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TRANSCRIPT
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Draft Enviro
Issuing an
Table of Co
1.0 Int
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
2.0 Pro
2.1
2.1.1
Pro
Fli
2.1.2
2.2
2.3
3.0 Af
3.1
3.1.1
3.1.2
3.1.3
3.1.4
3.2
3.2.1
3.2.2
3.2.3
3.3
3.3.1
3.3.2
3.4
3.5
3.5.1
3.5.2
3.5.3
3.6
3.6.1
3.6.2
3.6.3
onmental Assess
Experimental P
ontents
troduction .....
Background ..
Role of the FA
Purpose and N
Public Involve
oposed Action
Proposed Acti
DragonFly R
oposed Operat
ght Profile .....
DragonFly L
No Action Alte
Alternatives C
fected Environ
Air Quality ....
National Am
Hazardous
Stationary S
Greenhous
Noise and Com
Noise Metr
Noise Crite
Compatible
Department o
Public Park
Significant
Historical, Arc
Fish, Wildlife,
Vegetation
Wildlife .....
Special‐Stat
Water Quality
Surface Wa
Groundwat
Wetlands ..
ment
Permit to Spac
......................
.......................
AA ....................
Need ...............
ment ..............
n and Alternati
ion ..................
RLV .................
tions ...............
.......................
Launch Pad ....
ernative ..........
Considered but
nment ............
.......................
mbient Air Qua
Air Pollutants
Source Permitt
e Gases ..........
mpatible Land
rics ..................
ria ..................
e Land Use ......
of Transportati
s, Recreation A
Historic Sites ..
chitectural, Arc
and Plants .....
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tus Species .....
y ......................
aters (Non‐wet
ter ..................
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ceX for Operati
TABLE
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ives ...............
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t Not Carried Fo
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ality Standards
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ting .................
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Use ................
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on Act, Section
Areas, and Ref
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chaeological, a
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tlands Surface
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ion of the Drag
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orward ...........
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n 4(f) ..............
uges ...............
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nd Cultural Re
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Waters) .........
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y 2014
.... 1‐1
.... 1‐1
.... 1‐4
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.... 1‐5
.... 2‐1
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.... 2‐2
.... 2‐4
.... 2‐5
.... 2‐6
.... 2‐6
.... 2‐7
.... 3‐1
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.... 3‐3
.... 3‐4
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.... 3‐4
.... 3‐5
.... 3‐5
.... 3‐7
.. 3‐12
.. 3‐12
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.. 3‐13
.. 3‐16
.. 3‐16
.. 3‐16
.. 3‐16
.. 3‐18
.. 3‐19
.. 3‐19
.. 3‐21
Draft Enviro
Issuing an
Table of Co
3.6.4
3.7
3.8
3.9
3.10
3.10.
3.10.
3.10.
3.10.
4.0 En
4.1
4.1.1
4.1.2
4.2
4.2.1
Co
4.2.2
4.3
4.3.1
Pu
Sig
4.3.2
4.4
4.4.1
4.4.2
4.5
4.5.1
Ve
W
Sp
4.5.2
4.6
4.6.1
Su
Gr
W
Flo
4.6.2
4.7
onmental Assess
Experimental P
ontents
Floodplains
Natural Resou
Hazardous Ma
Light Emission
Socioeconomi
Populati1
Income a2
Environm3
Children4
nvironmental C
Air Quality ....
Proposed A
No Action A
Noise and Com
Proposed A
ompatible Land
No Action A
Department o
Proposed A
ublic Parks, Rec
gnificant Histor
No Action A
Historical, Arc
Proposed A
No Action A
Fish, Wildlife,
Proposed A
egetation ........
ildlife .............
pecial‐Status Sp
No Action A
Water Quality
Proposed A
rface Waters (
roundwater ....
etlands ..........
oodplains .......
No Action A
Natural Resou
ment
Permit to Spac
s ......................
urces and Energ
aterials, Polluti
ns and Visual Im
ics, Environme
on and Housin
and Employme
mental Justice
’s Environmen
Consequences
.......................
Action..............
Alternative .....
mpatible Land
Action..............
d Use ...............
Alternative .....
of Transportati
Action..............
creation Areas,
ric Sites ..........
Alternative .....
chitectural, Arc
Action..............
Alternative .....
and Plants .....
Action..............
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pecies .............
Alternative .....
y ......................
Action..............
(Non‐wetlands
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Alternative .....
urces and Energ
ceX for Operati
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gy Supply .......
ion Prevention
mpacts ............
ental Justice, Ch
ng ....................
ent ..................
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ntal Health Risk
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Use ................
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on: Section 4(f
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, and Refuges .
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chaeological, a
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s Surface Wate
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gy Supply .......
ion of the Drag
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n, and Solid Wa
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hildren’s Envir
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ks and Safety R
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at the McGreg
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gor Test Site, Te
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Safety Risks .....
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y 2014
.. 3‐21
.. 3‐21
.. 3‐22
.. 3‐23
.. 3‐24
.. 3‐25
.. 3‐25
.. 3‐26
.. 3‐27
.... 4‐1
.... 4‐1
.... 4‐1
.... 4‐3
.... 4‐3
.... 4‐3
.... 4‐6
.... 4‐6
.... 4‐6
.... 4‐6
.... 4‐6
.... 4‐7
.... 4‐7
.... 4‐7
.... 4‐7
.... 4‐8
.... 4‐8
.... 4‐8
.... 4‐8
.... 4‐8
.... 4‐8
.... 4‐9
.... 4‐9
.... 4‐9
.... 4‐9
.. 4‐10
.. 4‐11
.. 4‐11
.. 4‐11
.. 4‐11
Draft Enviro
Issuing an
Table of Co
4.7.1
4.7.2
4.8
4.8.1
4.8.2
4.9
4.9.1
4.9.2
4.10
4.10.
Po
Inc
En
Ch
4.10.
5.0 Cu
5.1
5.2
6.0 Lis
7.0 RE
Appendix
Appendix
onmental Assess
Experimental P
ontents
Proposed A
No Action A
Hazardous Ma
Proposed A
No Action A
Light Emission
Proposed A
No Action A
Socioeconomi
Propose1
opulation and H
come and Emp
nvironmental Ju
hildren’s Enviro
No Actio2
umulative Impa
Air Quality ....
Noise ............
st of Preparers
EFERENCES .....
A – Noise ....
B – Agency C
ment
Permit to Spac
Action..............
Alternative .....
aterials, Polluti
Action..............
Alternative .....
ns and Visual Im
Action..............
Alternative .....
ics, Environme
d Action .........
Housing ..........
ployment ........
ustice .............
onmental Healt
on Alternative .
acts ...............
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s and Contribu
......................
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Coordination
ceX for Operati
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ion Prevention
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mpacts ............
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ental Justice, Ch
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th and Safety R
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tors ...............
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APPEN
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ion of the Drag
iii
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n, and Solid Wa
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hildren’s Envir
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Risks ...............
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DICES
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gonFly Vehicle
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aste ................
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at the McGreg
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lth Risks and S
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gor Test Site, Te
May
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Safety Risks .....
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exas
y 2014
.. 4‐11
.. 4‐12
.. 4‐12
.. 4‐12
.. 4‐12
.. 4‐13
.. 4‐13
.. 4‐13
.. 4‐13
.. 4‐14
.. 4‐14
.. 4‐14
.. 4‐15
.. 4‐15
.. 4‐15
.... 5‐1
.... 5‐1
.... 5‐2
.... 6‐1
.... 7‐1
.... A‐1
.... B‐1
Draft Environmental Assessment
Issuing an Experimental Permit to SpaceX for Operation of the DragonFly Vehicle at the McGregor Test Site, Texas
Table of Contents iv May 2014
LIST OF EXHIBITS
Exhibit 1‐1. Regional Location of McGregor, Texas ................................................................................... 1‐2
Exhibit 1‐2. McGregor Test Site ................................................................................................................. 1‐3
Exhibit 2‐1. Existing Grasshopper Launch Pad and DragonRider Test Area .............................................. 2‐3
Exhibit 3.2‐1. A‐Weighted Sound Levels from Typical Sources .................................................................. 3‐6
Exhibit 3.2‐2. Existing Noise Contours ....................................................................................................... 3‐8
Exhibit 3.2‐3. Existing Zoning Within and Adjacent to the McGregor Test Site ...................................... 3‐10
Exhibit 3.4‐1. Historic Resources within the Area of Potential Effects .................................................... 3‐15
Exhibit 3.6.1. Surface Water in the Vicinity of the McGregor Test Site ................................................... 3‐20
Exhibit 4.2‐1. No Action Alternative and Proposed Action Noise Contours .............................................. 4‐5
LIST OF TABLES
Table 2.1‐1. Proposed Annual Operations of the DragonFly RLV .............................................................. 2‐1
Table 3.1‐1. National Ambient Air Quality Standards ................................................................................ 3‐2
Table 3.2‐1. Land Use Compatibility with Annual Day‐Night Average Sound Levels (DNL) ..................... 3‐11
Table 3.3‐1. Section 4(f) Public Parks, Recreation Areas, and Refuges in the Vicinity of the McGregor Test
Site ........................................................................................................................................................... 3‐12
Table 3.4‐1. NRHP‐Listed or ‐Eligible Architectural Resources in the APE ............................................... 3‐14
Table 3.5‐1. Federally and State‐Listed Threatened and Endangered Species Potentially Occurring within
McLennan and Coryell Counties .............................................................................................................. 3‐17
Table 3.7‐1. Utilities Suppliers for McGregor Test Site ............................................................................ 3‐21
Table 3.10‐1. Current Population and Housing Data in the Region of Influence ..................................... 3‐25
Table 3.10‐2. Income, Poverty, and Employment Data in the Region of Influence, 2007‐2011 ............. 3‐26
Table 3.10‐3. Environmental Justice Statistics for the Region of Influence, 2012 estimate (% of
population) ............................................................................................................................................... 3‐26
Table 3.10‐4. Schools Near the McGregor Test Site ................................................................................ 3‐27
Table 4.1‐1. Estimated Construction Emissions for Launch Pad in Tons ................................................... 4‐1
Table 4.1‐2. Estimated Annual Operation Emissions in Tons per Year (2014 and 2015) .......................... 4‐2
Table 4.2‐1. Summary of Total Contours Acreage by Scenario (Proposed Action) ................................... 4‐4
Table 5.1‐1. Comparison of Proposed Action GHG Emissions to U.S. 2011 GHG Emissions1 .................... 5‐2
Draft Environmental Assessment
Issuing an Experimental Permit to SpaceX for Operation of the DragonFly Vehicle at the McGregor Test Site, Texas
Acronyms and Abbreviations v May 2014
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
AGL above ground level APE Area of Potential Effects AST Office of Commercial Space Transportation BMPs Best Management Practices CAA Clean Air Act CEQ Council on Environmental Quality CERCLA Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act CFR Code of Federal Regulations CO carbon monoxide CTYRA Central Texas Youth Rodeo Association CWA Clean Water Act dB decibel dBA A‐weighted decibels DNL day‐night average noise level DOT Department of Transportation EA Environmental Assessment EO Executive Order EPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ESA Endangered Species Act F9R Falcon 9R FAA Federal Aviation Administration FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency ft feet ft2 square feet HAPs Hazardous Air Pollutants ISD Independent School District GAO Government Accountability Office GCD Groundwater Conservation Districts GHG greenhouse gases kW‐hr kilowatt‐hour lb pound lbf pounds force Lmax maximum sound level LOX liquid oxygen MEDC McGregor Economic Development Corporation mg/m3 milligrams per cubic meter µg/m3 micrograms per cubic meter
MMH monomethylhydrazine MSATs Mobile Source Air Toxics NAAQS National Ambient Air Quality Standards NAVFAC Naval Facilities Engineering Command NEPA National Environmental Policy Act NESHAP National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants NHPA National Historic Preservation Act NRHP National Register of Historic Places NSR New Source Review NTO nitrogen tetroxide NWI National Wetlands Inventory NWIRP Naval Weapons Industrial Reserve Plant O3 ozone ppb parts per billion ppm parts per million PSD Prevention of Significant Deterioration RCRA Resource Conservation and Recovery Act RLV Reusable Launch Vehicle ROI Region of Influence RP‐1 refined petroleum SARA Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act SEL Sound Exposure Level SHPO State Historic Preservation Officer TAC Texas Administrative Code TCEQ Texas Commission on Environmental Quality THC Texas Historical Commission TPDES Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System TPWD Texas Parks and Wildlife Department TSD treatment, storage and disposal U.S. United States U.S.C. United States Code USCB United States Census Bureau USFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service VOCs Volatile Organic Compounds
Draft Environmental Assessment
Issuing an Experimental Permit to SpaceX for Operation of the DragonFly Vehicle at the McGregor Test Site, Texas
Acronyms and Abbreviations vi May 2014
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
Draft Enviro
Issuing an
1.0 Introdu
1.0 INTRO
Space Exp
the Drago
Coryell Co
experime
Transport
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under the
FAA has
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orbital
mit for
Draft Enviro
Issuing an
1.0 Introdu
onmental Assess
Experimental P
uction
ment
Permit to Spac
Exhibit 1
ceX for Operati
1‐1. Regional
ion of the Drag
1‐2
Location of M
gonFly Vehicle
McGregor, Te
at the McGreg
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May
exas
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D
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1
Draft Environmental
Issuing an Experim
1.0 Introduction
Assessment
ental Permit to SpaaceX for Operation of the DragonFly V
Exhibit 1‐2
Vehicle at the McG
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Draft Environmental Assessment
Issuing an Experimental Permit to SpaceX for Operation of the DragonFly Vehicle at the McGregor Test Site, Texas
1.0 Introduction 1‐6 May 2014
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Draft Environmental Assessment
Issuing an Experimental Permit to SpaceX for Operation of the DragonFly Vehicle at the McGregor Test Site, Texas
2.0 Proposed Action and Alternatives 2‐4 May 2014
Deployment of the parachutes system begins with both drogue mortars firing simultaneously through
blowout panels (each panel weighs 8 lbs and is approximately 2 ft by 2ft). The panels would then fall to
the ground within the proposed operating area.
Proposed Operations
As discussed above, the DragonFly RLV test program is expected to be conducted under an experimental
permit and would consist of up to 30 annual operations, distributed between four types of operations
(see Table 2.1‐1). Multiple test operations could occur each day between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and
10:00 p.m., and would be consistent with SpaceX’s lease with the City of McGregor. For example, the
terms of the lease prohibit SpaceX from conducting engine tests between the hours of 12:00 a.m. and
7:00 a.m. The DragonFly RLV would be unmanned during all launch operations. However, 10 additional
staff would be located at the McGregor test site to support DragonFly RLV operations.
Pre‐flight and Post‐flight Activities
Pre‐flight and post‐flight activities would be similar for each test type. Pre‐flight activities include
preparing the DragonFly RLV for launch and providing ground operations support for launch and landing.
The DragonFly RLV would be transported by truck or tractor‐trailer from its storage location at the
McGregor test site to the launch pad. Similarly, trucks would be used to transport the propellants from
the propellant storage area to the launch pad.
Standard safety precautions, such as clearing the area of unnecessary personnel and ignition (including
spark) sources, would be implemented. The DragonFly RLV would be fueled with the appropriate
amount of propellant for the proposed test type (see Section 2.1.1.2 – 2.1.1.5 below for a description of
test types). In the event of a spill or release, propellant‐loading operations would be halted. Any spills
would be cleaned up according to the SpaceX’s Spill Response Procedures for the McGregor test site.
