SpaceX has been cited by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for violating environmental regulations by discharging pollutants into local waters near its Starbase launch facility in Texas.

Concerns have been raised about high mercury concentrations in SpaceX's wastewater discharges, which pose serious risks to aquatic ecosystems and public health.

The TCEQ received 14 complaints about unauthorized discharges from SpaceX's water deluge system, leading to the notice of violation issued on August 6, 2023.

This notice of violation follows a similar warning from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding violations of the Clean Water Act.

Despite receiving violation notices, SpaceX continued to conduct test flights, including one on March 14, 2024, and operated its unauthorized water deluge system.

The FAA has indefinitely postponed public environmental impact assessment meetings related to future Starship launches, which could limit SpaceX's testing to 25 launches annually.

The ongoing violations could delay SpaceX's plans to increase Starship launches at its Boca Chica facility, where it aims for up to 25 annual launches and landings.

Environmental groups have filed lawsuits against SpaceX and the FAA due to the environmental impacts of SpaceX's operations, including damage to protected areas and habitats.

The impact of the pollution allegations on SpaceX's timeline for Mars missions and NASA collaborations remains uncertain.

SpaceX's Starship is crucial for CEO Elon Musk's plans for human transport to Mars and is also scheduled to assist NASA's Artemis 3 mission to the moon in September 2026.

SpaceX's water deluge system, critical for cooling and sound dampening during rocket launches, was reportedly not adequately constructed before test flights commenced.