Nordic Aquafarms has celebrated a “monumental step forward” after the Humboltd County’s Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to uphold a decision by the country’s Planning Commission.
The move saw authorities reject an appeal by two NGOs who had sought to impede Nordic Aquafarms’ plans to demolish an old mill site and build a $650 million land-based fish farm on California’s Samoa Peninsula.
“Nordic’s project, as shown in the Environmental Impact Report and further reinforced by today’s overwhelming vote of support by the Board of Supervisors is meeting, if not exceeding, the CEQA guidelines,” Brenda Chandler, Nordic Aquafarms’ Interim CEO stated. “We are committed to 100% renewable and/or carbon free energy and will always strive to be progressive in meeting our goals as a sustainable and traceable source of fresh fish, in the US market.”
While Nordic Aquafarms was successful in convincing officials to support its plans, it did agree to hold an annual sustainability summit with local NGOs, officials and members of the public.
“The universal goal would be to create a cycle of sustainability improvements; and agreed upon elements will be incorporated into our sustainability goals,” Chandler stated. “These collaborative solutions are not exclusive to Nordic, leaving opportunity for development of community wide initiatives.”
“Nordic Aquafarms has been clear from the very beginning, that we will always look to balance what is possible and practical in all areas. We have listened to the voices of the community, both in support for this project, and those with concerns. One very clear consensus is that this project is needed here. We will continue to listen to the Humboldt community — it is that feedback that inspires evolution,” Chandler concluded.