Nordic Aquafarms

Complex projects need objective third-party analysis

CLIENT | Nordic Aquafarms

The Project

Nordic Aquafarms proposed developing a $500 million state-of-the-art indoor Atlantic salmon farm in Belfast, Maine on 54 acres in the town’s Little River watershed. The project proposed using significant quantities of fresh and salt water to raise 33,000 metric tons of salmon at full production and to discharge highly treated wastewater into Belfast Bay. The project was supported by the City Council and opposed by impassioned local activists.

Our Role

Philip Conkling introduced Nordic’s principals to the leaders of major environmental organizations, including Conservation Law Foundation, Gulf of Maine Research Institute and Atlantic Salmon Federation, among many others. After these organizations carefully reviewed Nordic’s plans, they issued written statements supporting Nordic’s proposal as environmentally responsible. 

Philip Conkling & Associates also worked with Nordic to develop messaging to address both concerned citizens and local supporters. Finally Philip Conkling helped Nordic navigate the complex regulatory review processes at DEP, DMR, the Army Corps of Engineers, Board of Environmental Protection, the Joint Standing Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Committee and the Belfast Planning Board.

Takeaway

State agencies and local boards are asked to make judgments on complex projects that can benefit from objective science-based third party analysis to help inform controversial projects.