Following the propellant transfer, the propellant‐loading equipment would be removed from the launch
area.
During preparations for launch, the electrical and mechanical connections of the DragonFly RLV would
be inspected, and flight control diagnostics and health checks would be completed to ensure proper
operation of electrical systems and moving parts. The DragonFly RLV would initiate its formal launch
sequence (i.e., ignition of its propulsion system) after all preparation and pre‐flight operations were
completed.
Post‐flight activities include DragonFly RLV landing and safing1. During a nominal launch, the vehicle
would land either back on the launch pad or in a predetermined targeted site within the operating area
in the vicinity of launch pad. Safing activities would begin upon completion of all launch and landing
1 Safing refers to shutting down the launch vehicle and ensuring the vehicle is in a safe condition before transporting the vehicle
to its storage facility.
Draft Environmental Assessment
Issuing an Experimental Permit to SpaceX for Operation of the DragonFly Vehicle at the McGregor Test Site, Texas
2.0 Proposed Action and Alternatives 2‐5 May 2014
activities and engine shutdown. The propellant lines would be drained into a suitable container. A
ground crew would perform and supervise all pre‐flight, flight, and landing operations and would be
familiar with the operating protocol for the specific test type.
Flight Profile
Flight profile refers to the take‐off (or drop), flight, and landing of the launch vehicle. The flight profile
for each operation type is discussed below.
Propulsive Assist
For the propulsive assist test, a helicopter (an Erickson E‐model or equivalent) would arrive at the
McGregor test site from Waco Regional Airport. The DragonFly RLV would then be tethered to the
helicopter using a cable. A maximum of 300 gallons of propellant would be loaded into the DragonFly
RLV for this test. The helicopter would take off with the DragonFly RLV attached and reach an altitude
up to 10,000 ft. Once at that altitude, the DragonFly RLV would be released from the tether and three
main parachutes would be deployed. The engines would not fire until the vehicle descends to
approximately 98 ft above ground level (AGL). The engines would fire for approximately 5 seconds, and
the RLV would make a powered landing. This type of operation would last approximately 30 minutes
from helicopter take‐off to DragonFly RLV landing.
The test would be designed so that almost all fuel on board is used prior to landing. All fuel valves would
shut automatically and retain any residual fuel in the capsule.
Full Propulsive Landing
For the full propulsive landing test, a helicopter (an Erickson E‐model or equivalent) would arrive at the
McGregor test site from Waco Regional Airport. The DragonFly RLV would then be tethered to the
helicopter. A maximum of 300 gallons of propellant would be loaded into the DragonFly RLV for this
test. The helicopter would take off with the DragonFly RLV attached and reach an altitude up to 10,000
ft. Once at that altitude, the DragonFly RLV would be released from the tether. There would be a period
of free fall and then the engines would fire for approximately 5 seconds and the RLV would make a
powered landing. This type of operation would last approximately 30 minutes from helicopter take‐off
to DragonFly RLV landing.
Propulsive Assist Hopping
Approximately 400 gallons of propellant would be loaded into the DragonFly RLV for this test. During a
propulsive assisted hop test, the DragonFly RLV would launch from a launch pad and ascend to
approximately 7,000 ft AGL (firing engines for 12.5 seconds). Two parachutes would be deployed for the
descent, the engines would fire for 12.5 seconds, and the RLV would make a powered landing on the
launch pad. This operation would last approximately 60 seconds.
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stand) and th
and would b
unch pad wo
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Construction
e connected
the FAA wou
the McGrego
ude engine t
per week as w
t uses highly
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OX and 38,00
ine producing
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nts at the McG
enclosed vac
uperDraco en
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e effects of t
he impacts of
or the Propos
ion of the Drag
2‐6
be loaded in
V would lau
approximate
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he DragonFly
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the separati
he control ce
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uld require a
o the McGre
of the launch
to existing in
uld not issue
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esting for the
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0 gallons of R
g 146,000 po
see Exhibit 2‐
Gregor site, s
cuum chamb
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n” alternative
the action alt
f the Propose
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gonFly Vehicle
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ely 12.5 seco
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y RLV under a
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er. Open air t
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ed Action. Th
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at the McGreg
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ould be 40 ft
it 2‐1 for gen
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ad would be c
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Thus, the No
he No Action
e in Section 1.
gor Test Site, Te
May
this test. Du
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tal permit, Sp
t by 40 ft lo
neral location
X’s existing
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and electric) a
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he Falcon 9
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the Drago
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p
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onmental Assess
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sed Action and
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ation:
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y disturbed en
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ion of the Drag
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regor test sit
tructure that
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ternatives to
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gonFly Vehicle
alternative sit
ons, alternati
lease with th
e,
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gor test site,
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or test site.
o be evaluat
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at the McGreg
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ve sites wer
he City of McG
e to support
cGregor test s
ted in this E
Fly RLV from
gor Test Site, Te
May
ct test launch
re dismissed
Gregor,
the propose
site, and
EA. The pref
the McGrego
exas
y 2014
hes of
from
d test
ferred
or test
Draft Environmental Assessment
Issuing an Experimental Permit to SpaceX for Operation of the DragonFly Vehicle at the McGregor Test Site, Texas
2.0 Proposed Action and Alternatives 2‐8 May 2014
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
Draft Enviro
Issuing an
3.0 Affecte
3.0 AFFEC
This Chap
Proposed
The level
resources
The envir
(ROI). Eac
section.
Resource
This EA d
the reaso
Air Qu3.1
The Earth
ionospher
defined a
onmental Assess
Experimental P
ed Environmen
CTED ENVIRO
pter provides
Action, as re
of detail prov
s (40 CFR §150
ronment pote
ch resource a
s Not Analyze
oes not analy
ns explained
Coastal Re
coastal res
Wild and
Wild and S
operationa
the Saline
Scenic Rive
Nationwid
in Hood C
approxima
Farmlands
importanc
project. P
McGregor
urban use
Policy Act
Secondary
induced o
movement
personnel
response t
dismissed.
uality
h’s atmosphe
re. For the p
s at or below
ment
Permit to Spac
nt
ONMENT
s a descriptio
equired by C
vided in this C
02.15).
entially affect
rea discussed
ed in Detail
yze potential
below:
esources – Pr
sources are n
Scenic Rivers
Scenic Rivers
al activities w
Bayou in Lou
er System 20
e Rivers Inve
County and
ately 64 miles
s – There are
ce as defined
revious coor
test site ind
s, and are no
(FAA 2011).
y (Induced) I
or secondary
t and growth
would not p
to the direct
.
re consists o
urposes of th
w 3,000 ft AG
ceX for Operati
on of the en
EQ regulation
Chapter is com
ted by the Pr
d in this chap
impacts to t
roposed cons
ot present.
s – There are
s Act, located
would occur. T
uisiana, over 3
13). Similarly
ntory (NRI) w
the Brazos
s north and 62
e no prime o
by the Farml
rdination wit
dicated that s
ot prime or u
mpacts – Th
impacts to s
, public servic
produce a m
t effect (refer
of four main l
his EA, the d
GL, which the
ion of the Drag
3‐1
nvironmental
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mmensurate
roposed Actio
pter has a dist
he following
struction and
e no designat
d within the M
The closest fe
300 miles from
y, there are no
within or near
River on the
2 miles west
or unique fa
land Protecti
h the Natura
soils at the M
unique farmla
e Proposed A
surrounding
ce demands,
easurable rip
r to Section
layers: the tr
discussion of
U.S. Environ
gonFly Vehicle
resources t
menting NEPA
with the imp
on is referred
tinct ROI, wh
environment
d operating a
ted wild or s
McGregor tes
ederally desig
m the McGre
o rivers listed
r the McGreg
e western ed
of the McGre
rmlands or f
on Policy Act
al Resources
McGregor tes
ands as defin
Action would
communities
and econom
pple effect o
4.10). Theref
roposphere, s
air quality w
nmental Prote
at the McGreg
hat would b
A (40 CFR Pa
portance of th
d to as the R
ich is further
tal resource
reas are loca
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st site where
gnated Wild a
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d on the Natio
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dge of Lamp
egor Test site,
farmland of s
t that would
s Conservatio
st site are “p
ed by the Fa
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s, such as sh
ic activity. Th
of spending a
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stratosphere,
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gor Test Site, Te
May
e affected b
rts 1500 to 1
he impact on
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r described in
areas in deta
ated inland, w
as defined b
e constructio
and Scenic Ri
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The Colorado
pasas County
, respectively
statewide or
be affected b
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e the potenti
hifts in popu
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wer troposph
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by the
1508).
these
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where
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r local
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Under the
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onmental Assess
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ed Environmen
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temperat
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3.1.2
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nt used durin
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ur NAAQS o
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Gregor test si
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obile sources
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and environm
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. Although th
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mental effects
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ive new fuel
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ogen oxides,
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3.1.3
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3.1.4
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contribute
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the affect
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testing in
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Noise3.2
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activities.
response
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onmental Assess
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ed Environmen
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urrently uses
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cipated to be
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ource Permit
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d by FAA Ord
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ary 2010, the
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here is a dire
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nt) (GAO 200
aft account f
ate change re
ment is the glo
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tible Land Us
unwanted or
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ype of activity
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onary sources
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ct correlation
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n between fu
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oxide emissio
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national Civil
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mpact analysis
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total of appro
ng activities a
sound that in
ise levels can
of different i
ved importan
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nt that gener
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at the McGre
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osphere. Thes
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ons from hum
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ganization es
ogenic GHG
ulative globa
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a, when cond
ed at the Dra
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egor test site)
th or disrup
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o similar noise
oise, its appr
nsitivity of th
gor Test Site, Te
May
missions and w
red further i
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man activities
conomic and
nce for consid
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e effects of cl
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"domestic av
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ercent) and p
stimates that
emissions glo
l phenomeno
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ive impact an
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.
ts normal h
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opriateness i
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exas
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n this
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2012).
imate
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obally
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t area
ection
uman
uman
iverse
in the
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Issuing an
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The ROI f
that could
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3.2.1
The decib
launch) to
sound, as
the period
to correla
several n
measure
equally w
to low‐pit
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(e.g., air c
some per
during an
taken ove
The day‐n
Exposure
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represent
a 24‐hour
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3.2.2
FAA Orde
the DNL m
2 A noise s
noise sens
recreation
sites.
3 There are
the Nation
Activities c
onmental Assess
Experimental P
ed Environmen
or noise inclu
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Noise Metric
bel (dB) is a
o a reference
s the human e
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ate the frequ
noise frequen
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tched and hi
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night average
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t the sound le
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applied to D
Noise Criteri
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metric to dete
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sitive areas in
al areas (inclu
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nal Institute for
conducted und
ment
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nt
udes the McG
ed by noise f
cs
ratio that co
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ency charact
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igh‐pitched s
a chart of A‐w
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rage day. To
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ermine if sign
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r Occupational
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Gregor test si
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by. Other sou
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l (DNL) is a
magnitude of
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account for
ime events (1
uires the FAA
ificant impac
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ntial, educatio
ith wilderness
e standards th
l Safety and He
ed Action wou
ion of the Drag
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te and the ar
uction and lau
sound pressu
est sound tha
clude the act
s or fluctuati
typical noise
have been
human ear c
eighted to co
adjusted uni
und levels from
tinuous sound
mobile, heav
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cumulative
a sound and
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me. Typically,
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10:00 p.m. to
A to assess no
ts would occu
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onal, health, a
s characteristic
hat pertain to
ealth and the O
ld be in compl
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ompensate fo
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uman sensiti
7:00 a.m.).
oise impacts
ur3.
rmal activities
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cs), wildlife re
hearing conse
Occupational S
iance with the
at the McGreg
mediate vicin
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ound source
rd). A numbe
noise, the freq
levels during
the perceptio
The most co
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or the human
as the A‐weig
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tain a consta
the maximum
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are expresse
vity to noise
on noise sen
associated wit
structures an
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rvation (e.g., t
Safety and Hea
ese standards.
gor Test Site, Te
May
nity of the tes
nder the Prop
of interest (e
er of factors
quencies invo
exposure. In
on of human
ommon frequ
hes or freque
n lack of sens
ghted dB, or
ome noise so
ant sound lev
m sound prod
time) are ave
nts for the S
events in a 24
t does not di
d as the leve
at night, a 1
nsitive areas2
th its use. Nor
nd sites, and
ultural and his
those establish
alth Administra
exas
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st site
posed
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olved,
order
ears,
uency
encies
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r dBA.
ources
vel for
duced
erages
Sound
4‐hour
rectly
l over
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using
rmally,
parks,
torical
hed by
ation).
Draft Enviro
Issuing an
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Source Note: d
Noise con
communit
computer
impact wo
1.5 dBA o
same time
The McG
residentia
located a
to the no
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rural/agri
waste ma
onmental Assess
Experimental P
ed Environmen
es: Derived from dBA = A‐weighte
E
ntour maps
ty. Noise con
r model. FAA
ould occur if
or more at D
e period.
regor test si
al communiti
pproximately
orthwest. The
oise sources
cultural setti
nagement tru
ment
Permit to Spac
nt
Harris 1979 anded decibel
Exhibit 3.2‐1.
of noise met
ntours depict
A Order 1050
the action ca
NL 65 dBA n
ite is a relat
es to the pro
y 5 miles to th
e McGregor t
at or near
ng, including
ucks).
ceX for Operati
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A‐Weighted
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the area wit
0.1E, Change
auses noise s
oise exposur
tively isolated
oposed launc
he northeast,
est site is loc
the McGre
farm machin
ion of the Drag
3‐6
gency Committe
Sound Levels
ed to assess
hin which a c
1, guidance
ensitive area
re when com
d facility, sur
ch and landin
, and the City
cated in a sm
egor test sit
nery, automo
gonFly Vehicle
ee on Aviation N
s from Typica
the noise le
certain noise
on noise ind
as to experien
pared to the
rrounded by
ng pad locati
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mall industrial
te include so
obiles, trains,
at the McGreg
oise (FICAN) 199
al Sources
evel and imp
level occurs,
dicates that
nce an increa
e existing con
agricultural
ions are the
located app
l park in the
ources that
and comme
gor Test Site, Te
May
97.
act of noise
, as predicted
a significant
ase in noise o
nditions withi
land. The c
City of McGr
roximately 3
City of McGr
are typical
rcial vehicles
exas
y 2014
on a
d by a
noise
of DNL
in the
losest
regor,
miles
regor.
to a
(e.g.,
Draft Enviro
Issuing an
3.0 Affecte
Noise sen
located ap
miles to
adjacent
Powder C
The neare
SpaceX cu
site. An a
approxim
test site.
simultane
periods o
test site.
Based on
noise con
City of M
McGregor
3.2.3
Land uses
local zon
developm
designate
compatib
SpaceX ha
operation
engine te
the test si
onmental Assess
Experimental P
ed Environmen
nsitive areas
pproximately
the northeas
to McGrego
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est residence
urrently cond
average sing
ately 138 dB
SpaceX also
eously for up
f time to app
the existing
ntour extends
cGregor and
r test site.
