But USD 400 million project still needs federal permits and to resolve intertidal dispute.
In a press release, land-based salmon farmer Nordic Aquafarms writes that authorities have unanimously to approve its state permits, a process which has taken 18 months.
The company has been working toward building a flagship facility near the Little River in Belfast, Maine, with the goal of producing 33,000 tonnes of salmon a year.
“We want to thank the BEP and the DEP staff for their effort in assessing the applications. Nordic Aquafarms is comfortable with the permit conditions that have been included in the permits. Permitting RAS Aquaculture facilities of this scale is uncharted territory in Maine and Nordic Aquafarms strongly believes that strict regulations and conditions will ensure that land-based aquaculture can be safely developed in Maine both now and in the future. The BEP has set a precedent that will ensure that the Maine seafood industry will continue to represent the highest quality in the market,” said Nordic Aquafarms President Erik Heim.
While still a milestone, it still needs federal permits to stamped. Furthermore, a key intertidal zone is being disputed in the courtroom.
“We are looking forward to conclusions on the outstanding issues and are ready to move forward with construction as soon as we are comfortable with the way forward,” said Nordic Aquafarms EVP Commercial Marianne Naess.
The USD 400 million project will be built in two phases.
Nordic added that the last permit application for the development of its California, 22,000 tonnes-a-year salmon or steelhead land-based farm was submitted on November 18th.
