On Thursday, June 19, 2025, at 1:36 PM
Central Time, the EPA was notified by the National Response Center of an
explosion of a test rocket at the Space X facility in Brownsville, Cameron
County, Texas (commonly known as Starbase, Texas). The explosion burned 70 tons
of liquid methane, 1200 tons of liquid oxygen, and an unknown amount of
hydraulic fuel. The cause of the explosion is unknown at this time and the area
has been closed off to ensure safety of the public.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
(TCEQ) and the EPA are reviewing the incident. EPA personnel was activated to
conduct perimeter air monitoring and coordinate with state and local partners.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife, US Coast Guard, and TCEQ were notified on the
incident and sent personnel to the scene on June 19.
On June 20, EPA and TCEQ met with
representatives with SpaceX to discuss ongoing response efforts.