Compatible
s are frequen
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ment can oc
ed or environm
le with the ou
as leased the
ns on the site
sting; the Gra
ite is also leas
ment
Permit to Spac
nt
near the pr
y 3.4 miles to
st. In additio
r Elementary
ated approxim
is approxima
ducts approx
gle engine te
A within the
o conducts si
p to 180 seco
proximately 1
engine test n
s approximate
Oglesby (see
Land Use
ntly regulated
inances. The
cur, ensure
mentally sens
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McGregor te
include adm
asshopper RL
sed for livesto
ceX for Operati
roposed laun
the northwes
on, a new pr
y and McGre
mately 2.8 mi
ately 1.3 miles
imately five
est lasts app
test site bou
ix Falcon 9 S
onds. These i
148 dBA at th
noise levels a
ely four miles
e Exhibit 3.2‐2
d by manage
ese plans an
consistency
sitive uses. Co
environment
est site from t
inistrative se
LV launch pad
ock grazing, w
ion of the Drag
3‐7
nch and land
st, and McGre
imary schoo
egor High Sch
iles from the
s from the pr
Merlin‐1D en
roximately 1
undary and a
Stage 1 tests
infrequent St
he test site an
and durations
s from the te
2). The exhib
ement plans,
nd regulation
with surro
ompatible lan
t at the locati
the McGrego
rvices, storag
d; and Falcon
which is coord
gonFly Vehicle
ding pad loca
egor High Sch
l (grades K‐1
hool. The clo
proposed lau
roposed launc
ngine tests p
100 seconds
approximately
s a year, co
tage 1 tests
nd approxima
s described a
est site and in
bit represents
land use pla
ns are design
ounding land
nd use means
on.
or Industrial P
ge, and suppo
n 9 tripod test
dinated with
at the McGreg
ations includ
hool, located
1st grade) is
osest busines
unch and land
ch and landin
per week at t
and produce
y 97 dBA wit
nsisting of n
increase nois
ately 107 dBA
above, the ex
ncludes resid
s the existing
ans, compreh
ned to iden
d uses, and
s the use of th
Park since 200
ort buildings;
t stand. The v
launch and te
gor Test Site, Te
May
e Oglesby Sc
approximate
being constr
ss is the Cro
ding pad loca
ng pad locatio
the McGrego
es noise leve
thin 3 miles o
nine engines
se levels for
A 3 miles from
xisting DNL 65
ential areas
g noise level o
hensive plans
tify where f
protect spe
he land is nor
03. Current Sp
stands to co
vacant land w
esting activiti
exas
y 2014
chool,
ely 4.5
ructed
osslink
ations.
ons.
or test
els of
of the
firing
short
m the
5 dBA
in the
of the
s, and
future
ecially
rmally
paceX
nduct
within
es.
D
I
3
Draft Environmental
Issuing an Experim
3.0 Affected Enviro
Assessment
ental Permit to Spa
onment
aceX for Operation of the DragonFly V
Exhibit 3.2‐2.
Vehicle at the McG
3‐8
. Existing Noise C
Gregor Test Site, Tex
Contours
exas
May 2014
Draft Environmental Assessment
Issuing an Experimental Permit to SpaceX for Operation of the DragonFly Vehicle at the McGregor Test Site, Texas
3.0 Affected Environment 3‐9 May 2014
The McGregor test site is located within the 9,700 acre McGregor Industrial Park, which is the
redeveloped McGregor NWIRP (EPA 2009b). The NWIRP was closed in 1995 and ownership was
transferred to the City of McGregor in 1996 for development into an industrial park. In addition to
SpaceX, other commercial/ industrial tenants of the industrial park include, but are not limited to, a
rodeo arena, C3 Communications, Ferguson Plumbing Company, General Micrographics, In Situ Forms,
and McLennan County Electrical Cooperative (EPA 2009b; MDEC 2013). The zoning designation of land
within the McGregor Industrial Park is heavy industrial (City of McGregor 2003).
With the exception of the activities at the Industrial Park described above, the primary land use
surrounding the McGregor test site is agricultural and undeveloped. Exhibit 3.2‐3 shows the existing
zoning within and adjacent to the McGregor test site as designated by the City of McGregor (City of
McGregor 2003). The nearest town to the test site is Oglesby, three 3 miles to the northwest. The City of
McGregor is five 5 miles northeast of the test site.
Table 3.2‐1 depicts acceptable land use compatibility associated with annual DNL. According to Table
3.2‐1, residential areas in the City of McGregor and Oglesby that are already exposed to 65 DNL or
greater are incompatible for residential use.
Draft Enviro
Issuing an
3.0 Affecte
onmental Assess
Experimental P
ed Environmen
Exhibit 3
ment
Permit to Spac
nt
.2‐3. Existing
ceX for Operati
g Zoning With
ion of the Drag
3‐10
hin and Adjac
gonFly Vehicle
cent to the M
at the McGreg
McGregor Test
gor Test Site, Te
May
t Site
exas
y 2014
Source: City of McG
regor 2003
Draft Environmental Assessment
Issuing an Experimental Permit to SpaceX for Operation of the DragonFly Vehicle at the McGregor Test Site, Texas
3.0 Affected Environment 3‐11 May 2014
Table 3.2‐1. Land Use Compatibility with Annual Day‐Night Average Sound Levels (DNL) Yearly DNL Sound Level (decibels)
Land Use <65 65‐70 70‐75 75‐80 80‐85 >85Residential Residential, other than mobile homes and transient lodgings Y N1 N1 N N NMobile home parks Y N N N N NTransient lodgings Y N1 N1 N1 N NPublic Use
Schools Y N1 N1 N N NHospitals, nursing homes Y 25 30 N N NChurches, auditoriums, and concert halls Y 25 30 N N NGovernment Services Y Y 25 30 N NTransportation Y Y Y2 Y3 Y4 Y4
Parking Y Y Y2 Y3 Y4 NCommercial Use Offices, business and professional Y Y 25 30 N NWholesale and retail‐building materials, hardware, and farm equipment Y Y Y2 Y3 Y4 NRetail Trade, general Y Y 25 30 N NUtilities Y Y Y2 Y3 Y4 NCommunication Y Y 25 30 N NManufacturing and Production Manufacturing, general Y Y Y2 Y3 Y4 NPhotographic and Optical Y Y 25 30 N NAgricultural (except livestock) and forestry Y Y6 Y7 Y8 Y8 Y8
Livestock farming and breeding Y Y6 Y7 N N NMining and fishing, resource production extraction Y Y Y Y Y YRecreational Outdoor sports arenas and spectator sports Y Y5 Y5 N N NOutdoor music shells, amphitheaters Y N N N N NNature exhibits and zoos Y Y N N N NAmusements, parks, resorts, and camps Y Y Y N N NGolf courses, riding stables and water recreation Y Y 25 30 N NSource: 14 CFR Part 150, Appendix A, Table 1. The designations contained in this table do not constitute a Federal determination that any use of land covered by the program is acceptable or unacceptable under Federal, State, or local law. The responsibility for determining the acceptable and permissible land uses and the relationship between specific properties and specific noise contours rests with the local authorities. FAA determinations under part 150 are not intended to substitute federally determined land uses for those determined to be appropriate by local authorities in response to locally determined needs and values in achieving noise compatible land uses.
Key to Table 3.2‐1 Y (YES) – Land use and related structures compatible without restrictions. N (NO) – Land use and related structures are not compatible and should be prohibited. NLR – Noise Level Reduction (outdoor to indoor) to be achieved through incorporation of noise attenuation into the design and construction of the structure. 25,30 or 35 – Land use and related structures generally compatible; measures to achieve NLR of 25, 30, or 35 dB must be incorporated into design and construction of structure.
1Where the community determines that residential or school uses must be allowed, measures to achieve outdoor to indoor Noise Level Reduction (NLR) of at least 25 dB and 30 dB should be incorporated into building codes and be considered in individual approvals. Normal residential construction can be expected to provide a NLR of 20 dB, thus, the reduction requirements are often stated as 5, 10, or 15 dB over standard instructions. 2Measures to achieve NLR of 25 dB must be incorporated into the design and construction of portions of these buildings where
Draft Enviro
Issuing an
3.0 Affecte
Tathe public is3Measures tthe public is4Measures tthe public is5Land use co6Residential7Residential8Residential
Depa3.3
The FAA m
Act (49 U
wildlife o
on the N
individual
to these p
be protec
In accorda
that requ
unless no
project in
propertie
(see Secti
3.3.1
Public par
the Depar
1. Seven
recreation
3.3.2
The ROI f
Potential
Preservat
onmental Assess
Experimental P
ed Environmen
able 3.2‐1. Las received, officeto achieve NLR os received, officeto achieve NLR os received, officeompatible provil buildings requil buildings requil buildings not p
rtment of Tra
must conside
U.S.C. § 303(c
r waterfowl r
National Reg
ls own parks,
properties, ev
cted under Se
ance with the
ires the use o
o feasible and
cludes all po
s is the area e
on 4.2.1, Exh
Public Parks
rks, recreatio
rtment of Tra
parks and on
n area, or refu
Table 3.3‐1.
Amsler Park
Iron Bridge N
Bewley Park
Bluebonnet P
Kasting Park
Legacy Park
Mother Neff S
Oglesby Park
Significant H
for NRHP‐list
Effects (APE
ion Act (NHP
ment
Permit to Spac
nt
and Use Compe areas, noise seof 30 dB must be areas, noise seof 35 dB must be areas, noise seded special sounre an NLR of 25.re an NLR of 30.ermitted.
ansportation
er land use im
c)). Section 4
refuges, or an
gister of Hist
recreational
ven if such are
ction 4(f) wh
e FAA Order
of any Section
d prudent alt
ssible plannin
encompassed
ibit 4.2‐1).
, Recreation
n areas, and
ansportation A
ne Wildlife M
uge is Oglesb
Section 4(f)
Prop
ational Wildlife
Park
State Park
Historic Sites
ed or eligible
E) defined fo
PA). The FAA
ceX for Operati
patibility witensitive areas or e incorporated iensitive areas or e incorporated iensitive areas or nd reinforcemen. .
Act, Section
mpacts under
4(f) propertie
ny publicly or
toric Places
areas, or wi
eas are open
en it is locate
1050.1E, Cha
n 4(f) propert
ternative exis
ng to minimiz
d by the DNL
Areas, and R
refuges that
Act (49 U.S.C
anagement A
y Park which
Public Parks,of the M
perty
e Managemen
e resources p
or cultural r
defined the A
ion of the Drag
3‐12
h Annual Daywhere the norminto the design awhere the norminto the design awhere the normnt systems are in
4(f)
Section 4(f)
es include pu
r privately ow
(NRHP). Wh
ldlife and wa
to the public
ed on long‐ter
ange 1, the FA
ty determined
sts to the us
ze harm resu
65 dBA noise
Refuges
may be cons
. § 303(c)), an
Area lay with
is 2.3 miles f
Recreation AcGregor Test
t Area
protected un
resources un
APE as the a
gonFly Vehicle
y‐Night Averamal noise level isand constructiomal noise level isand constructiomal noise level isnstalled.
of the Depar
ublicly owned
wned historic
hen private
terfowl refug
c. However, a
rm leased pu
AA will not a
d by the offic
e of such lan
lting from th
e contour det
idered Sectio
nd located in
in 6 miles of
from the test
Areas, and Ret Site
Dista
5.1 Miles No
5.5 Miles So
4.5 Miles No
4.1 Miles No
5.6 Miles No
5.1 Miles No
4.3 Miles So
2.3 Miles No
nder Section
nder Section
rea encompa
at the McGreg
age Sound Les low.n of portions of s low. n of portions of s low.
rtment of Tra
d parks, recr
site listed or
institutions,
ges, Section 4
a privately ow
blic land or a
pprove any p
cials having ju
nd and such
e use. The R
ermined duri
on 4(f) proper
n the ROI are
the test site
site.
efuges in the
ance/ Directio
ortheast
outh
ortheast
ortheast
ortheast
ortheast
outh
orthwest
4(f) is identi
106 of the
assed by the
gor Test Site, Te
May
evels (DNL)
f these buildings
f these buildings
ansportation
reation areas
r eligible for
organization
4(f) does not
wned property
public easem
program or p
urisdiction the
program, an
ROI for Sectio
ing noise mod
rties, as defin
listed in Tabl
. The closest
Vicinity
on
cal to the Ar
National Hi
DNL 65 dBA
exas
y 2014
s where
s where
(DOT)
s, and
listing
ns, or
apply
y may
ment.
roject
ereof,
nd the
on 4(f)
deling
ned by
e 3.3‐
park,
rea of
istoric
noise
Draft Enviro
Issuing an
3.0 Affecte
contour d
or eligible
historical,
Histo3.4
Cultural r
landscape
Section 10
on proper
with the
listed or e
for the Sta
In accorda
has deter
archaeolo
ROI for t
determine
Appendix
area with
A review
revealed
none of th
There are
interests
Oklahoma
Appendix
The APE
majority o
Navy in 1
governme
complete
to be eligi
the 14 ind
and one h
1998, the
Programm
Federal o
historic a
onmental Assess
Experimental P
ed Environmen
determined d
e for listing, i
, architectura
rical, Archite
resources inc
es, or objects
06 of the NH
rties listed or
State Histori
eligible for list
ate of Texas.
ance with 36
mined an AP
ogical resourc
his resource
ed during no
B, Agency Co
in the APE wh
of the Texas
that there a
hem are in or
e no known T
in McLennan
a and the Ton
B, Agency Co
includes 14
of these resou
1942 as a m
ent to the C
d. As a result
ible for inclus
dividual resou
historic distric
e U.S. Navy, T
matic Agreem
wnership. Th
architectural
ment
Permit to Spac
nt
uring noise m
n the NRHP w
al, archaeolog
ctural, Archa
clude prehisto
s having histo
PA requires a
eligible for li
c Preservatio
ting in the NR
CFR 800.4(a)
E in consider
ces as a result
area, is def
ise modeling
oordination).
here ground d
s Historic Sit
re numerous
r near the are
Traditional Cu
and Coryell
nkawa Tribe o
oordination).
previously do
urces were pa
military ordna
City of McGre
t of the surve
sion in the NR
urces have be
ct from the fo
THC, City of M
ment (PA) to
e PA include
properties i
ceX for Operati
modeling (refe
within the RO
gical, and cult
aeological, an
oric and histo
orical, archite
a Federal age
sting in the N
on Officer (SH
RHP. The Texa
)(1), an APE n
ation of both
t of impleme
fined as the
(Appendix A
Effects to arc
disturbance w
tes Atlas, the
s previously r
ea of the prop
ultural Proper
Counties hav
of Oklahoma
ocumented a
art of the for
nce plant. P
egor, a surv
ey, 14 individ
RHP (U.S. Nav
een demolish
ormer NWIRP
McGregor, an
mitigate the
s deed coven
n accordanc
ion of the Drag
3‐13
er to Section
OI. Sections 3
ural resource
nd Cultural Re
oric archaeo
ectural, archa
ency to consid
NRHP. Compli
HPO) if there
as Historical C
needs to be es
h potential dir
nting the Pro
area encom
). The THC co
chaeological r
would occur f
e NRHP onlin
recorded arc
posed launch
rties identifie
ve been ident
. The FAA is i
architectural
mer NWIRP, w
Prior to the t
ey of the pl
dual resource
vy 1998). How
hed. Therefor
P that were de
nd Advisory C
e adverse eff
nants requirin
ce with the
gonFly Vehicle
3.4). There a
.4 and 4.4 pr
es.
esources
logical sites,
eological, cu
der the effect
iance with Se
e is a potenti
Commission (
stablished fo
rect and indir
oposed Action
passed by th
oncurred with
resources, ho
from installat
ne database,
haeological s
pad.
ed within the
tified. They in
initiating con
resources (T
which was or
transfer of t
lant’s extant
s and one his
wever, since t
re, the APE in
etermined el
Council on Hi
fect of the tr
ng the preser
Secretary of
at the McGreg
are 14 historic
rovide furthe
buildings, di
ltural, or scie
ts of its unde
ection 106 req
ial effect to
(THC) serves
r the Propose
rect effects to
n. The APE, a
he DNL 65 d
h this APE on
owever, woul
tion of the co
and other a
sites within t
APE; howeve
nclude the Co
sultation wit
Table 3.4‐1; E
riginally const
he property
buildings an
storic district
the survey’s c
ncludes 10 in
igible for listi
istoric Preser
ransfer of th
rvation and m
f the Interio
gor Test Site, Te
May
c properties l
r discussion o
istricts, struc
entific import
ertaking (or a
quires consult
historic prop
as the SHPO
ed Action. Th
o architectura
lso considere
dBA noise co
n April 7, 2014
d be limited t
ncrete launch
available reso
the APE; how
er, two tribes
omanche Nat
h these tribe
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tructed by th
from the Fe
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Issuing an Experimental Permit to SpaceX for Operation of the DragonFly Vehicle at the McGregor Test Site, Texas
3.0 Affected Environment 3‐14 May 2014
Rehabilitation, and THC review of any undertaking that has the potential to affect the integrity of the
NRHP‐eligible resources.
