Blue Origin Permit Renewal Public Meeting

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection announces a meeting to which all persons are invited.

GENERAL SUBJECT MATTER TO BE CONSIDERED: The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will hold a public meeting to provide an opportunity for the public to ask questions, offer input and obtain information about the industrial wastewater permit renewal application submitted by Blue Origin, LLC, for the continued operation of its industrial wastewater treatment facility at the OLS Manufacturing Complex on Merritt Island. The proposed action involves the renewal of an existing permit and does not change the conditions under which the facility has operated since 2020. The permit authorizes a maximum allowable flow of 490,000 gallons per day, which represents the highest allowable flow rather than a typical daily flow. Actual volumes are significantly lower. The industrial wastewater covered by the permit renewal is generated from routine facility operations using drinking water supplied by the city of Cocoa. This water does not come into contact with rocket fuel or other hazardous substances and is not discharged directly to the Indian River Lagoon. After completing its industrial use, it is managed through an on-site stormwater retention pond, which under certain conditions may discharge to an existing drainage system that ultimately connects to the Indian River Lagoon. All water used at the facility is monitored and reported regularly to DEP to ensure it meets strict water quality standards. The facility is located at 8082 Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953 (latitude 28° 30' 35.5" N, longitude 80° 40' 32.2" W) in Brevard County. DEP has assigned permit file number FL0A00007-002-IW7A to the proposed project. The public comment period will conclude on Feb. 6, 2026. All comments received will be reviewed and considered before the department takes final action on the permit application.

For more information or to obtain a copy of the agenda, please contact Sarah Fayed, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Central District Office, 3319 Maguire Blvd., Suite 232, Orlando, FL 32804; call 407-897-4151; or email Sarah.Fayed@FloridaDEP.gov.

Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, handicap, or marital status. Persons who require special accommodations under the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) or persons who require translation services (free of charge) are asked to contact DEP's Limited English Proficiency Coordinator at 850-245-2118 or LEP@FloridaDEP.gov at least ten (10) days before the meeting. If you have a hearing or speech impairment, please contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service, 800-955-8771 (TDD) or 800-955-8770 (voice).