and schedule a time where people can actually show up to voice their concerns over this, even if all those boxes had been checked, I think just based on this company's behavior based on their history, based on the fact that they violated every degree of 366 00:30:27,000 --> 00:30:33,980 trusts or any shred of trust that they should have, we should not even be considering it. 367 00:30:34,180 --> 00:30:37,540 While others have asked for a careful review, I don't care if we carefully review this permit. 368 00:30:37,860 --> 00:30:40,980 They shouldn't be allowed to ask for anything more because they've already 369 00:30:41,540 --> 00:30:45,720 broken so many promises and trusts. Anyway, I'm not saying anything else that's 370 00:30:45,720 --> 00:30:50,800 that useful, but that's what I have to say. Please don't give them anything more. 371 00:30:50,800 --> 00:31:01,070 they've taken far too much. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Next online, Jim Chapman. Please go ahead. 372 00:31:07,430 --> 00:31:14,270 Thank you. My name is Jim Chapman. I live in Westlaco, Texas. I have submitted written comments that 373 00:31:14,270 --> 00:31:20,890 are a bit longer than this, so I'm only reading part of my comments. The SpaceX plan is incomplete 374 00:31:20,890 --> 00:31:25,850 and should be returned to the applicant for more detailed resubmission. The most 375 00:31:25,850 --> 00:31:31,010 Most glaring deficiency is the complete lack of any description of the quote 20 structures 376 00:31:31,010 --> 00:31:31,830 on the site. 377 00:31:32,590 --> 00:31:33,390 What are they for? 378 00:31:33,790 --> 00:31:35,650 How large and how high are they? 379 00:31:36,030 --> 00:31:36,950 What is their footprint? 380 00:31:37,670 --> 00:31:45,090 On page 23 it states, number of proposed structures is 20 C attachment D. Attachment 381 00:31:45,090 --> 00:31:47,850 D shows 10 small white boxes. 382 00:31:48,150 --> 00:31:49,250 Are those the structures? 383 00:31:49,770 --> 00:31:51,570 If so, why are there only 10? 384 00:31:51,570 --> 00:31:58,190 Even the large air separator unit, attachment G, is shown only in cross-section. 385 00:31:58,670 --> 00:32:02,030 Where exactly will it be located? What will be its dimensions? 386 00:32:02,710 --> 00:32:08,290 What does its aerial view footprint look like? Will there be emissions, noise, lighting? 387 00:32:09,070 --> 00:32:13,170 This is a very rich, biodiverse area and these questions are important. 388 00:32:13,830 --> 00:32:20,170 For example, the project falls within the designated critical habitat area for the endangered piping plebber, 389 00:32:20,170 --> 00:32:25,650 yet there is no mention or acknowledging of that, let alone how those impacts will be mitigated. 390 00:32:27,750 --> 00:32:31,890 SpaceX proposed mitigation is not only inadequate and misguided, 391 00:32:32,030 --> 00:32:38,330 but is likely to leave the mitigated area more impacted and less ecologically whole than it is now. 392 00:32:39,090 --> 00:32:43,410 At present, the project area and the mitigation area are remarkably similar, 393 00:32:44,230 --> 00:32:49,750 as you can actually see in the plan's own photos, which I actually have attached to my written comments. 394 00:32:49,750 --> 00:32:55,050 To take sand from one site and dump it on the other and then plant two species of plants 395 00:32:55,050 --> 00:32:56,590 on it would be a travesty. 396 00:32:57,090 --> 00:33:02,190 There are likely more than 50 species of plants there now and while there are small open spaces 397 00:33:02,740 --> 00:33:06,830 these are important parts of the area's ecology as there are a number of important 398 00:33:06,830 --> 00:33:12,610 species such as the piping plover, snowy plover, and leased turn that roost and nest 399 00:33:12,610 --> 00:33:13,630 in open areas. 400 00:33:13,630 --> 00:33:18,950 The area has a multitude of micro-habitats, and that's the way it needs to stay. 401 00:33:19,790 --> 00:33:25,710 If the Commission does not reject the proposed mitigation outright, it should engage a TPWD 402 00:33:25,710 --> 00:33:32,970 wildlife biologist and botanist to evaluate the proposed mitigation site and plan before deciding 403 00:33:32,970 --> 00:33:35,830 whether to approve or not the whole proposal. 404 00:33:36,770 --> 00:33:42,150 Given the area's environmental uniqueness and value and its proximity to Boca Chica Beach itself, 405 00:33:42,150 --> 00:33:45,410 the committee should question the whole project's location. 406 00:33:45,970 --> 00:33:49,030 Why can't the ASU complex be located 407 00:33:49,030 --> 00:33:50,710 at the Port of Brownsville, 408 00:33:50,910 --> 00:33:53,090 a designated heavy industry zone? 409 00:33:53,970 --> 00:33:56,390 The inconvenience of being 17 miles away 410 00:33:56,590 --> 00:34:00,230 is offset by leaving Boca Chica dunes and back dunes 411 00:34:00,230 --> 00:34:04,190 environmentally intact as they are and have always been. 412 00:34:05,490 --> 00:34:06,390 Thank you very much. 413 00:34:06,390 --> 00:34:13,690 Thank you sir. And finally, we have one more in person, Mary Helen Flores. 414 00:34:20,380 --> 00:34:25,440 Good afternoon. Thank you for giving me a few minutes here to address you. 415 00:34:27,560 --> 00:34:37,020 And unlike the other commenters who had very substantive information on the technical and legal ramifications of this thing, 416 00:34:37,020 --> 00:34:41,060 I want to appeal to you just on principle alone. 417 00:34:42,680 --> 00:34:49,180 We need to protect the dunes that we have right now because they are irreplaceable. 418 00:34:49,780 --> 00:34:56,960 They are an integral part of Boca Chica Beach, which our families use and enjoy now. 419 00:34:56,960 --> 00:35:07,100 and we cannot afford for SpaceX to take any more to encroach any more on our 420 00:35:07,100 --> 00:35:15,300 beach on our use of our beach and you five are the sentinels are the guardians 421 00:35:15,300 --> 00:35:22,340 of our dune line and I beg you I ask you to use your mind your heart your soul 422 00:35:22,340 --> 00:35:27,100 to protect our dune line from any kind of industrial building. 423 00:35:28,160 --> 00:35:36,480 And this here is a first try, put a stop to it, put an end to it on principle alone. 424 00:35:37,320 --> 00:35:38,500 This is where our kids play. 425 00:35:38,760 --> 00:35:39,900 This is where they go to the beach. 426 00:35:40,580 --> 00:35:47,820 This is not something we should even be considering to destroy for an industrial site 427 00:35:47,820 --> 00:35:54,260 for SpaceX, which has given us nothing in our county but destruction. 428 00:35:55,140 --> 00:36:00,260 They have yet to give us a damage control plan. 429 00:36:01,280 --> 00:36:07,040 Nothing has been said about any kind of fund to help with damages to our homes and properties 430 00:36:07,460 --> 00:36:13,740 that is occurring cumulatively with the blast that they have out there. 