Brevard County commissioners will consider expanding a Merritt Island borrow pit from 11 to 37.5 acres to provide fill for construction projects at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The proposal by Spacewalk Groves, Inc. would modify an existing Conditional Use Permit on 41 acres north of Floyd Lane and south of North Courtenay Parkway. The expansion aims to support NASA infrastructure needs without increasing traffic incidents or harming nearby ecosystems.
The project would involve no blasting or rock crushing, with material hauled directly to NASA sites via State Road 3/Courtenay Parkway. Trucks would operate from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday, averaging 23 daily trips. Two companies have operated borrow pits at the site for 25 years without traffic accidents, according to county records.
A St. Johns River Water Management District assessment found no on-site wetlands near the proposed excavation. An eagle’s nest located 360 feet west of the site is not expected to be significantly impacted. The fill material would be exported directly to NASA properties, reducing the need for large truck fleets on local roads.
County officials will review the proposal Tuesday, with no immediate timeline for a decision. The expansion is part of ongoing efforts to manage construction material needs for NASA projects while minimizing environmental and traffic disruptions. Public input on the permit change is not mentioned in current documents.