MCLENNAN COUNTY Say the name SpaceX in Central Texas and most people think of the giant, rocket engine testing facility in McLennan County.<\/p>\n
At any one time, close to 1,000 people or more are employed there. They pump a lot of money into the local economy.<\/p>\n
For months last winter and spring, though, the facility also pumped out massive noise and disturbances from the engine testing, frustrating thousands in McLennan County.<\/p>\n
Then, a curious thing happened this summer: hardly any noise or vibrations.<\/p>\n
Through the summer its dissipated even more to the point now where I hear it rarely, and Ive gotten no calls about it since June, said Mayor Jim Hering of McGregor.<\/p>\n
The mayor said the situation last fall, and through the first half of 2022, was reaching a boiling point.<\/p>\n
The noise was bad, the shaking was bad,\" said Hering. \"SpaceX knew it. Its not a secret to anybody. Its something we openly talked about.\" <\/p>\n
Two big changes helped quiet things down, starting in June.<\/p>\n
For one, Hering said SpaceX changed their actual testing stands. Also, the summer months typically help with noise and vibrations because of the atmosphere, he said.<\/p>\n
The company has also improved when it's testing, conducting the vast majority now before 9 p.m. when fines kick in from the city. That was a big source of irritation for locals, as well.<\/p>\n
That fine is several thousand dollars. It accumulates over the year, so if they do it again its even more, said Hering.<\/p>\n
25 News reached out to SpaceX a few times in the past week for comment, but never got a response.<\/p>\n
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SpaceX 'noise' goes largely quiet over the summer - 25 News KXXV and KRHD<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" MCLENNAN COUNTY Say the name SpaceX in Central Texas and most people think of the giant, rocket engine testing facility in McLennan County. Continue reading