431 00:36:13,740 --> 00:36:23,380 so please please I beg you to the five of you stand guard and do not allow any 432 00:36:23,380 --> 00:36:28,800 destruction of any of our dune line for anything and I thank you for your 433 00:36:28,800 --> 00:36:35,720 service thank you miss forest okay that brings to a closing the public 434 00:36:35,720 --> 00:36:46,780 comments part of this. Oh, I find up to make a public comment. I emailed. Sorry. Hi, my 435 00:36:46,780 --> 00:36:53,100 name is Rebecca. I emailed at before 10am this morning. Mr. Sanchez and I asked to make 436 00:36:53,100 --> 00:36:58,020 a public comment. All right, go ahead. Please go ahead. Thank you so much. Hello, my name 437 00:36:58,020 --> 00:37:02,720 is Rebecca. I'm one of the co-founders of the South Texas Environmental Justice 438 00:37:02,720 --> 00:37:10,640 network. I live in Brownsville. And I'm here to ask the Dean Protection Committee to deny 439 00:37:11,590 --> 00:37:19,460 this permit for SpaceX. I ask that you recommend that this permit be denied to the Cameron County 440 00:37:19,460 --> 00:37:27,220 Commissioners. I also ask that you all who, you know, represent Cameron County residents 441 00:37:27,220 --> 00:37:35,740 and who should, you know, listen to our concerns, your purpose in this process is to elevate 442 00:37:35,740 --> 00:37:40,480 and lift up the community concerns and speak for us. 443 00:37:41,280 --> 00:37:45,240 And the community today is telling you to deny this permit. 444 00:37:47,660 --> 00:37:53,620 We also need a 30-day notice for a public hearing, and there should be a public hearing 445 00:37:53,620 --> 00:37:54,360 on this matter. 446 00:37:54,360 --> 00:38:01,500 It's a large industrial project that's going to have a huge footprint, huge negative impact 447 00:38:01,500 --> 00:38:06,080 to the environment, to the community that holds Boca Chica Beach sacred. 448 00:38:07,000 --> 00:38:10,700 Residents have been going to Boca Chica Beach, you know, all of their lives. 449 00:38:11,220 --> 00:38:13,360 My grandpa grew up going to Boca Chica Beach. 450 00:38:13,540 --> 00:38:15,200 My mother grew up going to Boca Chica Beach. 451 00:38:15,980 --> 00:38:19,760 We don't want to see Boca Chica Beach become an industrial eyesore. 452 00:38:19,760 --> 00:38:27,640 And Spain has already caused numerous, numerous damages, has scorched the land, and is engaging 453 00:38:27,640 --> 00:38:30,880 in a hostile takeover of Boca Chica Beach. 454 00:38:32,340 --> 00:38:39,660 This permit would have huge detrimental impacts, and you all are supposed to, you know, help 455 00:38:39,660 --> 00:38:42,080 bring in public input in this process. 456 00:38:42,920 --> 00:38:46,520 Please give us a 30-day notice and a public hearing. 457 00:38:47,400 --> 00:38:53,540 consider denying this permit and, you know, please listen to the concerns you hear today 458 00:38:53,540 --> 00:39:00,600 from all of these residents. It is deeply concerning and problematic that this meeting feels rushed 459 00:39:00,600 --> 00:39:05,860 because it's happening, you know, the evening of July 3rd and a lot of people, including my 460 00:39:05,860 --> 00:39:10,940 own family members, are not available at this time because of, you know, a well-deserved 461 00:39:10,940 --> 00:39:16,360 weekend break. So please, you know, give us more time to give public input on this 462 00:39:16,360 --> 00:39:22,500 very important matter. Thank you very much. Thank you very much, Ms. Hinosa. We'll move 463 00:39:22,500 --> 00:39:28,300 on to item number two, new business. I'm going to read the agenda item out and 464 00:39:28,300 --> 00:39:34,180 then give an opportunity for the board members to make comments and maybe 465 00:39:34,180 --> 00:39:38,660 answer some of those questions. But I'd also like to remind ourselves, I 466 00:39:38,660 --> 00:39:43,880 I guess that we're not really approving a permit to build here. 467 00:39:44,000 --> 00:39:48,260 We're just making a recommendation to the Cameron County Commissionist Court, 468 00:39:48,540 --> 00:39:50,280 who will make the final decision on this. 469 00:39:51,420 --> 00:39:55,860 We are responding to a beach and dune permit application to the state. 470 00:39:56,280 --> 00:40:00,800 Correct me if I'm wrong, Augustine anyway, because I think we've done a lot of these in Saapadra Island. 471 00:40:01,380 --> 00:40:05,260 When I was on the shoreline task force there, and then on this committee, 472 00:40:05,260 --> 00:40:10,880 We are going to, and we have looked at the recommendations from the state. 473 00:40:12,380 --> 00:40:16,220 And our local staff will advise us on the beach and 474 00:40:16,220 --> 00:40:22,160 dune protection plan that SpaceX has presented or will be presenting. 475 00:40:23,240 --> 00:40:28,340 And we basically make a recommendation based on that, 476 00:40:28,680 --> 00:40:33,180 on the dune protection, not necessarily approving a building permit. 477 00:40:33,180 --> 00:40:37,420 And this particular issue will have to go to several hoops. 478 00:40:37,500 --> 00:40:38,500 I think it's four altogether. 479 00:40:38,880 --> 00:40:39,640 First is the state. 480 00:40:40,160 --> 00:40:42,040 We have received a letter from the state, am I correct? 481 00:40:42,820 --> 00:40:43,120 That's correct. 482 00:40:43,300 --> 00:40:49,600 Now it's within us, amongst us, to give a recommendation to the Cameron County Commission 483 00:40:49,600 --> 00:40:54,940 Escort about the beach front construction certificate. 484 00:40:55,220 --> 00:40:58,080 And if the mitigation plan looks okay to us. 485 00:40:59,780 --> 00:41:04,460 Again, we don't make decisions on giving building permits. 486 00:41:04,640 --> 00:41:09,480 I think there is another hoop after that that goes to the City Council of Starbase that 487 00:41:09,480 --> 00:41:11,440 basically issues a building permit also. 488 00:41:12,060 --> 00:41:16,200 So there are several hoops that this project will go through before it breaks ground. 489 00:41:16,920 --> 00:41:21,960 This is strictly a Dune Protection Advisory Board of the Cameron County Commissioner 490 00:41:22,880 --> 00:41:31,540 I know I was involved in the Cameron County Dune Protection Beach Access Plan when it was built and presented to the state, approved and sent back to us. 491 00:41:32,240 --> 00:41:40,600 There was a lot of work put into that and we will adhere closely to that to make sure that we do follow all the rules on beach access and things like that. 492 00:41:41,080 --> 00:41:43,640 But beyond that, there's several things mentioned here. 493 00:41:43,740 --> 00:41:50,240 I made a list of a lot of things that really we don't, this committee, 494 00:41:50,240 --> 00:41:53,140 It's beyond the scope of this committee to answer those questions. 495 00:41:53,960 --> 00:41:55,740 So I just wanted to point that out. 496 00:41:55,900 --> 00:42:01,400 We're not saying that we're strictly adhering to the guidelines that we are given 497 00:42:02,140 --> 00:42:09,440 as a Cameron County Dune Protection Committee to give a recommendation to the commissioner's court. 498 00:42:10,180 --> 00:42:11,800 Having said that, we'll go on to the new business. 499 00:42:12,000 --> 00:42:15,480 I'll read the first one and only agenda item here. 500 00:42:15,480 --> 00:42:20,200 a discussion and possible action on a beach-run construction certificate and 501 00:42:20,200 --> 00:42:24,940 doom protection permit application for SpaceX Exploration Inc. for the construction 502 00:42:24,940 --> 00:42:31,980 of an air separator unit near Boca Chica Beach. Go ahead. Thank you Mr. Chairman. 