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Nordic Aquafarms Obtains Last Permit Needed For RAS Farm In Maine, But Hurdle Remains

Courtesy Nordic Aquafarms
/
via Bangor Daily News

A controversial large-scale, land-based fish farm planned for Belfast is one step closer to operation, even as a key question remains.

Nordic Aquafarms announced Monday that it has been granted an Army Corps of Engineers permit and is now the first large-scale recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) in the state to have received all the permits it needs to proceed.

While most other permits for the $500 million, 55 acre salmon farm were obtained last year, its still not clear how the plant will move more than 7 million gallons of daily treated waste water to the nearby bay.

The Belfast City Council recently signaled its intent to assist Nordic Aquafarms by using eminent domain to ensure a path for the waste water.

The project has faced opposition, however, and the Friends of Harriet L Hartley Conservation Area is challenging the legality of the wastewater path in court.

Norway-based Nordic Aquafarms already operates three similar salmon operations in Scandinavia.

RAS fish farm projects are also under development in Bucksport and Jonesport.