The other historic properties in the APE include one NRHP‐listed resource and two Recorded Texas
Historic Landmarks. The Brown‐Mann House in McGregor was listed in the NRHP in 1987 for its
architectural significance as an intact Colonial Revival and Queen Anne‐style residence with a
Sullivanesque‐style embellishment rare for domestic architecture in Texas. The Glenn and Mary
Gulledge Crain House in McGregor and the First Methodist Church of Oglesby are Recorded Texas
Historic Landmarks, which are designated by the THC for properties that are at least 50 years old,
historically and architectural significant, and possess architectural integrity. The Crain House is a rare
example in Texas of a Shingle‐style residence, and the First Methodist Church of Oglesby is a Queen
Anne‐style church dating to 1912.
Table 3.4‐1. NRHP‐Listed or ‐Eligible Architectural Resources in the APE Resource Name Description Historic Status
Building 105 Telephone exchange NRHP Eligible
Building 106 Administrative office NRHP Eligible
Building 300 Police and fire station NRHP Eligible
Building 404 Propulsion system laboratory NRHP Eligible
Building 601 General storage NRHP Eligible
Building 602 Line office and first aid NRHP Eligible
Building 603 Change and power house NRHP Eligible
Building 2301 Well house #1 NRHP Eligible
Building 2308 Pump house NRHP Eligible
Building 2309 Spare pump house NRHP Eligible
High Explosives Magazine Historic District
64 ammunition storage magazines (Buildings 8001 through 8064)
NRHP Eligible
Brown‐Mann House 1890s Colonial Revival/Queen Anne‐style residence with Sullivanesque influence
NRHP Listed
Crain, Glenn and Mary Gulledge House
Circa 1892 Shingle‐style residence Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
First Methodist Church of Oglesby 1912 Queen Anne‐style church Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
D
I
3
Draft Environmental
Issuing an Experim
3.0 Affected Enviro
Assessment
ental Permit to Spa
onment
aceX for Operation
Exhibit 3.4‐1
of the DragonFly V
1. Historic Resour
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3‐15
rces within the A
Gregor Test Site, Tex
Area of Potential
exas
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Fish, W3.5
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regor test sit
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epartment [T
test site con
ative grasses
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tion of federa
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al species an
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at are likely t
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SFWS)
tion 7
ng any
Draft Environmental Assessment
Issuing an Experimental Permit to SpaceX for Operation of the DragonFly Vehicle at the McGregor Test Site, Texas
3.0 Affected Environment 3‐17 May 2014
action that may affect a listed species or designated critical habitat. Candidate species, which may be
proposed for listing as threatened or endangered in the future, are not provided any statutory
protection under the ESA.
The Texas legislature authorized the TPWD to establish a list of threatened and endangered plant and
animal species, and to protect the species. TPWD regulations prohibit the taking, possession,
transportation, or sale of any of the animal species designated by State law as endangered or
threatened without a permit. Texas laws and regulations prohibit commerce in threatened and
endangered plants and the collection of listed plant species from public land without a permit issued by
TPWD.
Table 3.5‐1 lists the Federal and State‐listed threatened or endangered wildlife species potentially
occurring in McLennan and Coryell counties. There are three federally listed endangered species, nine
State‐listed threatened species, and five State‐listed endangered species that potentially occur in
McLennan and Coryell counties.
Table 3.5‐1. Federally and State‐Listed Threatened and Endangered Species Potentially Occurring within McLennan and Coryell Counties
Common name (Scientific name)Status
State Federal
Reptiles Timber/canebrake rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) T ‐ Texas horned lizard (Phrynosoma cornutum) T ‐ Birds Golden‐cheeked warbler (Setophaga chrysoparia) E E Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) T ‐ Whooping crane (Grus Americana) E E Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)1 T ‐ Black‐capped vireo (Vireo atricapilla)2 E E Wood stork (Mycteria americana)3 T ‐ White‐faced ibis (Plegadis chihi)3 T ‐ Interior least tern (Sterna antillarum athalassos)3 E ‐ Mammals Red wolf (Canis rufus) E ‐ Mollusks Smooth pimpleback (Quadrula houstonensis) T ‐ False spike mussel (Quadrula mitchelli) T ‐ Texas fawnsfoot (Truncilla macrodon) T ‐ Sources: TPWD 2011b, c; USFWS 2013 a, b.Notes: E = Endangered, T = Threatened. 1Bald and golden eagles are protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, which is administered by the USFWS. The Act prohibits unauthorized capture, purchase, or transportation of the birds, their nests, or their eggs. Any action that might disturb these species requires a permit from the USFWS. 2Listed only in Coryell County 3Listed only in McLennan County
The potential for occurrence of any of the listed species in Table 3.5‐1 within the ROI for the Proposed
Action is unlikely due to the absence of suitable habitat, ongoing agricultural activities, maintenance
(e.g. mowing), and existing industrial and operational activities. In addition, coordination with the
USFWS in 2011 for the Final Environmental Assessment for Issuing an Experimental Permit to SpaceX for
Draft Enviro
Issuing an
3.0 Affecte
Operation
federally
However,
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ection 3.6.1 b
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rary or interm
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of groundwate
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at the McGreg
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). Four small
may provide
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odplains, and
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CWA); Safe D
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CDs) within th
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nity Groundw
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ped 100‐yea
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gor Test Site, Te
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ons. Wetland
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ws and regula
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ct; Executive
water quality
tal protection
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nd the Texas
water manage
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water Conserv
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cle II. Division
as. In addition
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exas
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re no
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ed the
2012).
n 1 to
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3.6.1
The ROI f
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ter at off‐site
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ng into the e
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ion of the Drag
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ted Report o
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site. The Mc
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hat have dec
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cGregor test
ilized in Texa
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ater Quality
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pose groundw
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the NWIRP f
e was identif
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AA 2011). Pr
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Draft Environmental
Issuing an Experim
3.0 Affected Enviro
Assessment
ental Permit to Spa
onment
aceX for Operation
Exhibit 3.6.1
of the DragonFly V
. Surface Water
Vehicle at the McG
3‐20
in the Vicinity of
Gregor Test Site, Tex
f the McGregor T
exas
Test Site
May 2014
Draft Enviro
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3.0 Affecte
3.6.3
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boundary
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southern
3.6.4
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ral Emergenc
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ment
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2013).
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site are ident
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Gregor test s
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de guidance
nt Energy Ma
ergy, and Tran
rgy, and Econ
he immediate
r test site is p
ly wash the l
McGregor Tes
2.4 millio
ns 1.5 millio
at the McGreg
emergent w
Wetlands Inve
nd. The seco
Exhibit 3.6‐1).
ntifying 100‐
eptible to be
er defined as
ave a 0.2 perc
ies floodplain
d with the So
ately 2.34 ac
orner of the
ction.
s an evaluat
Whereas FAA
o regulate the
it is the pol
standards of
to Federal a
anagement;
nsportation M
nomic Perform
e vicinity of t
presented in T
aunch area a
st Site
Annual Utility
on kilowatt‐ho
on gallons
gor Test Site, Te
May
wetlands with
entory (NWI)
ond area is o
‐year and 500
eing inundate
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cent probabi
ns within the
outh Bosque
cres of flood
site (FEMA 2
ion of a pro
A Order 10
e consumptio
icy of the FA
f design incl
agencies rega
Management
mance.
the McGrego
Table 3.7‐1. W
and is availab
y Usage
our (kW‐hr)
exas
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in the
) map
on the
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ed by
ercent
lity of
e ROI.
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2013).
oject’s
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uding
arding
; and
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o
p
Po
p
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e
lik
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include ac
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onmental Assess
Experimental P
ed Environmen
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otential haza
peration of
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otential to i
roposed proj
Waste stream
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ce to the FAA
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nd the Com
on, treatmen
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d in 49 CFR pa
Q enforces Sta
Administrati
ent is respons
or hazardous
te vicinity th
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r test site ha
existing opera
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ccurs in an en
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nce at a rat
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Hazardous
ment
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mmunity Envi
nt, storage,
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ive Code [30 T
sible for enfo
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hat could be
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ations related
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ormation on
closed vacuu
roduce hazar
te of approxi
rages, paint
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n Prevention,
, storage, and
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xisting hazard
rials that co
ed facilities,
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the immediat
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Federal level
nd the Comp
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ronmental R
and disposa
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environment
ugh 180.
rules pertain
TAC], Chapte
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ollution preve
affected by
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ity to store 2
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rdous waste
imately 10,00
wastes, hype
rated at the
ion of the Drag
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ng:
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uld be trans
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te vicinity; an
ted by the p
acts on waste
ials, chemica
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prehensive En
perfund Ame
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al (TSD) of
and cleanup
t. The Fede
ning to munic
r 330 and Ch
nd City regula
ention, and s
y the materi
as a result of
260,000 gallo
on 9 and Gra
s (NTO and M
xisting activit
at the Dragon
at the McGr
00 pounds a
ergol waste (
McGregor t
gonFly Vehicle
Waste
hazardous m
als during th
sported and
able pollutio
ion of existin
nd
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ls, substance
l level. The
nvironmental
endments and
cilitation Act
hazardous w
of any relea
ral Hazardou
cipal hazardou
apter 335). T
ations for gen
olid waste is
ials transpor
f implement
ons of LOX a
asshopper RL
MMH) at the M
ies at the M
nRider test are
regor test sit
annually. Haz
water mixed
test site is r
at the McGreg
materials, haz
he constructi
used during
on preventio
ng contamin
ntial for the
nd disposal fa
es, and waste
two Federal
Response, C
d Reauthoriz
t of 1992. R
wastes. CER
ase of a haz
us Materials
us and solid w
The City of Mc
neral sanitatio
the McGrego
rted, stored,
ing the Prop
nd 102,000 g
LV testing. Ad
McGregor tes
McGregor test
ea.
te through e
zardous wast
with MMH
removed and
gor Test Site, Te
May
ardous waste
on and oper
construction
on strategies
ated sites, a
wastes to im
acilities that w
es are govern
statutes of
Compensation
zation Act of
RCRA govern
CLA provide
zardous subs
s Regulation
wastes (Title
cGregor Sanit
on.
or test site an
and used; w
posed Action.
gallons of RP
dditionally, Sp
st site (see Se
t site). Hype
engine testing
tes generated
or NTO), oils
d managed b
exas
y 2014
e, and
ration
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s and
at the
mpact
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ned at
most
n, and
1986
s the
es for
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s are
30 of
tation
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waste
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ection
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s, and
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Draft Enviro
Issuing an
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independ
disposal o
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munitions
During th
investigat
and soils o
petroleum
actions is
of the te
groundwa
migrating
Navy 200
that the r
anticipate
Solid, non
contracto
stored on
off dump
cardboard
Light 3.9
As an imp
associated
For the p
landscape
areas ma
generally
The ROI f
miles from
visual sen
noise and
park. Exis
stand, and
at the Mc
pads, and
McGregor
vicinity.
onmental Assess
Experimental P
ed Environmen
ent contracto
of hazardous w
s materials w
vious NWIRP
s grade and f
is time, wast
tions conduct
on the site. T
m products, a
provided in S
est site (EPA
ater wells in t
g into the exis
8; FAA 2011)
remediated c
ed use (EPA 2
n‐hazardous w
or and dispos
‐site in 2‐cub
psters which
d, plastic, and
Emissions an
pact category
d with a proje
purposes of t
es from whic
y be parks,
considered le
for light emis
m which facil
nsitivity due to
d flames on‐s
sting structur
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cGregor test
d buildings lo
r Industrial P
ment
Permit to Spac
nt
or and taken
wastes curren
were used as
operations a
fertilizer grad
te explosives,
ted in the 199
he contamina
nd perchlora
Section 3.6. A
A 2009b; FA
the immediat
sting launch p
). EPA has de
onditions of t
009b).
wastes produ
ed of in the
bic yard dump
are emptied
d food contain
nd Visual Imp
y, light emiss
ect would an
his analysis,
h individuals
coastlines, w
ess visually se
sions and vis
ities, lighting
o the existing
site, and indu
es on the tes
tower which
site consist
ocated at the
Park around t
ceX for Operati
to a permitt
ntly occurs at
part of histor
at the site c
de ammonium
propellants,
90s for closur
ants of conce
te. A descript
A remediation
AA 2011; NA
te area of the
pad areas from
esignated the
the site are p
uced by oper
City of Waco
psters that ar
as needed.
ners (FAA 201
pacts
sions and visu
noy or interfe
visual and ae
develop the
wilderness are
ensitive.
sual impacts
, and operati
g industrial ac
ustrial and co
st site include
is 235 ft high
of safety ligh
site. Various
the test site,
ion of the Drag
3‐23
ted landfill fo
t the McGreg
ric operation
consisted of
m nitrate, an
solvents, an
re of the NWI
ern included in
tion of the gr
n and capping
AVFAC 2007;
e existing lau
m neighborin
e NWIRP McG
protective of
rations at the
o landfill. Pri
e emptied th
Typical solid
11).
ual resources
ere with activ
esthetic reso
ir perception
eas, or recre
is the McGre
ions would be
ctivities such
ommercial bu
e the Grassh
h and can be
hting and nig
s light indust
, limiting the
gonFly Vehicle
or treatment
or test site (F
s of the NWI
manufacturin
nd production
d solid waste
IRP detected
ndustrial solv
roundwater c
g area for soil
U.S. Navy
nch pad indic
g areas (NAV
Gregor site as
human healt
e test site ar
or to collecti
hree times pe
wastes gene
s provide an
vities of peop
ources are de
ns of an area
eation areas;
egor test site
e visible. The
as engine an
usinesses loc
opper RLV la
seen for seve
ghttime secur
trial operatio
e sensitive vi
at the McGreg
and disposal
FAA 2011).