503 00:42:32,740 --> 00:42:37,780 Yes as you mentioned this is an advisory committee. Just for for public 504 00:42:37,780 --> 00:42:42,100 information there will be a public hearing on Tuesday before the item is 505 00:42:42,100 --> 00:42:44,680 brought before commission's court to final approval 506 00:42:45,020 --> 00:42:45,920 to issue the permit. 507 00:42:46,760 --> 00:42:48,420 This permit is not a building permit. 508 00:42:48,820 --> 00:42:50,580 It's a beachfront construction certificate 509 00:42:50,580 --> 00:42:52,240 and doing protection permit only. 510 00:42:52,900 --> 00:42:55,420 And what we're looking at is only 511 00:42:57,380 --> 00:42:59,680 beach and doing protection rules 512 00:43:00,360 --> 00:43:02,420 at a state level and at an accounting level. 513 00:43:02,680 --> 00:43:06,520 But the application submitted to you by SpaceX 514 00:43:07,920 --> 00:43:11,840 has gone through the review of my department 515 00:43:11,840 --> 00:43:21,860 And then it was shared with the general land office where they conducted their own review between the county and the state. 516 00:43:22,560 --> 00:43:30,360 We make a thorough review on us to completeness and consistency with local state rules. 517 00:43:31,220 --> 00:43:33,480 It was then completed consistent. 518 00:43:34,260 --> 00:43:40,160 The letter issued by the JLO, and that is part of the packet, states that, and 519 00:43:40,160 --> 00:43:43,040 and says the conditions under this permit 520 00:43:43,040 --> 00:43:49,580 should be issued, and is there for your consideration? 521 00:43:50,480 --> 00:43:54,560 I have, we have representatives from the applicant's basics 522 00:43:54,560 --> 00:43:58,700 here in prison and online that are available 523 00:43:58,700 --> 00:44:01,180 to answer any questions that you might have. 524 00:44:02,000 --> 00:44:02,940 And myself as well. 525 00:44:03,400 --> 00:44:05,160 Thank you, Augusto. 526 00:44:07,240 --> 00:44:08,080 Yes, please. 527 00:44:08,080 --> 00:44:08,140 Yes, 528 00:44:13,360 --> 00:44:17,600 I think, can you turn on your mic, can you, okay. 529 00:44:18,820 --> 00:44:21,020 You mentioned that the general land office 530 00:44:21,020 --> 00:44:22,340 already took a look at this. 531 00:44:22,740 --> 00:44:24,020 Yes, yeah. 532 00:44:24,440 --> 00:44:26,220 And they came back with what exactly? 533 00:44:26,640 --> 00:44:33,320 The letter from the GLO that is dated back from in May 534 00:44:34,880 --> 00:44:36,940 lists states that there's no objections 535 00:44:36,940 --> 00:44:38,700 as per the state and county rules 536 00:44:38,700 --> 00:44:44,740 And list all the conditions that the applicant must follow while implementing the project. 537 00:44:45,580 --> 00:44:53,660 Each particular comment makes a reference to the state statute or the DOOM protection plan in the county. 538 00:44:55,720 --> 00:44:59,820 So, any other questions by the board members regarding the. 539 00:45:00,660 --> 00:45:06,320 I think I would want to address the letter from GLO first to make sure that we are adhering 540 00:45:06,320 --> 00:45:11,900 and SpaceX is adhering to all the conditions that are laid out in the DUNE mitigation plan 541 00:45:12,580 --> 00:45:18,660 or recommendations that the, I know the letter going out didn't have all those things, but 542 00:45:18,660 --> 00:45:23,940 the letter that came back from the GLO, are we agreed on, or if we can get a comment from 543 00:45:23,940 --> 00:45:30,000 SpaceX on the mitigation plan, and then who will be supervising the mitigation plan? 544 00:45:30,120 --> 00:45:34,500 This is the public information from our side, from when I say our side, I mean, Cameron 545 00:45:34,500 --> 00:45:41,920 County, that will be making sure that all the one-to-one land plans and all the things 546 00:45:41,920 --> 00:45:45,760 that are on that list, and I've gone through that list many times because I've done 547 00:45:45,760 --> 00:45:49,580 many mitigations like that on my own property. 548 00:45:49,580 --> 00:45:55,920 So I know what the mechanics of our they are quite complex and they do require a lot of supervision 549 00:45:56,500 --> 00:46:04,380 So Augusto who will be doing the supervision on our side on Cameron County side to make sure that SpaceX and complies is in compliance 550 00:46:04,380 --> 00:46:06,020 with beach access 551 00:46:07,020 --> 00:46:11,320 That's not been hindered in any way and number two that the Dune Protection 552 00:46:11,320 --> 00:46:18,320 information permit will make, is adhered to very closely and all the conditions on there 553 00:46:18,320 --> 00:46:23,360 are met. I think there are seven conditions that I see on the GLO list. 554 00:46:24,180 --> 00:46:32,100 Yeah. It will be the Department of Residence and Natural Resources that will supervise the 555 00:46:32,100 --> 00:46:39,180 project and make sure that it's in compliance. We'll be doing routine visits to the site 556 00:46:39,180 --> 00:46:45,200 depending on the timeline it could be as frequent as weekly or by 557 00:46:45,200 --> 00:46:51,040 weekly or monthly depending on how long the process or the construction will take place. 558 00:46:51,740 --> 00:46:59,200 I mean it will take and then once the applicant considers that the mitigation 559 00:46:59,200 --> 00:47:02,000 is complete, we will conduct a final review. 560 00:47:02,240 --> 00:47:07,400 We'll request information as to, similar to ask bill plans or another survey 561 00:47:07,400 --> 00:47:09,460 on the mitigation areas. 562 00:47:10,320 --> 00:47:14,540 With photo documentation, we'll review that information. 563 00:47:14,780 --> 00:47:15,880 We'll confirm that on the ground. 564 00:47:16,720 --> 00:47:20,860 And that particular moment that will be sent to the state 565 00:47:20,860 --> 00:47:22,780 for their review. 566 00:47:23,020 --> 00:47:27,300 Sometimes they come down and do a side visit 567 00:47:27,300 --> 00:47:28,560 to confirm that. 568 00:47:28,700 --> 00:47:30,580 Sometimes they rely on the information provided. 569 00:47:31,320 --> 00:47:33,580 And then if everything is complete, 570 00:47:33,860 --> 00:47:35,540 the mitigation has been done one to one 571 00:47:35,540 --> 00:47:41,560 as to, you know, sand volume that has been impacted and vegetation area, then the permit 572 00:47:42,220 --> 00:47:43,500 will be closed out. 573 00:47:45,100 --> 00:47:46,560 I have one more question. 574 00:47:48,640 --> 00:47:54,040 If SpaceX is not in compliance with the Dune Mitigation Plan put down by the state and 575 00:47:54,040 --> 00:47:57,920 they come down and say, well, this is not complete, can you make sure that this committee 576 00:47:57,920 --> 00:48:02,960 is made aware of that so we can have another meeting and make sure that we're making 577 00:48:02,960 --> 00:48:07,940 making sure that SpaceX is compliant with all the conditions that are, and they're met, 578 00:48:08,460 --> 00:48:16,080 if not exceeded, so that we stay, because we lose grant money if we don't keep an eye 579 00:48:16,080 --> 00:48:16,720 on that, right? 580 00:48:16,720 --> 00:48:16,840 Of course. 