Multiple speakers aired concerns about the impacts of noise due to rocket launches including on people, animals and buildings as SpaceX seeks to add a second launch site at Vandenberg Space Force Base.
On Thursday, more than 50 people attended a Lompoc hearing on the draft environmental impact statement assessing a proposal for Falcon rockets to use Space Launch Complex-6 in addition to SLC-4 and to boost the annual rate from 50 to 100 liftoffs annually.
The environmental document assessed the proposal plus one alternative and a no-action option. The proposal involves demolishing four structures at SLC-6 and installing fixtures, storage tanks and more to accommodate the Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets.
The draft EIS used words such as “annoyance,” “not expected” and “could be avoided if,” said Janice Keller, a Lompoc homeowner since 1989 and a former member of the Lompoc’s Planning Commission and City Council, during the hearing.
“Language such as this is vague and indicates a lack of sufficient research and should not be the basis of decision making,” Keller said.
She spoke about launches causing neighborhood dogs to bark, her windows to rattle and glasses in her kitchen cabinet to clank against each other due to a recent Sunday morning launch.
During another launch days earlier she recorded her sliding glass doors vibrating for “well over two minutes.”
“My house is in good condition. The EIS infers something other which is insulting and a cop-out,’ Keller added. “These are not isolated incidences.”
She questioned what will happen with more launches and larger rockets.
“This situation is not good for humans, animals or structures,” Keller said. “The launches are both emotionally and physically disturbing. Increasing the number of launches and the size of the rockets could also have the socioeconomic impact of lowering property values.” She said she supported the no action alternative since it’s the environmentally preferable option.
Homeowner Janet Blevins, a 40-year resident of Lompoc, also took issue with the report blaming the possible launch-related damage on the condition of existing structures.
“I live in a wonderful home. It is not rickety and old. I am but it is not,” Blevins said. “However, it is suffering significant damage from the launches. The cracks in my stucco are getting longer and wider and more numerous after every launch.”
Her home has brand-new, double-pane windows, yet “they clatter like crazy” during launches, she added.
Ironically, the hearing paused for 15 minutes due to a Falcon 9 rocket launch Thursday evening, with several people stepping outside to watch the flight. At least one attendee used her phone to record rattling glass doors at the Hilton Garden Inn, the venue for the meeting.
“I think everyone who’s experienced one of these knows that this is not an annoyance. I can see my windows oscillate. I can literally see them oscillating like a quarter-inch in each direction. It’s ridiculous,” said Nile Kinney, a Lompoc resident and an attorney.
“As a lawyer, I know that noise data can be highly misleading and can be presented in such a way as to seem legitimate and seem in compliance with noise thresholds but it does not take into account the actual subjective experience that everyone in this room has felt,” Kinney added.
At least one speaker complained about middle of the night liftoffs, but Vandenberg representatives have curtailed liftoffs between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. due to complaints from residents. However, some missions may require liftoffs during those hours.
While most raised concerns about the proposal’s impacts, Bradley Wilkinson urged approval of the increase.
“I know the rockets will affect people. I know they’ll affect animals. We all gotta get over it. We gotta move forward. This town needs something whether it’s SpaceX, ULA or Firefly, it doesn’t matter. Something needs to be done and this is our opportunity,” Wilkinson added.
A 45-day public comment period for the draft EIS ends July 7, with details about submitting comments available at www.vsfbfalconlauncheis.com.
Thursday’s hearing was third in-person session of the week with others held Tuesday in Ventura and Wednesday in Santa Barbara.
A virtual hearing will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 18 on Zoom with the link to join the meeting available here.
Comments from the four meetings plus those received in writing will be incorporated into the final environmental document.
This fall, officials expect to identify a preferred alternative and release a final EIS and later issue a record of decision.