RP prior to S
ng shells and
n of compon
es were store
contaminatio
vents, energe
contaminatio
s is located o
2001). Samp
cate that con
VFAC 2007; U.
s “Ready for
th and the en
e collected b
ion, non‐haza
r week, or in
erated at the
evaluation o
ple in the vicin
efined as man
. Examples o
industrial o
and the vicin
e ROI is consi
d rocket test
ated through
aunch pad, Fa
eral miles. Ex
rity lighting a
ons are locate
sual resource
gor Test Site, Te
May
l. No treatme
paceX lease o
d airplane bo
ents for wea
ed on the site
on of groundw
etics, heavy m
n and remed
n the wester
pling results
ntaminants ar
.S. Navy 2001
Reuse,” indic
nvironment fo
by an indepen
ardous waste
30‐cubic yard
e test site in
of whether lig
nity of the pr
n‐made or na
of visually sen
r urban area
nity within se
dered to hav
ting which pro
hout the indu
alcon 9 tripod
isting light so
at the test st
ed throughou
e receptors i
exas
y 2014
ent or
of the
ombs,
apons.
e. Site
water
metals,
iation
n side
from
re not
1; U.S.
cating
or the
ndent
es are
d roll‐
nclude
ghting
roject.
atural
nsitive
as are
everal
ve low
oduce
ustrial
d test
ources
tands,
ut the
in the
Draft Enviro
Issuing an
3.0 Affecte
3.10Risks
The CEQ
comprehe
that envir
themselve
or physic
effects on
and resou
and housi
EO 12898
Populatio
identifyin
environm
populatio
to Addres
reinforced
complianc
incorpora
EO 13045
agencies
dispropor
such as: c
children e
adults; ch
able to pr
safety fea
Affected
categorie
• Po• In• En• C
The ROI f
McGregor
which dir
Action’s c
geograph
onmental Assess
Experimental P
ed Environmen
Socioeconom
NEPA imple
ensively to in
ronment” (40
es to require
al environme
n the human
urces associa
ing.
8, Federal Ac
ns, directs ea
g and addre
ental effects
ons.” Subsequ
ss Environmen
d the direct
ce with EO 12
ating the goals
5, Protection
to identify d
rtionately mo
children’s neu
eat more food
hildren’s beha
rotect themse
atures.
environment
s:
opulation andncome, Povernvironmentahildren’s Env
for the socio
r in McLenna
rect and seco
construction
ic region for c
ment
Permit to Spac
nt
mics, Environ
ementing reg
nclude the na
0 CFR §1508.
preparation
ent effects a
environmen
ted with the
tions to Add
ach Federal ag
essing, as ap
of its progra
uent Orders a
ntal Justice in
tives outlined
2898 and NEP
s of EO 12898
of Children
disproportion
ore environm
urological, dig
d, drink more
avior patterns
elves; and ch
descriptions
d Housing rty, and Emplol Justice ironmental H
economics a
n County, an
ondary or ind
and operatio
comparative
ceX for Operati
nmental Justic
gulations stat
atural and ph
14). This mea
of an environ
re interrelate
nt (40 CFR §1
human envi
ress Environm
gency to “ma
ppropriate, d
ams, policies,
at the State a
n Minority Pop
d in EO 128
PA, also deve
8 into the NEP
from Environ
nately high a
ental health
gestive, immu
e fluids, and
s may make t
ildren’s size a
s in this Secti
oyment
Health and Saf
nalysis is Mc
nd the City of
direct effects
on are likely
analysis.
ion of the Drag
3‐24
ce, Children’s
te that the h
hysical enviro
ans that econ
nmental analy
ed, then the
1508.14). Soc
ronment, par
mental Justic
ake achieving
disproportiona
, and activitie
nd Federal le
pulations and
898. CEQ, w
loped guideli
PA process.
nmental Heal
and adverse
and safety r
unological, an
breath more
hem more su
and weight m
ion are categ
fety
Lennan Coun
f Oglesby in C
on socioeco
to occur. The
gonFly Vehicle
s Environmen
human envir
onment and t
nomic or soc
ysis. When ec
e environmen
cioeconomics
rticularly pop
ce in Minority
environmen
ately high a
es on minorit
evel, including
d Low‐Income
which overse
ines (CEQ 199
lth Risks and
impacts to
risks than adu
nd other bod
air in propor
usceptible to
may diminish
gorized accor
nty, Coryell C
Coryell Count
onomic variab
e State of Te
at the McGreg
ntal Health R
ronment “sha
the relationsh
cial effects ar
conomic and
ntal analysis
s describes th
pulation, emp
y Populations
tal justice pa
nd adverse
ty population
g DOT Order
e Populations
ees the Fede
97) to assist F
d Safety Risks
children. Ch
ults because
ily systems a
rtion to their
accidents bec
their protect
rding to the f
County, the c
y. This ROI in
bles arising fr
exas and the
gor Test Site, Te
May
Risks and Safe
all be interp
hip of people
re not intend
social and na
will discuss
he basic attri
ployment, inc
s and Low In
rt of its missi
human heal
ns and low in
5610.2(a), Ac
s (DOT 2012),
eral governm
Federal agenc
s, requires Fe
hildren may
of various fa
re still develo
r body weight
cause they ar
tion from sta
following res
cities of Waco
ncludes the a
rom the Prop
e U.S. serve a
exas
y 2014
ety
preted
e with
ed by
atural
these
ibutes
come,
ncome
ion by
lth or
ncome
ctions
, have
ment’s
cies in
ederal
suffer
actors
oping;
t than
re less
ndard
ource
o and
rea in
posed
as the
Draft Enviro
Issuing an
3.0 Affecte
The ROI f
the ROI
McLennan
represent
construct
for compa
3.10.1
Table 3.1
vicinity of
are locate
city in the
Oglesby w
Based on
than Cory
the U.S. (8
Waco wit
vacant ho
higher pe
percentag
Jurisd
United St
Texas
McLenna
Coryell Co
City of M
City of Og
City of WSource: USNote: 1USC
3.10.2
Table 3.10
2007 and
McGregor
and McLe
the State
counties i
onmental Assess
Experimental P
ed Environmen
for environm
for the socio
n and Coryel
t the popula
ion and oper
arative analys
Population a
0‐1 summari
f the McGreg
ed in McLenn
e vicinity of t
which has less
the 2012 da
yell County (7
87.4 people p
th a relatively
ousing units)
ercentage of
ge than the U
Table 3.1
diction T(
tates
n County
ounty
cGregor
glesby1
Waco SCB 2013a. CB 2010 Demog
Income and
0‐2 summariz
d 2011. Med
r, Oglesby, an
ennan County
e of Texas an
in the ROI. Og
ment
Permit to Spac
nt
ental justice
oeconomic a
l Counties, re
ated area m
ration of the
sis.
and Housing
izes U.S. Cen
or test site at
nan County; O
the test site,
s than 500 res
ata, McLenna
71.7 people p
per square mi
y lower perce
and the U.S
vacant hou
.S. (USCB 201
0‐1. Current
Total Populatio(2012 estimate
313,914,040
26,059,203
238,707
77,231
5,029
484
127,018
raphic Data (USC
Employment
zes U.S. Censu
dian househo
nd Waco are
y also have a
nd United St
glesby has th
ceX for Operati
and children
analysis and
espectively. C
most likely t
Proposed Act
nsus Bureau
t the local, co
Oglesby is loc
with 2012 da
sidents.
n County (22
er square mil
ile). 2010 dat
entage of vac
S. (11.4 vacan
sing units co
12; USCB 201
Population a
on e)
Area(square m
3,531,90
261,231
1,037.
1,052.
21.42
0.5
88.96
CB 2012).
t
us Bureau inc
old and per
lower than t
higher portio
tates. The un
e lowest une
ion of the Drag
3‐25
n’s environme
specifically
Census Tracts
to experienc
tion. The Sta
(USCB) data
ounty, and St
cated in Cory
ata showing
26.5 people p
le), the State
ta shows McL
cant housing
nt housing un
ompared to
3a).
nd Housing D
a miles)
PoDensisqu
05.43
1.71
10
07
2
6 1
come and em
capita incom
the State of
on of the pop
nemploymen
employment (
gonFly Vehicle
ental health a
includes Cen
s 101.01 and
ce any pote
te of Texas s
for populati
tate level. The
yell County. M
approximate
per square m
of Texas (96
Lennan Count
units than th
nits). In 2010
the whole S
Data in the Re
opulation ity (person/ uare mile)
87.4
96.3
226.5
71.7
232.8
968
1,402.9
mployment da
me for McLe
Texas and U
pulation livin
t percentage
(2.6 percent)
at the McGreg
and safety ri
nsus Tracts 1
39 are asses
ntial impact
serves as the
ion and hous
e Cities of W
McGregor is t
ly 5,000 resid
mile) is more d
.3 people per
ty, Coryell Co
he State of Te
0, the City o
State of Texa
egion of InfluTotal
Housing Units (2010)1
131,704,730
9,977,436
95,124
25,178
1,966
207
51,452
ata for the tim
ennan County
nited States.
g below the
e varies amo
and Waco ha
gor Test Site, Te
May
sks is the sam
101.01 and
ssed because
ts caused by
geographic r
sing trends i
aco and McG
the second la
dents, follow
densely popu
r square mile
unty, Oglesby
exas (10.6 pe
f McGregor
as but is a
uence
Vacant HouUnits (perce
total)
11.4
10.6
8.7
10.5
11.1
9.2
9.8
me period bet
y, Coryell Co
Waco, McGr
poverty leve
ong the citie
ad the highes
exas
y 2014
me as
39 in
e they
y the
region
n the
Gregor
argest
wed by
ulated
), and
y, and
ercent
had a
lower
using ent of
tween
ounty,
regor,
l than
s and
st (9.1
Draft Enviro
Issuing an
3.0 Affecte
percent).
percentag
Tab
Jurisdic
United Stat
Texas
McLennan
Coryell Cou
City of McG
City of Ogle
City of WacSource: USC
3.10.3
For the pu
Black or A
races, or
(CEQ 199
populatio
affected a
or appro
5610.2(a)
While not
identifiab
compariso
Table 3.1
Black/Afri
of minori
Oglesby,
percentag
ROI is als
potentiall
percentag
Ta
United Sta
Texas
McLennan
onmental Assess
Experimental P
ed Environmen
McLennan C
ge of unemplo
le 3.10‐2. Inc
ction H
tes
County
unty
Gregor
esby
co CB 2013b.
Environmen
urpose of this
African Ameri
as being of H
97). The CEQ
on of the affe
area is meani
priate unit o
, as “any rea
t defined by t
le” are inte
on. The geogr
0‐3 shows th
ican America
ity and Hisp
Waco, Cens
ge points) tha
so not mean
y affected ar
ge of minority
able 3.10‐3. E
Jurisdictio
ates
n County
ment
Permit to Spac
nt
County (7.2 p
oyment than
come, PovertyMedian
Household Income
$52,762
$50,920
$41,656
$48,920
$37,356
$44,375
$31,971
tal Justice
s evaluation,
ican, Asian or
Hispanic or La
Q identifies th
ected area ex
ngfully greate
of geographi
adily identifia
the CEQ, for t
rpreted to b
raphic region
he poverty le
n) and Hispa
anic populat
us Tract 39
an the State o
ningfully grea
rea would no
y populations
Environmenta
on
ceX for Operati
percent), City
Texas or the
y, and Emplo
Per Capita Income
$27,915
$25,548
$21,630
$19,218
$16,649
$20,296
$18,185
minority refe
r Pacific Islan
atino origin. P
hese groups
xceeds 50 pe
er than the m
ical analysis.
ble group of
the purposes
be 20 perce
for comparis
vel and the p
nic populatio
tions in McLe
and Census
of Texas. The
ater for thes
ot be conside
s.
al Justice Stat(% o
White
72.4
70.4
69.8
ion of the Drag
3‐26
y of McGrego
United State
oyment Data PopulatioPoverty(Percen
14.
17.
21.
14.
25.
9.1
30.
ers to people
nder, America
Persons of His
as minority
ercent or (2)
minority popu
A low‐inco
low‐income
of this EA, th
entage points
son in this an
percentage o
on in the ROI
ennan Count
Tract 101.0
e percentage
se areas wh
ered an envir
tistics for thef population)
Total Minority
27.6
29.6
30.2
gonFly Vehicle
or (6.6 perce
es (USCB 2013
in the Regionon Below y Level ntage)
TooL
.3 1
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.1
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1
.1
who identifi
an Indian or A
spanic and La
populations
the minority
ulation percen
me populati
persons who
he terms “mea
s greater th
alysis is the S
of total mino
(USCB 2012;
ty, Coryell C
01 are not m
e of families li
en compare
ronmental ju
e Region of In)
ya Hisp
Latino
1
3
2
at the McGreg
ent), and Ogl
3b).
n of Influenceotal Number of People in Labor Force
156,456,694
12,285,284
113,049
34,273
2,000
193
57,364
ed themselve
Alaska Native
atino origin m
when eithe
y population
ntage in the g
ion is define
o live in geog
aningfully gre
han the geog
State of Texas
rity populatio
; USCB 2013b
County, the C
meaningfully
iving below p
d to the Sta
ustice popula
nfluence, 201
anic or o Originb
16.9
38.2
24.4
gor Test Site, Te
May
lesby had a
e, 2007‐2011Percent of
ForceUnemplo
8.7
7.3
7.2
9.3
6.6
2.6
9.1
es in the Cens
e, other non‐W
may be of any
r (1) the min
percentage i
general popu
ed by DOT
graphic proxim
eater” and “re
graphic regio
s.
on (predomin
b). The perce
City of McGr
greater (ov
poverty level
ate of Texas
tion based o
12 estimate
Families BelPoverty Lev
10.5
13.2
15.1
exas
y 2014
lower
Labor
oyed
sus as
White
y race
nority
in the
lation
Order
mity.”
eadily
on of
nately
ntage
regor,
er 20
in the
s. The
on the
low vel
Draft Enviro
Issuing an
3.0 Affecte
Ta
Coryell Co
City of Mc
City of Og
City of Wa
Census Tra
Census TraSources: USCNotes: aMino
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3.10.4
Table 3.1
capacity.
[ISD] 2013
the easte
holds you
Fridays, a
2013‐201
Industrial
listed in T
facilities,
McGregor
Ogles
McG
McG
McG
McG
Isbill Sourc
Note:
onmental Assess
Experimental P
ed Environmen
able 3.10‐3. E
Jurisdictio
ounty
cGregor
lesby
aco
act 101.01 ‐ C
act 39 ‐McLenCB 2012; USCB 2ority is defined ate races. bTotal p
Children’s En
10‐4 summar
The nearest s
3; McGregor
rn side of the
uth rodeo ev
nd Saturdays
4 CTYRA sea
Park betwee
Table 3.3‐1, t
playgrounds
r test site.