581 00:48:16,860 --> 00:48:18,460 For Cameron County, and we don't want that. 582 00:48:18,840 --> 00:48:19,000 Mm-hmm. 583 00:48:19,060 --> 00:48:24,280 So we want to make sure that the, you all report back to us quickly and let us know 584 00:48:24,280 --> 00:48:24,860 how it's going. 585 00:48:25,700 --> 00:48:29,440 Once it's complete and the state approves it, we need to know that also. 586 00:48:29,440 --> 00:48:33,060 So that would be good information for the committee, I think. 587 00:48:34,260 --> 00:48:36,600 Go ahead. Any other questions that you all have? Please. 588 00:48:36,960 --> 00:48:37,180 Yes, 589 00:48:39,810 --> 00:48:40,250 ma'am. Go ahead. 590 00:48:42,960 --> 00:48:48,080 So did I understand that you said that the public hearing is going to be on Tuesday before the commissioners' court meeting? 591 00:48:48,340 --> 00:48:49,380 That is correct, yes. 592 00:48:49,480 --> 00:48:54,460 And so have the adjacent property owners, I guess there's one, have they received notice already? 593 00:48:54,560 --> 00:48:57,980 And do they know that this public hearing is occurring on Tuesday? 594 00:48:57,980 --> 00:49:06,200 Yes, the applicant has provided information that the notice has been sent out with 10 days in advance. 595 00:49:07,640 --> 00:49:11,320 And it's only one property owner that is adjacent to this property. 596 00:49:11,980 --> 00:49:17,400 And how does the public know that there's a public hearing, given that this is a holiday weekend 597 00:49:17,400 --> 00:49:22,880 and this hearing is literally you're posting it, I guess it's already been posted? 598 00:49:22,880 --> 00:49:27,420 Yes, it was posted today along with the commission's court agenda. 599 00:49:29,500 --> 00:49:31,840 Okay, so what effort are we making? 600 00:49:32,220 --> 00:49:36,240 I think there's one issue here that I kind of gather from the comments, 601 00:49:36,400 --> 00:49:41,520 and that is that there needs to be more transparency and more communication with the public 602 00:49:41,520 --> 00:49:45,340 so that they feel like they've had an opportunity to weigh in on the issues. 603 00:49:45,860 --> 00:49:52,080 So what are we doing to make sure that folks feel like they have an opportunity to respond and participate in the process? 604 00:49:52,080 --> 00:50:00,360 Well, this committee adheres to the Open Meetings Act and all its rules. 605 00:50:00,640 --> 00:50:05,080 That's why the previous two meetings were considered not valid. 606 00:50:05,680 --> 00:50:11,860 And we're following the notices on a timely matter as per the Open Meetings Act. 607 00:50:12,340 --> 00:50:20,100 There is one provision in the plan that states that the adjacent property needs to be notified 608 00:50:20,100 --> 00:50:28,420 of public hearing, 10 days in advance of that public hearing, that notice and correct me 609 00:50:28,420 --> 00:50:33,020 if I'm wrong, was sent out last Friday to the property owners. 610 00:50:33,820 --> 00:50:42,320 So that makes, that fulfills that requirement of 10 days before next Tuesday, which is where 611 00:50:42,320 --> 00:50:44,440 the public hearing will be held. 612 00:50:44,440 --> 00:50:49,820 And the plan itself, for the newbies that are here, is intended to protect what? 613 00:50:50,880 --> 00:50:57,640 The plan, in a very journal idea, is intended to protect the critical dune area. 614 00:50:58,620 --> 00:50:59,860 Which is located where? 615 00:51:00,260 --> 00:51:04,520 So the critical dune area is between Minlow and High Tide. 616 00:51:04,980 --> 00:51:11,060 So roughly, if you take an aerial photo where you see the wet sand is located, 617 00:51:11,060 --> 00:51:14,500 and then 1,000 feet landward from that point. 618 00:51:14,700 --> 00:51:18,700 So anything in between that area is considered protected 619 00:51:18,700 --> 00:51:21,180 as per the Natural Resources Code. 620 00:51:21,480 --> 00:51:23,000 Okay, so if we take this project, 621 00:51:23,140 --> 00:51:25,300 where is this project located in relationship 622 00:51:25,300 --> 00:51:26,700 to that 1,000 square feet? 623 00:51:27,440 --> 00:51:30,240 It's completely within the 1,000 foot line. 624 00:51:30,380 --> 00:51:31,800 So it's within the... 625 00:51:31,800 --> 00:51:33,300 The Lume Protection Line, yes, ma'am. 626 00:51:33,360 --> 00:51:36,420 1,000 linear feet, not square feet, so. 627 00:51:36,740 --> 00:51:36,980 Yeah. 628 00:51:37,220 --> 00:51:39,180 Linear, I apologize, linear. 629 00:51:39,580 --> 00:51:40,060 Linear feet. 630 00:51:40,060 --> 00:51:49,380 So the plan also includes a building setback line. Does it not that's correct and the setback line basically says that you should sit back 631 00:51:49,380 --> 00:51:50,760 230 feet 632 00:51:51,380 --> 00:51:57,380 Any construction the planet self discourages construction within the building setback line 633 00:51:58,300 --> 00:52:03,540 That's correct and this project does what this project is is located 634 00:52:04,300 --> 00:52:09,140 Roughly between 280 a feet land were from the line of vegetation 635 00:52:10,260 --> 00:52:12,400 which is basically where the dune starts, 636 00:52:13,280 --> 00:52:14,640 where you see the total dune, 637 00:52:14,780 --> 00:52:15,560 where you start seeing the dune. 638 00:52:15,580 --> 00:52:17,420 Oh, it's outside of the building setback line? 639 00:52:17,500 --> 00:52:18,920 It's outside of setback line. 640 00:52:19,280 --> 00:52:21,640 There is no encroachment in that building setback line 641 00:52:21,640 --> 00:52:22,000 by this instructor. 642 00:52:22,320 --> 00:52:27,560 No appendix A, I believe is CD and E, 643 00:52:28,100 --> 00:52:31,980 show the footprint of the layout of the project 644 00:52:32,480 --> 00:52:36,180 and the location of the building setback line. 645 00:52:37,040 --> 00:52:38,840 So it is within the 1,000 feet, 646 00:52:38,840 --> 00:52:44,680 But it's outside of the building setback line correct, and it is within the property owned by SpaceX 647 00:52:44,680 --> 00:52:48,580 Correct, they own the land the county doesn't own the land that's correct 648 00:52:48,580 --> 00:52:53,200 So we have to find a way that they can use the property while protecting the public beaches 649 00:52:53,200 --> 00:52:57,620 And that's correct. That's that's basically what this committee does. Mm-hmm. I 650 00:53:02,380 --> 00:53:03,760 have another question sure 651 00:53:03,760 --> 00:53:07,400 You mentioned that the public hearing is next week right correct 652 00:53:07,400 --> 00:53:13,820 So why wouldn't we, you know, table this till after the public hearing? 653 00:53:14,040 --> 00:53:17,180 Is there certain rules that we have to have before the public hearing, this meeting? 654 00:53:18,180 --> 00:53:25,400 The public hearing needs to happen after this committee issues a recommendation for or against 655 00:53:26,060 --> 00:53:26,760 the project. 656 00:53:27,280 --> 00:53:31,860 The recommendation from this committee triggers the public hearing. 657 00:53:32,540 --> 00:53:33,500 Correct me if I'm wrong. 658 00:53:33,500 --> 00:53:40,000 But I think that's where, yeah, it's a process, exactly. 