THE government has announced that an environmental impact assessment (EIA) is expected to be completed and submitted this summer relating to future SpaceX booster landings.
In a statement last night, the government said following the submission “a series of public town hall meetings will be held to inform and engage Bahamians on the environmental considerations surrounding the landings”.
The move comes after the first Falcon 9 rocket booster landing on February 8 this year - and after concerned were raised by activists about the lack of an EIA ahead of that landing.
In last night’s statement, the government said: “The Government is working closely with SpaceX and the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP) to ensure that there is no impact on the environment prior to future landing. DEPP Director Dr. Rhianna Neely-Murphy stated that the report is to confirm that environmental conditions that existed prior to the launch remained unchanged after the launch.”
Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper said he was “excited” about the future of the country as part of the space sector.
SpaceX vice president of launch Kiko Dontchev said The Bahamas was an “ideal droneship landing location”.
The government promised further updates as the EIA progresses and consultations are scheduled.
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