A draft environmental study of a proposal to build a rocket launch site in South Texas says it could affect several endangered species, but any "significant impacts" to wildlife could be avoided if steps are taken.
The draft environmental impact statement released Monday by the Federal Aviation Administration indicates that if California-based SpaceX implements a list of measures then there would be "no significant impacts on wildlife." Those measures include avoiding launches when wildlife are most active, and providing pre- and post-launch surveys for endangered birds.
The draft is an important step in SpaceX's consideration of the site near where the Rio Grande empties into the Gulf of Mexico. The final report is a necessary precursor to the FAA issuing licenses allowing SpaceX to launch rockets, but not a guarantee.
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