Opposition of Spaceport Camden
Spaceport Camden Update – DEADLINE EXTEDED TO 3/8
We received notification this morning that the Georgia Coastal Department of Natural Resources (CDNR) has *extended* the public comment opportunity deadline to March 8, 2021.
Typically, we would have an automated form for you to complete on our website and it would be a few simple clicks. This time, it’s not as straightforward — because we believe the greatest impact will come from personal letters.
Please take the time to send your comments and help protect Georgia’s coast; details are available below.
Don’t miss these important details to ensure your comments are taken into consideration:
This public comment opportunity is NOT limited to Georgia residents, but comments must be specific to the Georgia Coastal Management Program.
Based on the issue(s) that concern you most about Spaceport Camden, please send a written record of your objection and include: your name, where you live, how frequently you visit the Georgia coast, why you believe protecting our natural resources is critical.
Comments specific to federal laws and protections are NOT applicable.
ONLY comments related to the Georgia Coastal Management Program will be considered by the CDNR.
Email your comments to CRD.Comments@dnr.ga.gov by 5:00 PM EST on Monday, February 8, 2021.
You may also mail your comments to:
Diana Taylor
Department of Natural Resources,
One Conservation Way, Brunswick, Georgia 31520
IMPORTANT: If you choose this option, please allow adequate time for USPS mail delivery under current conditions. Deadline is Monday, February 8th.
Thanks to our partners at the SELC, you will find some tips to help you start your letter:
THESE ISSUES MAY MATTER TO YOU.
ISSUE: Damage from Failed Launches
Small rockets have a higher failure rate than the rockets evaluated in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement. The only publicly-released environmental documents stated a 2.5% to 6% failure rate. However, small-lift class US-licensed rockets have accumulated a 19% failure rate since 2006. Only one US rocket manufacturer has an operational small rocket. All others are in development or testing. Camden uses a hypothetical rocket in its license application calculations.
Failed rocket launches risk damaging state marshlands, shore areas, and shellfish harvest areas. Failed launches could contaminate these areas with rocket fuel and debris, and Camden County has not provided a plan to ensure that these areas are cleaned up.
The FAA advised Camden County that it believes a failed launch could cause an “uncontrollable” wildfire on Cumberland or Little Cumberland Islands.
The Georgia Historic Preservation Office recently advised the FAA that it does not have sufficient information to complete its historic preservation review, and requested additional information regarding launch failures and wildfires.
ISSUE: Closing public waterways
Rocket launches will require extensive closures of public waterways including the Satilla River, St. Andrews Sound, and the Intracoastal Waterway.
Rocket launches will require extensive closures of public fishing areas including inshore/offshore, bait zones, shellfish harvest areas, and reefs.
Spaceport Camden’s License Application does not impose any limit on frequency or number of days that could be subject to these navigation restrictions.
These closures will often be made on short notice and will change each time a launch is cancelled due to weather, possibility of triggered lightning, technical difficulties, or a safety zone intrusion.
ISSUE: Use of Public Property
Camden County cannot use state-owned marshlands and the Cumberland and Satilla Rivers as blast zone buffers for launches from the site. The blast zone is the most likely area to be damaged by rocket blasts, fuel spills, and debris. The State cannot allow Camden County to use state property in this way.
ISSUE: Use of Public Property
Camden County cannot use state-owned marshlands and the Cumberland and Satilla Rivers as blast zone buffers for launches from the site. The blast zone is the most likely area to be damaged by rocket blasts, fuel spills, and debris. The State cannot allow Camden County to use state property in this way.
It is critical that the CDNR hears from the PUBLIC and that we demand the CDNR does not limit its decision to the information provided by the FAA and Spaceport Camden.
From Chapter 5 of the GCMP:
“The General Assembly further finds that resources within this coastal area are costly, if not impossible, to reconstruct or rehabilitate once adversely affected by human-related activities and it is important to conserve these resources for the present and future enjoyment of all citizens and visitors to the state.”
Spaceport Camden Update – December 2020
Wild Cumberland has been working nonstop to help the public (and our elected officials) see the truth about Spaceport Camden.
The Southern Environmental Law Center’s recently submitted additional comments to the FAA on behalf of conservation organizations including Wild Cumberland, One Hundred Miles, the National Parks Conservation Association, and the Satilla Riverkeeper.
Read the latest comments below or view PDF here.
View SeLC_comments
Spaceport Camden is a speculative attempt to bolster one rural county’s economy, but it jeopardizes its most valuable natural resource — one that belongs to every one of us: a federally-protected Wilderness Area and Cumberland Island National Seashore.
Small rocket launches can send flaming debris and toxic material from the sky, destroying the habitats of threatened and endangered species, and can ignite Cumberland Island’s centuries-old maritime forest.
Our coast is of value and significance to every Georgian. To minimize the implications of a project like this on both the state and national levels is a severe oversight by Governor Kemp.
Most importantly – allowing an unnecessary, for-profit spaceport to launch over this Wilderness Area sets a dangerous precedent for ALL Wilderness Areas in the United States.
The FAA will issue its final decision for the Spaceport Camden launch site in March 2021, without opportunity for further public comment. If this project moves forward, we are allowing wilderness to be superseded by the interests of private stakeholders at any time.
Our officials must understand that a Spaceport should never be authorized to fly over protected Wilderness.
Take action on this issue below.
Sign the Petition on Change.orgView the ‘No Rockets Over Wilderness’ website
Download Media Kit (11.1 MB)
SEND A MESSAGE TO GOV. KEMP
Use the form below to send your opposition of Spaceport Camden directly to Gov. Kemp’s Office
SEND A MESSAGE TO THE FAA
Use the form below to send your opposition of Spaceport Camden directly to the FAA
SEND A MESSAGE TO THE DNR
Use the form below to send your opposition of Spaceport Camden directly to the DNR