659 00:53:40,260 --> 00:53:49,040 And we want to make sure here that the, when we advise the Cameron County Commissioners 660 00:53:49,040 --> 00:53:56,620 Court that the Beachfront Construction Certificate and the Dune Protection Permits and 661 00:53:56,620 --> 00:53:59,000 any exemption petitions are all met. 662 00:53:59,000 --> 00:54:11,500 In other words, we are following and in compliance with the Cameron County Doon Protection and Beach Access Plan, which is what our undertaking is with the state of Texas. 663 00:54:12,700 --> 00:54:15,580 And that's what we are here for. Did you have a comment? 664 00:54:16,460 --> 00:54:24,880 Okay, so I think we do want to stay within the parameters of our responsibility and our task here. 665 00:54:24,880 --> 00:54:31,140 And I have many questions, some of which I learned from folks that are here. 666 00:54:31,860 --> 00:54:34,180 I have many questions about the ACU units. 667 00:54:35,400 --> 00:54:39,940 So the commissioners will be hearing a lot from me about this particular project when 668 00:54:39,940 --> 00:54:44,040 they approve it next week or not approve it. 669 00:54:44,520 --> 00:54:51,800 So, but I'm going to save those questions for the commissioner's court meeting because 670 00:54:51,800 --> 00:54:55,320 because it's beyond the scope of this committee for me to put all that front here. 671 00:54:55,840 --> 00:55:01,720 I want to make sure here that we follow the rules on what we are tasked to do here. 672 00:55:02,880 --> 00:55:09,100 And we have a jail-low approval basically based, depending on how the mitigation goes 673 00:55:09,100 --> 00:55:10,260 with SpaceX. 674 00:55:11,140 --> 00:55:20,340 If they meet all the conditions of that mitigation, we have no reason to deny a recommendation 675 00:55:20,340 --> 00:55:27,380 to the Cameron County Commissioners Court that, yes, they have met, you know, the Dune Protection 676 00:55:28,820 --> 00:55:36,520 Plan. And so please go ahead and start mitigating. And once it's all done, is when they will 677 00:55:36,520 --> 00:55:41,220 be issued a permit for construction. So if they're, you know, that's our, that's my 678 00:55:41,220 --> 00:55:46,620 concern here that the vegetation that they will be disturbing on the footprint of this 679 00:55:46,620 --> 00:55:54,000 construction and the the waters you know see page and things like that to make 680 00:55:54,000 --> 00:55:59,220 sure that we have enough permeable square footage etc is all met and if 681 00:55:59,220 --> 00:56:05,040 that's met then the conditions of this committee basically is fulfilled the 682 00:56:05,040 --> 00:56:09,160 construction part and all the other questions are for the commissioner's 683 00:56:09,160 --> 00:56:14,980 court and the city of Starbase I would think that's your you know that's 684 00:56:14,980 --> 00:56:16,680 something that you'll have to answer to your citizens. 685 00:56:19,880 --> 00:56:23,040 So this is a very complex one. 686 00:56:23,180 --> 00:56:26,420 We've never had a permit like this before. 687 00:56:27,100 --> 00:56:30,320 It's usually a home or something like that 688 00:56:30,320 --> 00:56:33,960 or some small building that the county wants to put. 689 00:56:35,620 --> 00:56:40,400 So I just want to put it in a nutshell what we are here for. 690 00:56:40,740 --> 00:56:43,820 And there is anything that SpaceX 691 00:56:43,820 --> 00:56:44,900 would like to add to that. 692 00:56:45,580 --> 00:56:46,440 Please go ahead. 693 00:56:47,780 --> 00:56:51,220 We're mainly concerned about mitigation, 694 00:56:52,260 --> 00:56:55,440 and making sure that our dune structures are protected. 695 00:56:55,980 --> 00:56:56,560 Thank you. 696 00:56:56,700 --> 00:56:58,740 Thank you for the opportunity to come up here and speak. 697 00:56:58,840 --> 00:56:59,740 My name is Carolyn Wood. 698 00:57:00,300 --> 00:57:03,100 I am an environmental regulatory engineer there at SpaceX, 699 00:57:03,640 --> 00:57:05,040 and also a Brownsville native as well. 700 00:57:05,360 --> 00:57:06,820 I do have a small presentation. 701 00:57:07,220 --> 00:57:09,120 If you all would be open to that, 702 00:57:09,560 --> 00:57:11,640 I'd love to be able to take this opportunity. 703 00:57:11,820 --> 00:57:12,160 Please go ahead. 704 00:57:12,160 --> 00:57:13,600 Thank you, I 705 00:57:24,930 --> 00:57:28,790 just want to make sure that everybody online is able to see the presentation 706 00:57:34,620 --> 00:57:35,140 Okay, 707 00:57:54,180 --> 00:57:55,360 I'm at this point now 708 00:57:56,540 --> 00:58:02,000 Okay, thank you. So I wanted to take this opportunity just to share some information that may not necessarily be included 709 00:58:02,780 --> 00:58:09,180 You know first and foremost in the application, but wanted to provide what a the view would look like from 710 00:58:09,180 --> 00:58:16,720 Highway 4 there you see the roundabout and then also the proposed construction there at the site 711 00:58:22,920 --> 00:58:29,180 Also, just to show you some other perspectives as well from Boca Chica Beach, looking westward, 712 00:58:29,680 --> 00:58:35,880 as well as the image in the top right or top left as far as the launch pad and then the 713 00:58:35,880 --> 00:58:37,000 beachfront there. 714 00:58:40,110 --> 00:58:42,780 This is pulled directly from the application itself. 715 00:58:42,780 --> 00:58:50,400 You'll see the Cameron County Praisel District, the CAD information property owners, as well 716 00:58:50,400 --> 00:58:56,540 as the location in regards to the launch pad, the shoreline, and the adjacent property 717 00:58:56,540 --> 00:58:56,940 owners. 718 00:59:02,070 --> 00:59:08,710 So the ASU development site itself, as you can see the orange area and the pink encompasses 719 00:59:08,710 --> 00:59:11,310 the entire tract of 4.2 acres. 720 00:59:12,050 --> 00:59:15,870 The development area is only the 1.66 acres. 721 00:59:15,870 --> 00:59:20,250 So it is not the entirety of the tract, it's only a portion of it, as you can see there. 722 00:59:21,050 --> 00:59:26,650 I wanted to provide some additional distances as well from the edge of the road. 723 00:59:27,230 --> 00:59:29,670 The ASU is approximately 140 feet. 724 00:59:30,530 --> 00:59:35,010 The distance of the ASU to the shoreline is approximately 515 feet, 725 00:59:35,150 --> 00:59:36,750 and then of course the dimensions itself. 726 00:59:36,750 --> 00:59:46,170 in stories or you would see that the 159 feet is approximately 14-15 stories 727 00:59:46,170 --> 00:59:53,570 which is so much smaller than the actual launch tower itself. Just for 728 00:59:53,570 --> 00:59:54,350 perspective. 729 00:59:56,590 --> 00:59:59,090 So what is an air separation plant? 730 01:00:00,000 --> 01:00:06,900 Air separation plants are facilities that take an ordinary air and separate it into its main components, oxygen and nitrogen. 731 01:00:07,600 --> 01:00:13,980 They cool these components to their gaseous or liquid states using a process that is also known as cryogenic distillation. 732 01:00:14,760 --> 01:00:24,280 These plants exist all over the world and are critical to producing oxygen and nitrogen for industries such as medical food production, manufacturing and energy. 733 01:00:24,980 --> 01:00:32,860 This process of cryogenic distillation does not use any chemical processing or produce any regulated emissions. 