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Nordic Aquafarms CEO Eric Heim. (Photo: Friends of Penobscot Bay)
Norwegian firm’s salmon farm plans in Maine raise controversy
UNITED STATES
Friday, April 20, 2018, 02:20 (GMT + 9)
The Belfast City Council, in Maine, unanimously approved zoning changes, allowing the Norwegian firm Nordic Aquafarms to move forward with planning an inland salmon farm.
The aquaculture firm’s sources pointed out that the 40-acre indoor salmon farm, which would cost up to USD 500 million, would be capable of producing more than 60 million pounds of fish per year, The Associated Press reported.
After the settlement of this first hurdle, the company is now clear to iron out plans for the site, pursue reviews and approvals from state and federal agencies, and apply for local development permits.
Some local residents raised concerns about noise and water usage while others said the project was just too big for Belfast.
Other concerns ranged from possible discharge levels to whether freshwater aquifers under the site would be enough to sustain the project without harming the city’s water resources.
In this regard, Nordic representatives said its discharge levels would be less than the city’s wastewater treatment plant.
Meanwhile, councilors explained that these questions would all be vetted when Nordic applies for permits.
Nordic’s permit applications would have to include answers to questions about the size of the buildings, water use, energy consumption, discharge levels, company finances, and more.
It will be up to city, state and federal officials to determine — based on Nordic’s answers — whether the plan is viable and sustainable.
Nordic CEO Eric Heim said he expects to be able to release more information about plans for the site in May. The company has been mapping the site to determine where buildings might be located and how the facility will be laid out.
Related article:
- Norwegian company to invest USD 500 million on land-based salmon farm
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