Sch
sby School
regor Prep Hig
regor High Sch
regor Primary
regor (T.H. Jen
Junior High Scce: Oglesby Inde
McGregor In 1This primary scMcGregor Hig
ment
Permit to Spac
nt
Environmenta
on
Coryell County
nnan County 2013b. as: Black or Africpercent Hispanic
nvironmenta
izes the loca
school is 3.5
ISD 2013). Th
e McGregor In
ents multiple
s starting at 6
ason consists
en August 20
hat are likely
, or other p
Table 3.1
hool
gh School
hool
School1
nkins) Elementa
chool pendent School dependent Schochool is currentlgh Schools.
ceX for Operati
al Justice Stat(% o
White
70.3
68.3
87.0
59.2
y 95.2
87.2
can American, Ac/Latino origin m
al Health Risk
ations of sch
miles northw
he Central Tex
ndustrial Park
e times per y
6:00 p.m. on
of thirteen
013 and Apri
y to be freque
places where
10‐4. SchoolsApprDir
ary
District 2013 ool District 2013ly under constru
ion of the Drag
3‐27
tistics for thef population)
Total Minority
29.7
31.7
13.0
40.8
4.8
12.8
Asian or Pacific Imay be of any ra
s and Safety
hools within
west of the te
xas Youth Rod
k, approximat
year. The rod
Thursdays an
three‐day ev
l 2014 (CTYR
ented by chil
e children ar
s Near the Mcroximate Distaection from Te
3.5 miles NW
4.0 miles N
4.5 miles N
4.5 miles N
4.5 miles N
4.5 miles N
3 uction and is adja
gonFly Vehicle
e Region of In)
ya Hisp
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1
3
1
2
9
1
slander, Americace and is report
Risks
the ROI, dis
est site (Ogles
deo Associati
tely 3 miles n
deo events ar
nd Fridays, an
vents held at
RA 2013). The
ldren. There
re concentrat
cGregor Testance and est Site
W
E
E
E
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acent to the cur
at the McGreg
nfluence, 201
anic or o Originb
17.0
37.1
18.8
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9.2
17.9
can Indian or Alated separately.
stance from
sby Independ
ion (CTYRA) A
northeast of t
re typically h
nd 7:00 p.m.
t their arena
ere are eight
are no other
ted within t
t Site
Number of
17
2
40
30
59
40
rrent McGregor
gor Test Site, Te
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12 estimate
Families BelPoverty Lev
12.4
21.4
8.9
22.2
7.6
13.0
aska Native, oth
the test site
ent School D
Arena is locat
the site. The
held on Thurs
on Saturdays
at the McG
t parks in the
r schools, day
he vicinity o
f Students
74
2
04
00
95
01
Elementary and
exas
y 2014
low vel
er non‐
e, and
District
ted on
arena
sdays,
s. The
Gregor
e ROI,
ycares
of the
Draft Environmental Assessment
Issuing an Experimental Permit to SpaceX for Operation of the DragonFly Vehicle at the McGregor Test Site, Texas
3.0 Affected Environment 3‐28 May 2014
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
Draft Enviro
Issuing an
4.0 Environ
4.0 ENVIR
This chap
that coul
analyses
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
The analy
categorie
significan
Air Qu4.1
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and propo
this new
implemen
more of t
4.1.1
Construct
launching
where the
itself. The
number o
emissions
2010). On
Total cons
Co
Not
Air pollut
significant
The propo
and 2015
operation
miles, or
onmental Assess
Experimental P
nmental Conse
RONMENTAL
ter presents
d result from
presented in
2 onto existin
3. Both direct
ysis in this
s, found in A
ce of impacts
uality
impacts to a
osed operatio
launch pad
ntation of any
he NAAQS fo
Proposed Ac
tion under th
g and landing
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of workers. C
s factors and
n road trucks
struction emi
TableVolatile Organic ompounds
0.01 tes: PM10 = p
matter 2.1 rounded
ant emission
t impact on lo
osed DragonF
. In addition,
ns. It is assum
24 miles per
ment
Permit to Spac
equences
L CONSEQUEN
an analysis of
m implement
n this chapte
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and indirect
chapter con
Appendix A of
s, and describ
air quality cou
ons of up to 3
for the pe
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r any of the t
ction
he Proposed
g the Dragon
unch pad wo
on is not exp
onstruction e
equipment p
are also incl
issions are pr
e 4.1‐1. Estim
Nitrogen Oxides
0.03 particulate matt.5 microns or lesd values less tha
s generated
ocal or region
Fly RLV test la
up to 10 sta
med that the
r day roundtr
ceX for Operati
NCES
f the potentia
tation of the
er overlays t
s within the R
impacts of co
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f FAA Order 1
bes the FAA’s
uld result fro
30 annual sub
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natives would
ime frames a
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nFly RLV. Con
uld be poure
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emissions we
productivity d
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ated Constru
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0.09ter less than orss in diameter. n 0.01
by constructi
nal air quality
aunch schedu
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average one
rip. Commute
ion of the Drag
4‐1
al impacts up
e Proposed A
the compone
ROI for each
onstruction an
s guidance o
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significance t
om the propo
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2015. Signi
d directly or i
analyzed.
d be limited
nstruction ac
d, the laying
t for more t
re calculated
data from Na
missions are b
able 4.1‐1.
uction Emissio
n de
SulfDiox
0.0r equal to 10 m
ion activities
.
ule involves a
located at th
e‐way comm
er emissions
gonFly Vehicle
pon various co
Action. To ev
ents of the
environmen
nd operation
on the analy
ch includes a
thresholds.
osed construc
ches and land
ificant air qu
indirectly res
to a 1,600 ft
ctivities woul
of a gravel ba
han 10 days
d using EPA’s
tional Estima
based on EPA
ons for Launc
fur xide
001
microns in diame
would be ve
a maximum o
e McGregor
ute distance
were calcula
at the McGreg
omponents o
valuate pote
Proposed Ac
tal resource
s are conside
ysis of envir
a description
ction of a 1,6
dings of the D
uality impact
ult in the exc
t2 concrete p
ld involve ex
ase, and the
and would
NONROAD m
ator (Craftsm
A’s MOVES m
ch Pad in Ton
PM10
0.001
eter; PM2.5 = fi
ery small and
of 30 launche
test site to s
for each wo
ated using EP
gor Test Site, Te
May
of the environ
ntial impacts
ction describ
area present
ered in the EA
ronmental im
of how to an
600 ft2 launc
DragonFly RLV
ts would oc
ceedance of o
pad to be use
xcavating the
pouring of th
involve a mi
model (EPA 2
an Book Com
model (EPA 20
ns
PM2.5
0.001
ne particulate
would not h
es per year in
upport the te
orker would
PA’s MOVES m
exas
y 2014
nment
s, the
bed in
ted in
A.
mpact
nalyze
h pad
V from
cur if
one or
ed for
e area
he pad
inimal
010a)
mpany
010b).
have a
2014
esting
be 12
model
Draft Environmental Assessment
Issuing an Experimental Permit to SpaceX for Operation of the DragonFly Vehicle at the McGregor Test Site, Texas
4.0 Environmental Consequences 4‐2 May 2014
(EPA 2010b). Due to the small number of staff required to support the operation and the short commute
required, the air emissions associated with commuting are minor.
Pre‐flight activities include preparing the DragonFly RLV for launch and providing ground operations
support for launch and landing. The DragonFly RLV would be transported by truck or tractor‐trailer from
its storage location at the McGregor test site to the launch pad, which would involve the limited use of
the vehicle over a very short distance. Similarly, two trucks would be used to transport the propellants
from the propellant storage area to the launch pad. SpaceX operations currently occurring at the
McGregor test site already use the hypergolic propellants MMH and NTO. Transport and loading of the
propellants would utilize the same equipment and protocols that are currently in place for engine
testing using these propellants. Because of the small size of the launch vehicle, closed system used for
fueling, and modest fuel volume consumed per flight, minimal emissions would be generated from the
routine pre‐flight activities, and these were not quantified. The use of these propellants for DragonFly
RLV testing may result in a small number of increased deliveries from the supplier to the propellant
storage location, but these emissions are minimal and were not quantified.
Emissions associated with the operations would be generated by the combustion of the NTO/MMH
propellant and the combustion of fuel by the helicopter that would raise the DragonFly RLV up to 10,000
ft AGL for release. The primary combustion products of the propellants MMH and NTO used in the
DragonFly RLV are nitrogen gas and water (Stuetzer 2013, Haas 1984); therefore, there are no significant
criteria pollutants or GHG emissions associated with the operation of the DragonFly RLV.
The use of a helicopter four times a year would generate minimal pollutant emissions. Information on
the emission factors for the H‐47 Chinook, which uses two turboshaft engines of similar horsepower as
the ones used on the Erickson S‐64E, were used to estimate the helicopter emissions. Helicopter
operations include taking off and landing from Waco Regional Airport, traveling to the SpaceX facility in
McGregor Texas, which is approximately 16 miles away, and attaching and lifting the DragonFly RLV to
3,000 ft AGL, which is the vertical threshold for assessing ground‐level pollutant impacts.
The total annual operational emissions, which include the helicopter operations and annual commuter
emissions for 10 additional SpaceX staff, are presented in Table 4.1‐2 and represent the estimates for
each of the two years of testing (2014 and 2015).
Table 4.1‐2. Estimated Annual Operation Emissions in Tons per Year (2014 and 2015) Volatile Organic
Compounds
Nitrogen Oxides
Carbon Monoxide
Sulfur Dioxide
PM10 PM2.5
0.01 0.02 0.03 0.001 0.01 0.01
Notes: PM10 = particulate matter less than or equal to 10 microns in diameter; PM2.5 = fine particulate matter 2.5 microns or less in diameter. 1 rounded value less than 0.01
Operational air emissions are very small and would not have a significant impact on local or regional air
quality.
Draft Enviro
Issuing an
4.0 Environ
4.1.2
Under the
operation
launch pa
the additi
Noise4.2
4.2.1
Under the
and oper
noise wou
the Drago
of pieces
example,
noise leve
hours, ad
construct
The noise
propulsive
described
and 10:00
within the
1). The Dr
maximum
force (lbf)
A represe
four diffe
although
correspon
extended
(i.e., the
Appendix
A helicopt
assist and
year. The
the Drago
10,000 ft
operation
helicopte
onmental Assess
Experimental P
nmental Conse
No Action A
e No Action
n of the Drag
ad at the Drag
onal emission
e and Compat
Proposed Ac
e Proposed A
ations. Const
uld be genera
onRider area.
of construct
the typical m
el is relativel
dverse effect
ion activities
e analysis as
e assist, full
d in Table 2.1
0 p.m. SpaceX
e McGregor t
ragonFly is pr
m thrust of 16
) (15,325 lbf p
entative opera
rent operatio
two of the f
nding trajecto
burn time a
maximum no
A.
ter would rel
d full propulsi
helicopter w
onFly RLV. T
. The helicop
ns would gene
r noise to the
ment
Permit to Spac
equences
lternative
Alternative, t
gonFly RLV a
gonRider test
n of any air p
tible Land Us
ction
Action, poten
truction of th
ated by const
Noise levels
tion equipme
maximum nois
y low and b
ts from con
would not be
sumes a pro
propulsive l
‐1. All operat
X is currently
test site: the
ropelled by e
6,400 lbf indi
per engine) to
ation type wa
on types. The
four operatio
ory follows
and increased
oise scenario
lease the Dra
ve landing op
would travel 1
he helicopte
pter would h
erate noise, w
e overall nois
ceX for Operati
the FAA wou
t the McGre
t area would
ollutants. The
e
tial noise im
he launch pa
truction equip
at a given re
ent being op
se level of an
ecause the c
nstruction no
e significant.
oposed maxim
anding, prop
tions would o
y considering
Grasshopper
eight SuperDr
vidually, the
o maintain sta
as developed
representati
on types incl
a straight ve
d maximum a
). For furthe
agonFly RLV f
perations. The
16 miles from
r would then
over for a fe
which may be
se would be n
ion of the Drag
4‐3
uld not issue
gor test site
not occur. Th
erefore, there
pacts could o
ad would be
pment during
eceptor locat
perated and
n excavator at
construction
oise would
mum of 30 a
pulsive assist
occur from a
one of two
r launch pad o
raco engines.
vehicle’s ma
ability.
to account fo
ive operation
ude only lan
ertical traject
altitude to e
r discussion
rom up to 10
ese operation
m Waco Regio
n lift the Dra
ew seconds b
e noticeable in
negligible bec
gonFly Vehicle
an experime
. In addition
he No Action
e would be no
occur from p
expected to
g construction
tion would de
the receptor
t 50 ft would
noise would
not be likel
annual Drago
t hopping, an
single pad b
possible loca
or the Drago
Although a S
aximum thrus
or all the bas
n type include
dings. The re
tory from its
nsure a high
of the noise
0,000 ft abov
ns are propos
onal Airport t
agonFly RLV
before releas
n the surroun
cause the du
at the McGreg
ental permit
, constructio
Alternative w
o impact to r
roposed con
o take 1–2 w
n of the conc
epend on the
r’s distance f
be approxim
be tempora
y. Noise fro
onFly operat
nd full propu
between the h
ations for Dra
nRider test a
SuperDraco e
st is limited t
ic componen
es both a take
epresentative
s pad origin,
ly conservati
modeling pa
e the ground
sed to occur o
o the launch
and ascend
sing the RLV
nding area. T
ration, level,
gor Test Site, Te
May
to SpaceX fo
on of the con
would not res
egional air qu
struction act
weeks. Interm
crete launch p
e type and nu
from the site
mately 77 dBA
ry during da
om the prop
tions consisti
ulsive hoppin
hours of 7:00
agonFly opera
area (see Exhi
engine can re
to 122,600 po
ts of the prop
eoff and a lan
e operation t
, and includ
ive noise est
arameters ref
d during prop
only four time
pad and teth
to approxim
. These helic
The contribut
and tempo o
exas
y 2014
or the
ncrete
sult in
uality.
ivities
mittent
pad at
umber
e. For
A. This
ytime
posed
ing of
ng, as
0 a.m.
ations
ibit 2‐
each a
ounds
posed
nding,
type’s
es an
imate
fer to
ulsive
es per
her to
mately
copter
ion of
of the
Draft Environmental Assessment
Issuing an Experimental Permit to SpaceX for Operation of the DragonFly Vehicle at the McGregor Test Site, Texas
4.0 Environmental Consequences 4‐4 May 2014
helicopter noise is significantly lower than the DragonFly RLV. Therefore, the impact would be minor and
was not included within the modeled representative operational type.
Noise levels generated by the DragonFly RLV were estimated to be approximately 116 dBA 0.3 miles
from the launch pad and approximately 81 dBA 3 miles from the launch pad. The combination of the
existing operations and the proposed DragonFly operations results in the DNL contours shown in Exhibit
4.2‐1.
A significant noise impact is one in which the “proposed action will cause noise sensitive areas to
experience an increase in noise of DNL 1.5 dBA or more at or above DNL 65 dBA noise exposure when
compared to the no action alternative for the same timeframe.” The additional noise associated with
the proposed DragonFly operations produces less than a tenth of a dBA DNL difference. As shown in
Table 4.2‐1, the Proposed Action’s DNL 65 dBA contour area is predicted to increase approximately 0.01
percent over the No Action Alternative which equates to less than 4 acres. The 4 acres do not include
any additional sensitive noise receptors.
Table 4.2‐1. Summary of Total Contours Acreage by Scenario (Proposed Action)
Contour No Action Alternative
Grasshopper Pad Dragon Rider Site
Level Acres
Proposed Action Acres
+Acres1 Percent Increase Proposed Action Acres
+Acres % Increase
65 dBA 32691 32695 4 0.01 32694 3 0.01
70 dBA 18241 18244 3 0.02 18243 2 0.01
75 dBA 10729 10731 2 0.02 10731 2 0.02
80 dBA 5090 5093 3 0.06 5091 1 0.02
85 dBA 2476 2480 4 0.16 2478 2 0.08 Note: 1Increase in land acres within the contour over the No Action Alternative noise condition.