734 01:00:34,340 --> 01:00:41,180 With an on-site ASU, SpaceX will be able to eliminate hundreds of trucks per month and be globally more efficient. 735 01:00:43,480 --> 01:00:44,420 So why do we need one? 736 01:00:44,980 --> 01:00:50,180 So Starship uses liquid oxygen as a propellant and liquid nitrogen for testing and operations. 737 01:00:50,720 --> 01:00:55,620 We currently truck in all of these commodities, and we store them on site in tanks. 738 01:00:55,960 --> 01:01:02,420 For each Starship launch, we need about over 200 trucks of liquid oxygen and nitrogen to be brought in. 739 01:01:03,300 --> 01:01:08,940 This ASU would help reduce approximately 75% of truck traffic. 740 01:01:09,720 --> 01:01:15,880 When we go to five to 25 launches, this becomes really infeasible due to traffic and time limitations. 741 01:01:17,120 --> 01:01:19,720 Tracking in the product is also inefficient. 742 01:01:20,480 --> 01:01:22,280 As the product would boil off, 743 01:01:22,340 --> 01:01:24,640 we lose a lot of that during handling and transport. 744 01:01:25,740 --> 01:01:30,460 So with an onsite ASU SpaceX will eliminate the hundreds of trucks per month 745 01:01:30,460 --> 01:01:32,280 and again be more globally efficient. 746 01:01:33,520 --> 01:01:37,320 Having this ASU so close to the site will ensure product quality 747 01:01:37,320 --> 01:01:42,760 and reduce environmental impact from tracking or piping product over those long distances. 748 01:01:45,190 --> 01:01:48,790 I know there are some questions about the dune and vegetation mitigation boundary. 749 01:01:49,670 --> 01:01:54,330 That area has been identified and approved by GLO as well as Cameron County. 750 01:01:54,870 --> 01:01:57,530 As identified here, you see the 1.6 acres. 751 01:01:58,670 --> 01:02:04,550 We have strategically proposed the placement of these dunes as well as vegetation, working 752 01:02:04,550 --> 01:02:11,290 with the third party vendor to ensure that there is long-standing viability for these 753 01:02:11,290 --> 01:02:11,770 plants. 754 01:02:11,770 --> 01:02:12,890 This 755 01:02:15,350 --> 01:02:17,630 is also pulled from the application itself, 756 01:02:17,890 --> 01:02:19,630 the summary of the estimated quantities, 757 01:02:19,850 --> 01:02:22,390 the description of the plants themselves, 758 01:02:23,250 --> 01:02:24,870 which are native to that area. 759 01:02:24,970 --> 01:02:29,910 We don't want to introduce any sort of invasive species out there, 760 01:02:30,090 --> 01:02:33,970 but you can see there that the soil or dune displacement, 761 01:02:34,050 --> 01:02:36,130 as well as the vegetative cover, 762 01:02:36,250 --> 01:02:37,910 which we understand is important. 763 01:02:42,470 --> 01:02:45,310 Another aspect is also acoustic mitigation. 764 01:02:45,890 --> 01:02:49,550 Noise levels are anticipated to be directly at the plant, 765 01:02:49,610 --> 01:02:53,330 similar to what you would experience with a vacuum cleaner or a hairdryer. 766 01:02:53,930 --> 01:02:57,250 These levels drop quickly within a few hundred feet 767 01:02:57,250 --> 01:02:59,850 and are back down to normal conversation levels. 768 01:03:00,690 --> 01:03:03,810 In most cases, the natural sound of the beach, such as the wind and the waves, 769 01:03:03,870 --> 01:03:05,630 could be more noticeable. 770 01:03:06,790 --> 01:03:12,270 Also, in addition to mitigating for these types of sounds, 771 01:03:12,270 --> 01:03:17,230 we've actually gone ahead and we'll be enclosing the structure itself so 772 01:03:17,230 --> 01:03:21,090 everywhere else in the world they're open they're not enclosed here we're 773 01:03:21,090 --> 01:03:26,130 going to actually go ahead and enclose it so it does go ahead and muffle or 774 01:03:26,130 --> 01:03:28,670 mitigate for that that sound and 775 01:03:31,480 --> 01:03:32,640 that's it I just wanted to take that 776 01:03:32,640 --> 01:03:37,720 opportunity to be able to provide some additional information for you all 777 01:03:37,720 --> 01:03:41,820 today so I have one question yes sir beach access which is one of our 778 01:03:41,820 --> 01:03:48,180 per view. So you're saying how many trucks are rolling in right now? 779 01:03:49,440 --> 01:03:56,420 Approximately based on this past year about 200. And this unit will result in 780 01:03:56,420 --> 01:04:00,360 how many trucks? We'll be taking it when if you do the math it would be approximately 781 01:04:00,360 --> 01:04:04,920 200 that would be removed about 75% of that. How often do you have to bring 782 01:04:04,920 --> 01:04:12,180 the trucks in for every launch so this wouldn't negatively impact beach access 783 01:04:12,180 --> 01:04:17,960 in fact it may help with the traffic correct correct construction itself 784 01:04:17,960 --> 01:04:21,860 there is no anticipated impact to beach access that of course all sort of 785 01:04:21,860 --> 01:04:27,100 construction is off of the road but then also lessening the truck traffic 786 01:04:27,100 --> 01:04:32,140 will allow for you know less congestion on that road yes sir the 4.2 787 01:04:32,140 --> 01:04:34,960 that you have beach word of this development. 788 01:04:35,680 --> 01:04:37,420 Will the dunes on that be impacted? 789 01:04:39,520 --> 01:04:41,060 Not anywhere near the, 790 01:04:41,440 --> 01:04:43,420 it'll be out of the building setback line. 791 01:04:43,700 --> 01:04:44,200 So correct. 792 01:04:44,300 --> 01:04:44,920 That was your second slide. 793 01:04:45,340 --> 01:04:45,720 Pardon me? 794 01:04:45,960 --> 01:04:46,800 That was your second slide? 795 01:04:47,000 --> 01:04:47,180 Correct. 796 01:04:47,520 --> 01:04:47,720 Okay. 797 01:04:48,080 --> 01:04:49,980 So that the dune structure in that area 798 01:04:49,980 --> 01:04:50,840 will not be impacted. 799 01:04:51,220 --> 01:04:51,600 Correct. 800 01:04:52,000 --> 01:04:52,600 That would be super. 801 01:04:52,760 --> 01:04:54,480 You won't have construction material there 802 01:04:54,480 --> 01:04:55,660 and rocks rolling. 803 01:04:55,920 --> 01:04:55,960 No, sir. 804 01:04:56,140 --> 01:04:57,200 That will not be touched. 805 01:04:57,680 --> 01:04:58,040 All right. 806 01:04:58,940 --> 01:05:00,360 That's all the questions I have. 807 01:05:01,140 --> 01:05:04,120 Yes ma'am through 808 01:05:07,260 --> 01:05:08,800 an underground conveyance. 809 01:05:19,760 --> 01:05:22,200 Yes ma'am. Correct. There shouldn't be any sort of 810 01:05:22,200 --> 01:05:26,160 disruption for traffic flow at that point. 811 01:05:32,080 --> 01:05:34,620 Correct. There should be no interruption of 812 01:05:34,620 --> 01:05:35,620 access to the beach. 813 01:06:03,080 --> 01:06:11,500 Right. So good question. So a lot of the any sort of safety consideration 814 01:06:11,500 --> 01:06:15,360 You know, these are built with safety inherently in mind. 815 01:06:16,360 --> 01:06:18,860 ASUs, they don't use any chemicals or any solvents, 816 01:06:19,220 --> 01:06:22,160 and they do have safety mechanisms 817 01:06:22,800 --> 01:06:25,560 designed to increase safety itself. 818 01:06:25,860 --> 01:06:27,240 So these structures have been designed to meet 819 01:06:27,240 --> 01:06:28,560 all of these code requirements 820 01:06:29,010 --> 01:06:30,300 in order to ensure that safety. 