Today, Nordic Aquafarms requested a pause to its permit deadlines from the Department of Environmental Protection. In November 2020, the Department of Environmental Protection approved Nordic’s project, as proposed, and specified compliance with all environmental regulations and statutes set forth by the DEP. Nordic seeks suspension of the DEP permits to allow for final court decisions on the property issues raised by project opponents contesting the City of Belfast’s exercise of eminent domain. The City now owns a significant public park joining the Upper and Lower Reservoir trail systems to the ocean. The eminent domain action also provided other economic public benefits to the City and the Belfast Water District.
Brenda Chandler, Nordic Aquafarms CEO, shares, “this pause will allow the courts to fully adjudicate the issues raised by project opponents without allowing the delay caused by the endless litigation to run the clock on the permits. Nordic remains committed to providing a locally grown, sustainably produced source of healthy protein in this community.”
Nordic Aquafarms moved into the project site at 285 Northport Avenue, the former Belfast Water District office. The Belfast Water District office is now located in a beautiful new building at 41 Wight Street. Nordic continues its open-door policy and welcomes all who are interested in learning about the project.