D
I
4
Draft Environmental
Issuing an Experim
4.0 Environmental
Assessment
ental Permit to Spa
Consequences
aceX for Operation
Exhibit 4.2‐1. N
of the DragonFly V
No Action Alterna
Vehicle at the McG
4‐5
ative and Propos
Gregor Test Site, Tex
sed Action Noise
exas
Contours
May 2014
Draft Enviro
Issuing an
4.0 Environ
Compatib
The Propo
This cons
Proposed
Proposed
Park and
changes t
Projected
McGregor
of McGre
the Falcon
pad as we
site. Adja
Section 3
regarding
levels in r
under the
condition
4.2.2
Under the
operation
launch pa
Section 2
noise leve
Depa4.3
4.3.1
Public Par
The FAA m
4(f) evalu
waterfow
attributes
recreation
belonging
Proposed
refuges. T
Because s
with pote
onmental Assess
Experimental P
nmental Conse
ble Land Use
osed Action i
struction wo
Action wou
Action is con
vicinity. The
o land use pr
noise conto
r test site lies
gor 2003). Th
n 9 Stage 1. T
ell as the ope
acent land us
.2. In additio
g use of respe
esidential are
e existing con
s. Therefore,
No Action A
e No Action
n of the Drag
ad at the Dra
.2 would con
els or compat
rtment of Tra
Proposed Ac
rks, Recreatio
must assess i
ation is requi
wl refuges, is
s of the publ
n area, and th
g to public pa
Action woul
The nearest w
significant inc
ential to incre
ment
Permit to Spac
equences
includes the
uld be consi
uld primarily
nsistent with
vicinity of th
ractices or zon
urs are comp
s within the C
he McGregor
Therefore, no
ration of the
se is agricult
on, SpaceX ha
ective parcels
eas in the City
ndition. The P
the Proposed
lternative
Alternative, t
gonFly RLV a
agonRider te
ntinue at the
tible land use
ansportation
ction
on Areas, and
if land use im
ired. A de min
defined as a
ic resource. T
here would b
arks or recrea
d not result i
wildlife manag
creases in no
ease noise lev
ceX for Operati
construction
istent with t
rely on exis
existing land
he industrial
ning would ha
pared to exist
City of McGre
test site is cu
oise associate
DragonFly RL
tural, which
as an existing
s of land on d
y of McGrego
Proposed Act
d Action wou
the FAA wou
t the McGre
st area woul
McGregor te
under this Al
: Section 4(f)
d Refuges
mpacts to Sec
nimis impact
an impact th
The McGrego
be no physica
ation areas as
in the physic
gement area i
oise levels ca
vels significan
ion of the Drag
4‐6
of a concret
the current
ting infrastru
d use and zon
park is zone
ave to occur f
ting land use
gor’s industri
urrently used
d with the co
LV would be c
is not consid
g agreement
days when ro
or and Oglesb
tion would ha
ld not result
uld not issue
gor test site
ld not occur.
est site. There
lternative.
ction 4(f) prop
on public par
hat will not a
or test site is
l use, direct t
s a result of t
al use, direct
is 5.5 miles fr
n impair the
ntly may be c
gonFly Vehicle
te launch pad
land use. Op
ucture within
ning designati
ed by the city
for initiation
s for determ
ial park and i
to conduct e
onstruction of
compatible w
dered a nois
t with the Ch
cket/engine t
by are not com
ave only min
in significant
an experime
. In addition
. Existing Spa
efore, there w
perties are e
rks, recreatio
adversely aff
s 2.3 miles fr
taking, or tem
he Proposed
t taking, or te
rom the test s
value of a 4
considered a
at the McGreg
d at the Drag
perations as
n the McGre
ions at the M
y as “heavy
of the Propo
ining compat
s zoned “hea
ngine testing
f the propose
with the existi
se‐sensitive a
harles Graham
tests are sch
mpatible with
imal effects
compatible l
ental permit
, constructio
aceX activitie
would be no
ither de mini
on areas, and
fect the activ
rom the near
mporary occu
Action. Impl
emporary occ
site.
4(f) property,
“constructive
gor Test Site, Te
May
gonRider test
sociated wit
egor test site
McGregor Indu
industrial” an
sed Action.
tible land use
vy industrial”
g, including te
ed concrete la
ng land use o
area as defin
m Cattle Com
eduled. The
h existing land
above the ex
and use impa
to SpaceX fo
on of the con
es, as describ
adverse effe
imis or if a Se
public wildlif
vities, feature
rest public pa
upancy of pro
ementation o
cupancy of w
, proposed ac
e use” of a Se
exas
y 2014
area.
h the
e. The
ustrial
nd no
e. The
” (City
ests of
aunch
on the
ned in
mpany
noise
d uses
xisting
acts.
or the
ncrete
bed in
cts to
ection
fe and
es, or
ark or
operty
of the
wildlife
ctions
ection
Draft Enviro
Issuing an
4.0 Environ
4(f) prope
levels tha
are alread
other noi
RLV launc
difference
Changes i
impacts o
impacts a
Significan
Implemen
occupanc
the neare
Construct
significant
substantia
the Propo
condition
launch, bu
magnitud
Proposed
4.3.2
Under the
operation
launch pa
the McGr
Histo4.4
4.4.1
The APE,
Proposed
proximity
archaeolo
from cons
result in
DragonFly
majority
operation
onmental Assess
Experimental P
nmental Conse
erty. As desc
t would be o
dy exposed t
se sources (e
ches would p
e between th
n noise cond
on Section 4(
re included in
nt Historic Sit
ntation of the
y of historic s
est historic pro
tive use of Se
tly and intro
ally impair th
osed Action w
s. The Drago
ut the annua
e to curren
Action on Se
No Action A
e No Action
n of the Drag
ad at the Dra
egor test site
rical, Archite
Proposed Ac
as defined in
Action, a ne
y to the exis
ogical resourc
struction und
a negligible
y RLV would
of the launc
ns each year, t
ment
Permit to Spac
equences
cribed in Sec
utside of the
to audible no
e.g., trains). A
produce less
he No Action
itions at 4(f) p
(f) properties
n Section 4.2
es
e Proposed Ac
sites. The loca
operty.
ction 4(f) pro
oduced visua
he value of th
would be exp
onFly RLV wo
l operations w
t SpaceX te
ection 4(f) hist
lternative
Alternative, t
gonFly RLV a
gonRider tes
e. Therefore, t
ctural, Archa
ction
n Section 3.4
ew concrete
sting Grassh
ces in this are
der the Propo
increase in
be visible fr
ch and landin
two propulsiv
ceX for Operati
tion 4.1.2 ab
test site, pot
oise from cur
As discussed i
than a tent
Alternative a
properties wo
s would be d
and Appendi
ction would n
ation of the p
operties would
al elements
e historic pro
ected to pro
ould be visib
would be inte
sting operat
toric sites wo
the FAA wou
t the McGre
st area would
there would b
aeological, an
), includes 14
launch pad
opper launc
ea. Therefore
osed Action.
noise (refer
rom the histo
ng operation
ve assist and
ion of the Drag
4‐7
bove, Dragon
tentially at Se
rrent SpaceX
in Section 4.2
th of a dB d
and Proposed
ould not be s
de minimis. A
x A of this EA
not result in t
proposed laun
d occur if the
that would
operties. As d
duce a neglig
le from the
ermittent and
tions. Theref
ould be de min
uld not issue
gor test site
d not occur. E
be no adverse
nd Cultural Re
4 NRHP‐listed
would be co
h pad. Ther
e, there woul
The launches
to Section 4
oric propertie
s would last
two full prop
gonFly Vehicle
nFly RLV test
ection 4(f) pr
activities (as
2, the noise l
difference fro
d Action DNL
ignificant; the
A detailed an
A.
the physical u
nch pad is app
e proposed op
significantly
described in S
gible increase
historic prop
d of short du
fore, impacts
nimis.
an experime
. In addition
Existing Space
e effects to la
esources
d or eligible h
onstructed in
re are no k
d be no direc
s and landing
4.2, Noise an
es in the AP
t only one m
pulsive landin
at the McGreg
launches m
operties. How
s described in
evel associat
om current o
L contours of
erefore, pote
nalysis of noi
use, direct tak
proximately 0
perations incr
y alter the u
Section 4.4.1,
e in noise com
perties in the
ration and si
s from oper
ental permit
, constructio
eX activities
and use unde
historical res
the DragonR
known NRHP
ct effects to
gs of the Dra
nd Compatibl
E during eac
minute each.
gs, would las
gor Test Site, Te
May
ay generate
wever, these
n Section 2.2
ed with Drag
operations, w
f less than 4 a
ential noise‐re
ise and assoc
king, or temp
0.75 of a mile
reased noise
use, characte
, operations u
mpared to ex
e APE during
milar in scop
rations unde
to SpaceX fo
on of the con
would contin
r this alterna
ources. Unde
Rider test ar
P‐listed or e
historic prop
agonFly RLV w
le Land Use)
ch launch, bu
Only four o
t 30 minutes
exas
y 2014
noise
areas
2) and
gonFly
with a
acres.
elated
ciated
porary
e from
levels
er, or
under
xisting
each
pe and
er the
or the
ncrete
nue at
tive.
er the
ea, in
ligible
erties
would
). The
ut the
of the
each.
Draft Enviro
Issuing an
4.0 Environ
Operation
was rece
significant
be no eff
this findin
4.4.2
Under the
operation
the McGr
the prote
be no effe
Fish, W4.5
4.5.1
Vegetatio
The Prop
DragonRid
mowed i
vegetatio
During a
predeterm
site subje
Proposed
Wildlife
The poten
is no anti
bodies are
Impacts t
the McGr
landings.
annually,
4.2 above
would not
Special‐St
As discus
Assessme
McGregor
onmental Assess
Experimental P
nmental Conse
ns under the
ntly develop
t physical fea
ects to histo
ng of no effec
No Action A
e No Action
n of the Drag
regor test site
ctive covena
ect to historic
Wildlife, and
Proposed Ac
on
posed Action
der test area
ndustrial lan
n.
nominal lau
mined targete
ect to active
Action would
ntial construc
icipated perm
e in the vicini
o wildlife fro
egor test site
Based on the
overall impa
e, there would
t significantly
tatus Species
ssed in Sect
ent for Issuing
r Test Site, Te
ment
Permit to Spac
equences
Proposed Act
ed and used
atures or cha
ric properties
ct on April 7, 2
lternative
Alternative, t
onFly RLV at
e. As a lessee
nts and othe
c properties u
Plants
ction
includes po
a and the G
nd (see Secti
unch, the Dr
ed site within
grazing do
d not result in
ction of a new
manent displa
ty of the pote
om DragonFly
e such as star
e relative infr
cts to region
d be no signif
y impact wildl
s
ion 3.5, coo
g an Experime
exas indicated
ceX for Operati
tion would oc
d for suborb
racteristics o
s from imple
2014 (refer to
the FAA wou
the McGrego
e of the city‐o
r applicable s
under this alte
otential const
rasshopper l
ion 3.5.1 for
ragonFly RLV
n the operatin
not have sig
n significant i
w launch pad
acement of w
ential launch
y RLV launch
rtling and flus
requency of D
nal wildlife po
ficant noise im
life.
ordination w
ental Permit t
d that there a
ion of the Drag
4‐8
ccur intermitt
bital testing,
of any of the
mentation of
o Appendix B,
uld not issue
or test site. E
owned prope
stipulations i
ernative.
truction of a
aunch pad a
r further des
V would land
ng area in the
gnificant amo
mpacts to veg
would not ha
wildlife prese
pad, aquatic
operations w
shing of birds
DragonFly RLV
opulations ar
mpacts from
ith the USFW
to SpaceX for
are no federa
gonFly Vehicle
tently and fo
and as such
historic prop
f the Propose
, Agency Coor
an experime
Existing Space
erty, SpaceX w
dentified in t
a new 1,600
are previousl
scription), co
d either back
e vicinity of la
ounts of woo
getation.
ave impacts o
ent at the M
species wou
would be sim
s and other w
V test launch
re not anticip
operations. T
WS in 2011
Operation of
ally listed spe
at the McGreg
or a short dur
h, would not
perties. There
ed Action. TH
rdination).
ental permit
eX activities
would contin
the PA. There
0 ft2 launch
y disturbed
onstruction w
k on the lau
aunch pad. Th
ody vegetatio
on terrestrial
cGregor test
ld not be imp
milar to existin
wildlife during
hes, approxim
pated. As di
Therefore, th
1 for the Fin
f the Grasshop
cies known to
gor Test Site, Te
May
ation at a site
t alter any o
efore, there w
HC concurred
to SpaceX fo
would contin
ue to comply
efore, there w
pad. Becaus
and are cur
would not im
unch pad or
he areas of th
on; therefore
wildlife, and
site. As no
pacted.
ng disturbanc
g test launche
mately 30 lau
scussed in Se
e Proposed A
nal Environm
pper Vehicle a
o occur in the
exas
y 2014
e that
of the
would
d with
or the
nue at
y with
would
e the
rently
mpact
r in a
e test
e, the
there
water
ces at
es and
nches
ection
Action
mental
at the
e ROI.
Draft Enviro
Issuing an
4.0 Environ
Under the
north of t
occur in t
direct effe
The launc
existing c
but the m
annual op
intermitte
Previous
whooping
developed
the whoo
migration
permit, p
currently
activities
monitorin
have not
must noti
until the
operation
monitorin
whooping
4.5.2
Under the
operation
the McGr
alternativ
Wate4.6
4.6.1
Surface W
Construct
preparatio
launch pa
be requir
soils or p
onmental Assess
Experimental P
nmental Conse
e Proposed A
the existing G
the ROI are k
ects to listed
ches and land
onditions. Th
majority of the
perations wo
ently and for
coordination
g cranes with
d a whooping
oping cranes’
n (approximat
otential stop
monitored fo
during the
ng would also
been observ
ify the FAA, U
cranes have
nal area of t
ng plan, the
g crane.
No Action A
e No Action
n of the Drag
regor test site
ve.
r Quality
Proposed Ac
Waters (Non‐w
tion activities
on for constr
ad would not
ed because t
pollutants fro
ment
Permit to Spac
equences
Action, a new
rasshopper R
known to oc
species from
dings of the D
he DragonFly
e launch and
ould last 30
a short durat
with TPWD
hin the test s
g crane monit
northern mig
tely mid‐Sept
p‐over habitat
or the presen
fall and spr
o be conduct
ved at the de
USFWS, and T
left the area
the McGrego
FAA has de
lternative
Alternative, t
onFly RLV at
e. Therefore,
ction
wetlands Sur
s related to t
ructing of a 1
result in dire
the construct
om being ca
ceX for Operati
w concrete lau
RLV launch pa
cur at the pr
construction
DragonFly RLV
RLV would b
landing oper
minutes each
tion at a site,
indicated tha
ite (TPWD 20
toring plan to
gration (appr
ember throu
t located wit
nce of whoop
ring migratio
ted by Space
esignated mo
TPWD, and c
a. Based on t
or test site a
termined tha
the FAA wou
the McGrego
there would
rface Waters)
he Proposed
,600 ft2 launc
ect impacts to
tion of the pa
rried off‐site
ion of the Drag
4‐9
unch pad wou
ad. None of th
roposed laun
n activities ass
V would resul
be visible from
ations would
h. Operation
which is curr
at there may
011c). In res
o be impleme
roximately lat
gh late Decem
thin the oper
ping cranes a
n periods. S
X for Dragon
nitoring sites
cease activitie
he very rare
and with the
at the Propo
uld not issue
or test site. E
be no adver
)
Action woul
ch pad at the
o surface wat
ad would dist
e in stormwa
gonFly Vehicle
uld be constr
he State‐listed
nch pad site.
sociated with
lt in a negligi
m the surrou
d last only one
s under the
ently already
be suitable s
sponse to TPW
nted when op
te March thr
mber). Under
rational area
pproximately
Similarly, as
nFly operatio
s, if whoopin
es covered u
occurrence o
e implement
osed Action
an experime
Existing Space
se effects to
ld include ex
e DragonRide
ers. A TPDES
turb less tha
ater runoff, t
at the McGreg
ructed approx
d species tha
Therefore, t
h the Propose
ble increase
nding area d
e minute eac
Proposed Ac
y used for sub
stop‐over ha
WD recomm
perations are
rough early Ju
r the existing
of the McG
y 1‐2 hours p
appropriate,
ons. Although
g cranes are
nder the exp
of whooping
tation of the
would have
ental permit
eX activities
biological re
cavating, gra
r test area. C
construction
n 1 acre. To
the use of B
gor Test Site, Te
May
ximately 0.32
t have potent
here would b
ed Action.
in noise abov
uring each la
h. Only four o
ction would
borbital testin
bitat for mig
endations, Sp
e conducted d
une) and sou
FAA experim
regor test sit
prior to condu
, whooping
h whooping c
observed, Sp
perimental pe
cranes withi
e whooping
no effect o
to SpaceX fo
would contin
sources unde
ding, and fill
Construction o
n permit wou
prevent distu
Best Manage
exas
y 2014
2 mile
tial to
be no
ve the
aunch,
of the
occur
ng.
rating
paceX
during
uthern
mental
te are
ucting
crane
cranes
paceX
ermits
in the
crane
n the
or the
nue at
er this
ing in
of the
ld not
urbed
ement
Draft Environmental Assessment
Issuing an Experimental Permit to SpaceX for Operation of the DragonFly Vehicle at the McGregor Test Site, Texas
4.0 Environmental Consequences 4‐10 May 2014
Practices (BMPs) such as sediment traps, silt fences, straw bales, or fiber rolls would be incorporated
into design and construction. During project operations, stormwater discharges from new impervious
surfaces of the launch pad could potentially convey stormwater with low levels of pollutants to adjacent
wetlands and other surface waters. Typical pollutants could include sediment and petrochemicals.