821 01:06:31,880 --> 01:06:33,160 I think the question was, 822 01:06:33,280 --> 01:06:36,920 can people still be out there enjoying the beach? 823 01:06:37,200 --> 01:06:37,440 Yes. 824 01:06:37,660 --> 01:06:38,560 I guess that's my question. 825 01:06:38,800 --> 01:06:39,020 Yes. 826 01:06:39,400 --> 01:06:39,960 Yes, ma'am. 827 01:06:43,230 --> 01:06:44,470 Yes, ma'am. 828 01:06:55,310 --> 01:06:56,610 Can't hear the questions. 829 01:07:01,100 --> 01:07:11,570 Is the production of the fuel, when the ASU is in production, does it create any kind of emissions that may be harmful to people? 830 01:07:12,350 --> 01:07:18,730 No, but I do have two of our experts that can be able to answer that question more better than I can. 831 01:07:20,630 --> 01:07:22,050 Sterling or Rylan? 832 01:07:24,470 --> 01:07:35,890 Yeah. Can you all hear me all right? Yes. Yes. Yes. So the ASU will only vent things 833 01:07:35,890 --> 01:07:42,750 that have been pulled out of the air already. So there are no vents that were not already 834 01:07:42,750 --> 01:07:50,390 constituents of the air. So it will only be oxygen or nitrogen in terms of emissions. 835 01:07:52,030 --> 01:07:54,350 Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. 836 01:07:56,880 --> 01:07:57,420 Yes, sir. 837 01:08:04,140 --> 01:08:07,840 Methane. Pardon me? The other portion 838 01:08:07,840 --> 01:08:14,780 of it is binary. You have oxygen and another, is it methane? Yes, sir. Methane is the other 839 01:08:14,780 --> 01:08:19,980 part. Where is it going to be trucked in? Yes, sir. That is still going to be trucked 840 01:08:19,980 --> 01:08:20,100 in. 841 01:08:24,760 --> 01:08:31,160 There was mention of the 20 small foundations, concrete foundations. Are those pipe stanchions 842 01:08:32,140 --> 01:08:37,240 What are those 20 small pipe concrete foundations? 843 01:08:38,240 --> 01:08:42,480 I do have another expert here that can speak to you about that cow. 844 01:08:43,180 --> 01:08:43,620 Are you available? 845 01:08:45,280 --> 01:08:45,560 Yeah. 846 01:08:45,740 --> 01:08:46,440 Good afternoon everybody. 847 01:08:46,680 --> 01:08:47,260 Can you hear me all right? 848 01:08:48,220 --> 01:08:48,780 Yes. 849 01:08:48,980 --> 01:08:49,360 Please go ahead. 850 01:08:50,060 --> 01:08:50,400 Yeah. 851 01:08:50,520 --> 01:08:56,020 So those foundations shown in the application are basically a mass slab. 852 01:08:56,720 --> 01:09:02,020 So, kind of a, you know, typical concrete slab, roughly two feet thick. 853 01:09:02,940 --> 01:09:05,360 I didn't see them on the plot plans. 854 01:09:07,850 --> 01:09:11,050 That's represented by the boxes labeled as structures. 855 01:09:11,750 --> 01:09:12,070 I see. 856 01:09:15,200 --> 01:09:16,020 Cal, what's your last name? 857 01:09:16,140 --> 01:09:19,660 I'm sorry, everybody has to kind of state who they are. 858 01:09:21,040 --> 01:09:22,000 Cal Lawsland. 859 01:09:26,140 --> 01:09:26,500 All right. 860 01:09:26,620 --> 01:09:28,260 Any other questions from the committee members? 861 01:09:32,660 --> 01:09:34,220 Any other comments from you all? 862 01:09:34,320 --> 01:09:35,640 I have one more. 863 01:09:35,900 --> 01:09:36,160 Yes, ma'am. 864 01:09:36,160 --> 01:09:42,320 I'm trying to understand, so there's a thousand linear feet that you all are working within, right? 865 01:09:42,720 --> 01:09:43,120 Yes ma'am. 866 01:09:44,040 --> 01:09:44,720 They do protect you. 867 01:09:44,840 --> 01:09:48,220 Is that currently, are they, they're dunes in that area? 868 01:09:49,300 --> 01:09:52,080 From the mean high tide line through the, yes ma'am. 869 01:09:52,920 --> 01:10:01,320 So we're gonna, I think I wrote it down, so we're moving 290 cubic yards of sand out? 870 01:10:01,680 --> 01:10:02,120 Correct. 871 01:10:02,340 --> 01:10:03,500 That's what I think I saw on your slide. 872 01:10:03,640 --> 01:10:03,820 Correct. 873 01:10:05,130 --> 01:10:12,770 So how are we gonna like what are we gonna do to you know there's there's 874 01:10:12,770 --> 01:10:19,190 wildlife on there there's maybe some animals what are we doing to offset that 875 01:10:20,150 --> 01:10:27,410 or to mitigate right. So the the soil will be mitigated for off-site over at 876 01:10:27,410 --> 01:10:31,730 that dune that other portion of property on the south side of highway 4 877 01:10:31,730 --> 01:10:39,530 That includes, the application includes mitigation for DUNE as well as vegetation. 878 01:10:42,630 --> 01:10:47,220 My assumption is you would be hiring an expert to do the mitigation. 879 01:10:47,620 --> 01:10:48,020 Yes, sir. 880 01:10:48,220 --> 01:10:48,660 Yes, sir. 881 01:10:48,720 --> 01:10:50,420 A third-party expert on that. 882 01:10:50,420 --> 01:10:57,420 The accordance with the GLO recommendations, GLO specifies very strictly on what they 883 01:10:57,420 --> 01:11:02,600 want and then they come into some inspections to make sure it's fulfilled 884 01:11:02,600 --> 01:11:08,080 and normally it's beyond the scope of any person like myself or SpaceX to go 885 01:11:08,080 --> 01:11:14,160 ahead and do that we just hire an expert or a company that does that for us so 886 01:11:14,160 --> 01:11:17,980 my assumption is that you'd be hiring somebody like that that is correct yes 887 01:11:17,980 --> 01:11:21,100 So, the 888 01:11:28,100 --> 01:11:38,480 way it's done is that Cameron County is held responsible for making the inspections and reporting to the state that they are in compliance. 889 01:11:38,920 --> 01:11:39,800 Am I right Auguste? 890 01:11:40,100 --> 01:11:40,780 That is correct. 891 01:11:41,240 --> 01:11:41,260 Yeah. 892 01:11:41,580 --> 01:11:46,980 And if the state says the state will come down and do an inspection, I'm certain they'll come and do an inspection on this one. 893 01:11:47,520 --> 01:11:47,860 Yeah. 894 01:11:49,260 --> 01:11:54,820 But what do we do to make sure that the public understands that mitigation has actually occurred, 895 01:11:55,060 --> 01:11:57,700 because the rest of it is administrative. 896 01:11:58,440 --> 01:12:01,760 You have folks here that want to know how things are happening, so how do they know? 897 01:12:03,160 --> 01:12:08,440 Right now there's no specific mechanism for that, Ms. Martinez, 898 01:12:08,780 --> 01:12:17,400 but our department can make an effort to keep some sort of dashboard out there 899 01:12:17,400 --> 01:12:23,180 with all the permits that we have issued and what's the status of that, of that sort, that's 900 01:12:23,180 --> 01:12:26,420 something that, you know, the Department of Resilience and Natural Resources wants to 901 01:12:26,420 --> 01:12:31,620 do, wants to do, not only for beach, beach, beachfront construction permits, but for drainage 902 01:12:31,620 --> 01:12:34,080 restoration and the other stuff that we do. 903 01:12:34,480 --> 01:12:36,240 So that's, that, that would be in the plans. 904 01:12:37,300 --> 01:12:39,340 The public wants us to close the loop. 905 01:12:39,660 --> 01:12:40,100 Of course. 906 01:12:40,340 --> 01:12:43,520 You want to know, okay, they took action, they did this, okay, now what happened? 907 01:12:43,600 --> 01:12:46,420 They want to make sure there's a, they want to make sure that we're accountable. 908 01:12:46,420 --> 01:12:49,600 And not just the committee but the court itself. 