However, the Proposed Action would not substantially alter existing stormwater runoff patterns.
Vegetated buffers surrounding these features, which help prevent indirect impacts to or degradation of
streams, would be maintained.
Although the probability is low, a launch failure could potentially impact surface waters. Potential
impacts would be minimized and mitigated by emergency response and clean‐up procedures. Due to
minimal surface waters present within the operations area, and management practices in place to
prevent releases, no adverse impacts to surface waters are expected as a result of the Proposed Action.
Groundwater
Construction activities associated with the launch pad would not require blasting that would alter
underlying geology and affect the Trinity Aquifer. Construction of the launch pad would not require
significant quantities of groundwater. Construction vehicles and machinery could potentially impact
groundwater if spills or leaks occur. Storage and handling of chemicals and fuel used during construction
activities would follow SpaceX’s Spill Response Procedure, which would minimize the potential for
accidental releases of pollution substances from construction equipment. All construction materials
would be carefully stored and handled and spills cleaned up immediately. The increase in impervious
surface associated with the potential launch pad would be minimal; therefore, no impacts to
groundwater recharge capabilities would occur.
Water for the McGregor test site is supplied via pipeline from a groundwater well at the City of
McGregor water plant. Water demand for operations of the Proposed Action is minimal and would not
be anticipated to significantly increase existing groundwater demand. Propellants that would be used in
operations for the Proposed Action are currently stored at the test site, and are managed as per the
SpaceX Spill Response Procedure. Therefore, spills would not be expected to enter or impact
groundwater resources.
Ongoing groundwater remediation projects are occurring in nearby areas because of contamination
originating from former NWIRP site uses, as described in Section 3.6. Investigations by the Navy
indicated that contaminated groundwater does not underlay or originate from the areas associated with
the proposed launch pad locations or proposed construction area (EPA 2009b). Additionally, EPA has
granted the former NWIRP site a “Ready for Reuse” designation indicating that the remediated
conditions of the site are protective of human health and the environment for the anticipated use (EPA
2009b).
In the event of a launch failure (for which the probability is low), any potential impacts to groundwater
would be minimized by emergency response and clean‐up procedures. Therefore, adverse impacts to
groundwater from the Proposed Action are not expected.
Draft Enviro
Issuing an
4.0 Environ
Wetlands
Two area
the propo
wetlands
BMPs wo
potential
Therefore
Floodplai
There are
located in
100‐year
McGregor
BMPs wo
would als
floodplain
mitigated
floodplain
4.6.2
Under the
operation
the McGr
alternativ
Natur4.7
4.7.1
Expansion
of a 1,60
resources
of additio
The plann
fuels and
construct
and relat
launch pa
resources
onmental Assess
Experimental P
nmental Conse
s
s of emergen
osed location
from polluta
ould be imple
impacts to w
e, no adverse
ns
e approximat
n the southea
floodplains a
r test site. Th
uld be imple
so be implem
ns. If a launc
and minimiz
ns are expecte
No Action A
e No Action
n of the Drag
regor test sit
ve.
ral Resources
Proposed Ac
n of the exist
00 ft2 launch
s and energy.
onal energy, w
ned test launc
d propellants
ion and main
ively minima
ad is construc
s or energy su
ment
Permit to Spac
equences
nt wetlands a
for launch pa
ants and sedi
emented. In t
wetlands wou
impacts to w
ely 44.92 acr
ast portion o
associated w
hese floodpla
mented duri
mented to pre
ch failure do
zed through e
ed from the P
lternative
Alternative, t
onFly RLV at
te. Therefore
s and Energy
ction
ing facilities b
pad, and is
Launches of
which would b
ches of the RL
s as describ
ntenance was
al amounts o
cted. The Pro
upply.
ceX for Operati
re located on
ad constructi
ment carried
the event of
uld be minim
wetlands are e
res of 100‐ye
of the McGre
ith a tributa
ins are outsid
ng design an
event any rel
es occur dur
emergency re
Proposed Act
the FAA wou
the McGrego
, there woul
Supply
based on the
s not expecte
f the DragonF
be provided v
LV would use
bed in Sectio
shing of the l
f concrete a
oposed Actio
ion of the Drag
4‐11
n the McGreg
on. To minim
d in stormwat
a launch fai
mized by eme
expected to o
ear floodplain
gor test site
ry to Station
de of the are
d constructio
eases or con
ring operatio
esponse and c
ion.
uld not issue
or test site. E
d be no adv
Proposed Ac
ed to signific
Fly RLV are ex
via existing ut
e a propellant
on 2.1.1 wo
aunch pad w
nd other nat
n is not expe
gonFly Vehicle
gor test site,
mize the occur
ter runoff fro
lure (for whi
ergency respo
occur as a resu
ns associated
boundary an
n Creek in th
ea of the prop
on to preven
ntaminants fr
ons, potentia
clean‐up proc
an experime
Existing Space
verse effects
ction is limite
cantly increa
xpected to re
tilities at the t
t mixture of N
ould be met
would consum
tural resourc
ected to have
at the McGreg
but no wetla
rrence of sho
om the propo
ich the proba
onse and clea
ult of the Pro
d with the So
nd approxima
he southwest
posed launch
t impacts to
rom operatio
l floodplain
cedures. No a
ental permit
eX activities
to water res
ed to the pote
ase demand
equire approx
test site.
NTO and MMH
t without d
me water from
ces would be
e significant
gor Test Site, Te
May
ands are locat
ort‐term impa
osed constru
ability is low
an‐up proced
oposed Action
outh Bosque
ately 2.34 ac
tern corner o
pad constru
floodplains.
ns from impa
impacts wou
adverse impa
to SpaceX fo
would contin
sources unde
ential constru
or use of na
ximately 50 k
H. The deman
ifficulty. Pot
m the water
e consumed
impact on na
exas
y 2014
ted at
acts to
ction,
), any
dures.
n.
River
res of
of the
ction.
BMPs
acting
uld be
cts to
or the
nue at
er this
uction
atural
kW‐hr
nd for
tential
truck,
if the
atural
Draft Enviro
Issuing an
4.0 Environ
4.7.2
Under the
operation
the McGr
supply un
Hazar4.8
4.8.1
Solid was
associated
expected
would be
The Drago
materials
would be
materials
hazardou
CFR §420
Appropria
hazardou
Response
hazards t
Emergenc
Response
D), and Sa
Remediat
the site.
Sections 3
for launch
Reuse” de
and the
expected
Proposed
hazardou
no advers
4.8.2
Under the
operation
onmental Assess
Experimental P
nmental Conse
No Action A
e No Action
n of the Drag
regor test site
der this alter
rdous Materi
Proposed Ac
ste is likely t
d with the Pr
to be a sign
managed and
onFly RLV pro
. NTO and M
e shipped to
associated w
s materials a
.67 for liquid
ate engineeri
s materials o
Procedures
to employees
cy Response
Plan (29 CFR
anitary Sewer
tion for groun
Remediation
3.6 and 4.6, i
h pad constru
esignation ind
environment
to have any
Action wou
s materials, h
se impacts are
No Action A
e No Action
n of the Drag
ment
Permit to Spac
equences
lternative
Alternative, t
onFly RLV at
e. Therefore,
rnative.
als, Pollution
ction
to be produ
oposed Actio
nificant increa
d disposed of
opulsion syste
MMH are cur
the McGrego
with engine m
nd wastes wo
propellants.
ng and admi
or wastes. Sp
for the McG
s and the en
Plan fulfill th
R Part 1910.12
r Accidental R
ndwater and s
n is also ong
investigations
uction are not
dicating that
t for the ant
adverse impa
uld comply w
hazardous wa
e expected.
lternative
Alternative, t
onFly RLV at
ceX for Operati
the FAA wou
the McGrego
there would
n Prevention,
ced during t
on. The amou
ase over cur
f according to
em uses a pro
rrently used
or test site in
maintenance a
ould be store
inistrative co
paceX has ad
regor test sit
nvironment.
he requireme
20(q)), RCRA
Release Preve
soil contamin
going for gro
s indicate tha
t contaminat
the remediat
ticipated use
act due to pa
with all appl
aste manage
the FAA wou
the McGrego
ion of the Drag
4‐12
uld not issue
or test site. E
d be no adve
and Solid W
the potentia
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waste, and po
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or NWIRP use
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gor Test Site, Te
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to SpaceX fo
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other
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at 14
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4.9.1
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past testi
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beneficial
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populatio
onmental Assess
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regor test site
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ld be no adv
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otential incr
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cs in the ROI.
uch as those
s, tax revenu
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mental justice
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potentially a
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pacts to env
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materials, pol
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veral miles ar
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es fire. These
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missions and
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adverse in ter
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lution
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Therefore
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nmental Conse
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Proposed Ac
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of the 2‐ye
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uld be no sign
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dditionally, th
nd Employme
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rease in emp
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ment
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roportionate
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expected to r
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ices in the RO
ay indirectly s
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ot be expecte
may be requ
pport direct
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ion of the Drag
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me population
tal health or s
n of 10 new e
maximum sc
household si
mately 16 fam
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require new c
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n of 10 new e
xisting ROI em
into an incre
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support exist
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ired to supp
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ed jobs woul
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ns. Impacts to
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USCB 2012; U
s. The total p
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ings in the R
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construct
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Environm
Impacts t
low‐incom
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or minorit
Children’s
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miles from
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impacts fr
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4.10.2
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this altern
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nmental Conse
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ld be minor d
mental Justice
to environme
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10.2. Therefo
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There are fiv
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ental safety
s standards.
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No Action A
e No Action
n of the Drag
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native.
ment
Permit to Spac
equences
d accrue to
and slight in
due to the sm
e
ental justice p
ons in the
quences resul
on 3.10, there
populations
re, there wou
ns and thus no
ntal Health an
environmenta
mental cons
ve schools, eig
sed launch pa
hat the Pro
and health.
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air pollution
ts to children
lternative
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onFly RLV at
e. Therefore, t
ceX for Operati
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ncrease in em
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come or dem
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on would ha
McLennan C
s summarized
use emissions
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uld not issue
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gonFly Vehicle
governments
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and the pot
disproportion
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justice impact
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m the project
youth rodeo
ts analyses d
ave no sign
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d in Section
s to exceed N
sed Action wo
or safety.
an experime
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e effects to so
at the McGreg
s as a result
s would be be
scale of hirin
f the presenc
tential for h
nately affect t
idered minor
s defined by
adverse impa
ts.
terms of the
t to disprop
o arena locate
iscussed in S
nificant impa
in attainmen
4.1 indicate
NAAQS. Beca
ould not pose
ental permit
eX activities
ocioeconomi
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of the increa
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ng.
ce of minorit
high and ad
these popula
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the CEQ and
acts on low‐in
potential fo
portionately
ed between 3
Sections 4.2 o
acts on child
nt for NAAQS
es that opera
ause no signi
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to SpaceX fo
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exas
y 2014
ase in
wever,
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dverse
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ncome
r high
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ations
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onate
or the
nue at
under
Draft Environmental Assessment
Issuing an Experimental Permit to SpaceX for Operation of the DragonFly Vehicle at the McGregor Test Site, Texas
4.0 Environmental Consequences 4‐16 May 2014
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
Draft Enviro
Issuing an
5.0 Cumula
5.0 CUMU
Cumulativ
The i
added
(Fede
The CEQ
and simila
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terms of
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industrial
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years. The
NTO, are
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onmental Assess
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ULATIVE IMP
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present, and
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Proposed Ac
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to climate ch
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roposed Actio
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not be addit
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NEPA thresh
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antially contri
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on essentially
missions to U.
r Year Perc
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with past and
hat produces
would enable
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d be 30 times
test site. No
tive because
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future action
ted.
at the McGreg
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bute to globa
year of testing
emissions in
y represent z
S. 2011 GHG
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1.44 X
e would not
emissions w
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e meaningful
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oise from the
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oposed Actio
s at the McG
gor Test Site, Te
May
nificance for
atic, as it is di
al climate cha
g are compos
n Table 5.1‐1
ero percent o
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11 GHG Emiss
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lly.
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e Grasshoppe
rograms wou
on is combin
regor test sit
exas
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GHG
fficult
ange.
sed of
1. The
of the
ions
ciable
se the
other
imate
of the
imilar
er RLV
uld be
ed in
te and
Draft Environmental Assessment
Issuing an Experimental Permit to SpaceX for Operation of the DragonFly Vehicle at the McGregor Test Site, Texas
6.0 List of Preparers and Contributors 6‐1 May 2014
6.0 LIST OF PREPARERS AND CONTRIBUTORS
Government Preparers
Daniel Czelusniak Affiliation: FAA Office of Commercial Space Transportation Education: BS Environmental Management, Juris Doctorate Experience: 14 years of environmental impact assessment experience
Stacey Zee Affiliation: FAA Office of Commercial Space Transportation Education BS Natural Resource Management, MS Environmental Policy Experience: 18 years of environmental impact assessment experience
Cardno TEC, Inc.
Abigail Shoff, GIS Analyst B.S. Geography, Geographical Information Systems Years of Experience: 3
Cristina Ailes, Environmental Analyst B.S. Biology, Ecology and Environmental Science B.A. International Studies Years of Experience: 6
Jaclyn Johnson, Environmental Planner, Project Manager B.S. Ecology Years of Experience: 14
Kathleen Hall, Project QA/QC Director, Senior Environmental Planner B.A. Earth and Environmental Science Years of Experience: 16
Kathleen Riek, Senior Environmental Planner B.S. Biology Years of Experience: 25
Lesley Hamilton, Senior Environmental Scientist B.A. Chemistry Years of Experience: 25
Lori Thursby, Senior Architectural Historian M.A.H. Master of Architectural History Years of Experience: 18
Blue Ridge Research and Consulting, LLC
Alex Salton, Engineer M.S. Mechanical Engineering
Years of Experience: 4
Draft Environmental Assessment
Issuing an Experimental Permit to SpaceX for Operation of the DragonFly Vehicle at the McGregor Test Site, Texas
6.0 List of Preparers and Contributors 6‐2 May 2014
Michael James, Senior Principal Engineer M.S. Mechanical Engineering Years of Experience: 14
Draft Environmental Assessment
Issuing an Experimental Permit to SpaceX for Operation of the DragonFly Vehicle at the McGregor Test Site, Texas
7.0 References 7‐1 May 2014
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