909 01:12:50,260 --> 01:12:55,260 So I think it would be a good thing to do for the public to report back out. 910 01:12:55,700 --> 01:13:05,620 I absolutely agree and we will make sure that my department includes that into the outreach and the reporting that we do. 911 01:13:08,110 --> 01:13:08,950 Can I ask another? 912 01:13:09,170 --> 01:13:09,510 Absolutely. 913 01:13:09,790 --> 01:13:14,190 And I want to direct it to SpaceX, kind of related but not exactly. 914 01:13:14,190 --> 01:13:23,910 but how do you all ensure or understand what the impact of your footprint is to the environment out there? 915 01:13:24,490 --> 01:13:28,690 Do you all periodically look at how things are changing out there? 916 01:13:29,150 --> 01:13:38,830 Or do we know how things are impacting positively or negatively or not at all, the environment, the birds, the habitat out there? 917 01:13:39,130 --> 01:13:40,970 Do you all look at that periodically? 918 01:13:41,770 --> 01:13:46,590 Yes, I can speak directly for this particular project, but yes, there's been careful planning 919 01:13:46,590 --> 01:13:51,210 and consideration, not only with engineers, but also through mitigation to ensure that 920 01:13:51,210 --> 01:13:55,870 this plan does meet those Texas administrative code rules with General Land Office as well 921 01:13:55,870 --> 01:13:59,390 as the county plan to ensure that we're meeting all of that. 922 01:13:59,650 --> 01:14:00,130 So yes, ma'am. 923 01:14:00,250 --> 01:14:10,950 I'm talking more globally, the company out there, because your operation, it's just 924 01:14:10,950 --> 01:14:12,590 a completely different entity. 925 01:14:13,330 --> 01:14:15,730 So how do you keep track of that? 926 01:14:16,050 --> 01:14:18,370 And we're stakeholders, you know, the public, 927 01:14:18,830 --> 01:14:20,270 we're all stakeholders out there. 928 01:14:22,350 --> 01:14:25,010 So I'm asking the question more globally. 929 01:14:25,170 --> 01:14:26,930 How do you ensure that you're minimizing 930 01:14:26,930 --> 01:14:29,110 a negative impact on the environment out there? 931 01:14:29,550 --> 01:14:34,430 So there's a different list of that information available. 932 01:14:34,850 --> 01:14:37,670 I'd wanna be able to provide you the best answer possible 933 01:14:37,670 --> 01:14:43,230 and so I'd have to direct you to those experts on that and I can, you know, get that information 934 01:14:43,230 --> 01:14:45,030 or direct you to them for that. 935 01:14:45,310 --> 01:14:49,590 I think it would be a good thing for you guys to do that with the public, you know, to just 936 01:14:49,590 --> 01:14:50,390 get information out. 937 01:14:50,650 --> 01:14:54,910 I think the public would be very interested in understanding all of that. 938 01:14:55,550 --> 01:14:56,090 Thank you. 939 01:14:57,090 --> 01:14:59,790 I think it's part of the emotion on this. 940 01:15:00,370 --> 01:15:08,350 You could ask for that, that they report to us on a bi-weekly, on this process that they're doing on the den mitigation. 941 01:15:08,790 --> 01:15:22,030 Even something like an annual report, you know, I know that companies put out economic impact statements that are very important and, you know, so folks want to know what is the positive impact of a company like this to the, to the economy. 942 01:15:22,030 --> 01:15:27,490 Well, a complementary report would be, how does it impact the environment? 943 01:15:28,110 --> 01:15:30,470 So I would just like to suggest that. 944 01:15:32,600 --> 01:15:34,460 Yeah, communication is key, I guess. 945 01:15:35,680 --> 01:15:38,520 All right, any other comments or questions from the committee? 946 01:15:42,710 --> 01:15:45,050 I'd look for a motion from the committee. 947 01:15:47,410 --> 01:15:48,750 Anybody would like to make a motion? 948 01:15:57,600 --> 01:16:00,460 And then if we get a second, of course, we can have further discussion. 949 01:16:04,600 --> 01:16:09,380 I'm sorry. I'm looking for a motion from the committee on this particular item. 950 01:16:15,200 --> 01:16:18,460 Motion would permit further discussion. 951 01:16:19,600 --> 01:16:20,740 A second would, yeah. 952 01:16:26,230 --> 01:16:27,330 Can you turn that on? 953 01:16:28,530 --> 01:16:33,710 I motion to approve the permit for the beachfront construction certificate. 954 01:16:36,240 --> 01:16:42,640 I can second that, but I would just like to add that there's periodic reporting to this committee 955 01:16:42,640 --> 01:16:47,000 and the Commissioner's Court about the progress of the Dune Mitigation Plan. 956 01:16:47,400 --> 01:16:51,000 If that's okay with you, if you could change that motion to that, I can second that. 957 01:16:52,060 --> 01:16:54,760 Are you good with that? You can say that, and is that okay? 958 01:16:56,940 --> 01:17:06,860 She made a motion that we approve the Dune Protection or recommend approval to the 959 01:17:06,860 --> 01:17:14,750 Commissioner's Court with the condition that we get periodic reporting on this 960 01:17:14,750 --> 01:17:17,310 particular on the progress of the mitigation. 961 01:17:17,570 --> 01:17:19,250 You already said you already get that. 962 01:17:23,300 --> 01:17:26,500 Okay, I have motion and a second discussion. 963 01:17:27,880 --> 01:17:30,220 Any other questions, discussion? 964 01:17:31,600 --> 01:17:32,200 Please go ahead. 965 01:17:33,020 --> 01:17:34,620 Does the committee members have any questions? 966 01:17:39,120 --> 01:17:41,320 All right, hearing none, we'll take a vote. 967 01:17:41,640 --> 01:17:42,800 All in favor say aye. 968 01:17:44,160 --> 01:17:44,400 Aye. 969 01:17:48,840 --> 01:17:49,960 Okay, can you? 970 01:17:50,840 --> 01:17:51,960 Yes, does the aye. 971 01:17:53,280 --> 01:17:54,500 I'll need a yes or no? 972 01:17:56,980 --> 01:17:59,240 When you vote, can you please speak into the microphone? 973 01:18:00,220 --> 01:18:02,660 President, I'm President, so he's upstanding. 974 01:18:05,330 --> 01:18:06,650 I'm sorry, what's your name? 975 01:18:07,690 --> 01:18:07,850 No. 976 01:18:08,210 --> 01:18:11,590 Okay, we have one no, one abstention, and three, four, the motion passes. 977 01:18:11,970 --> 01:18:12,330 Thank you. 978 01:18:13,570 --> 01:18:14,390 We'll move on to the... 979 01:18:14,390 --> 01:18:16,130 Oh, my goodness. 980 01:18:17,290 --> 01:18:17,570 All right. 981 01:18:17,710 --> 01:18:19,730 Are you fucking kidding me, Rosemary? 982 01:18:20,430 --> 01:18:21,370 Can you mute that, please? 983 01:18:21,710 --> 01:18:25,610 Can you please mute all the participants or participants? 984 01:18:26,290 --> 01:18:26,730 Thank you. 985 01:18:26,730 --> 01:18:30,990 Thank you very much. Any other business? Move on to the next item. 986 01:18:31,910 --> 01:18:33,990 All right. Hearing no other business, we'll adjourn. 987 01:18:34,110 --> 01:18:36,090 Thank you very much. You'll have a great July 4th. 988 01:18:36,090 --> 01:18:38,770 Mr. Chairman, we need a motion to adjourn. 989 01:18:39,670 --> 01:18:41,750 Motion to adjourn. So moved. 990 01:18:42,570 --> 01:18:44,150 Motion second. All in favor say aye. 991 01:18:44,350 --> 01:18:44,570 Aye. 992 01:18:44,970 --> 01:18:46,770 All right. Meeting is adjourned. Thank you.