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Norway-based Nordic Aquafarms just cleared a major hurdle in its efforts to demolish a dilapidated pulp mill site and build a $650 million land-based fish farm on the Samoa Peninsula.

At the end of an all-day hearing Wednesday, a shorthanded Humboldt County Board of Supervisors denied an appeal brought by two environmental organizations and the Humboldt Fishermen’s Marketing Association.

The vote was unanimous, 4-0, with Fifth District Supervisor Steve Madrone absent due to a family emergency. Prior to the vote, Third District Supervisor Mike Wilson sought additional commitments from Nordic, based on a variety of community concerns, and following a half-hour of closed-door negotiations between staff and company executives, Nordic agreed to a few additional conditions.

For example, the company committed to giving an annual sustainability report describing efforts to decarbonize its trucking activities, the greenhouse gas impacts associated with its fish feed and other relevant issues. The invitation-only meetings will include non-government organizations, community leaders, academia, tribal government leadership and members of the public.

Planning and Building Director John Ford said a forum will be created “where issues and solutions are discussed by all [and] agreed-upon elements can be incorporated into Nordic’s sustainability goals in the following years.”

Nordic committed a minimum of $25,000 annually, to be combined with matching funds and sponsorships to finance community projects, Ford said.

Nordic executives did push back a bit on some other requests from Wilson, including one to devote money to purchasing carbon sequestration credits from local projects and another that asked for regular testing of the effluent stream. Regarding the latter, the executives argued that the meaningful testing will be done on the fish within the factory whereas testing for DNA and RNA matter in the effluent could be misleading, giving false positive results that don’t actually say anything about the effluent’s potential risks.

“So the struggle there is that requiring the testing would not result in achieving anything that provided anything meaningful,” Ford said. “It would require them to do work, but it may or may not produce results that are of value.”

As for the proposal to require Nordic to purchase carbon sequestration credits, Ford noted that the project’s Environmental Impact Report doesn’t consider greenhouse gas emissions from fish feed. Earlier in the meeting he made an analogy, saying this calculation was akin to asking a grocery store to account for the operations of a dairy that supplies its milk and cheese. And he said environmental case law says any requirements must have rough proportionality to the impact being created.

“And so you can’t just apply a fee that is inconsistent with achieving an objective or mitigating an impact,” he said. However, he added that these rules become irrelevant when an applicant — Nordic, in this case — is willing to agree to such a condition of their own free will. 

Ford went on to say Nordic had agreed to a new condition whereby, before moving on to phase two of construction, the project must be operating in compliance with the county-issued Coastal Development Permit along with any other local, state or federal permits.

Today’s ruling isn’t the only green light Nordic needs. In order for the project to proceed, Nordic Aquafarms California, LLC, a subsidiary of the Norwegian corporation, must obtain additional permits, as must the Humboldt Bay Harbor, Recreation and Conservation District. For example, the California Coastal Commission and the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board must approve plans for water intake and ocean outfall infrastructure.

But the county is considered the lead agency under the California Environmental Quality Act, making it responsible for certifying the project’s Environmental Impact Report and approving the necessary Coastal Development Permit and Special Permit.

The appeal was brought by the Redwood Region Audubon Society, 350 Humboldt and the Humboldt Fisherman’s Marketing Association, all of which had representatives on hand Wednesday to argue their position — namely, that the environmental report is insufficient and the project should be further evaluated via additional studies to consider broader elements of the anticipated impacts, including energy usage, greenhouse gas emissions, biological impacts and more.

Prior to voting to deny the appeal, Wilson said the projects isn’t exactly where he wants it to be in relation to greenhouse gas emissions and other impacts. 

“But I’m going to say that we have an opportunity here with relationship to cleanup of this site,” Wilson said. “We have an opportunity with relationship to economic development beyond this, in terms of other opportunities. And I think there are opportunities to improve even this project moving forward. … And I’m hopeful that we have an applicant that is there with his community in doing those things.”

Second District Supervisor Michelle Bushnell thanked county staff and Nordic personnel, saying the project is “not perfect to our community standards, but I hope that you recognize that this is our home … [and] we want our community thought about in that partnership.”

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PREVIOUSLY: 

• Nordic Aquafarms Lays out Next Steps After Planning Commission Gives the Thumbs-Up to Their Samoa Fish Farm Plans
• Fishermen and Conservation Groups Appeal Nordic Aquafarms’ Environmental Report Certification to Humboldt County Supervisors
• Supes Scheduled to Hear Appeal of Nordic Aquafarms Project at Special Meeting Wednesday

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The Arcata Planning Commission didn’t have its promised discussion of the controversial Gateway Area Plan during its Tuesday night meeting. Instead, the more than three-and-a-half-hour long meeting was almost completely consumed by another agenda item – a project proposal that would remove 49 trees and add 102 apartments to the Westwood Garden Apartments at the end of Westwood Court in Arcata.

The property, which is one of several sites in Arcata owned by Strombeck Properties, currently holds three buildings with a total of 60 two-bedroom apartments. Strombeck Properties and its hired consulting firm LACO Associates is proposing adding 12 buildings, which would hold 102 total one-bedroom units. Three of the buildings would be placed around the perimeter of the property and would include parking on the ground floor with apartments above. The other nine apartment buildings would be built in the green space in the center of the property. 

In addition to a design review permit, the project planners also submitted a permit application to remove 49 trees from the property to make way for the new buildings, and a request for an exemption from the city’s building requirement for private outdoor spaces. The requirement is for units to include 150 square feet of private, outdoor space, and the applicants proposed that their apartments include 48 square feet. The lower units would include this in the form of a private patio and the upper units would include a private balcony. 

More than a dozen community members attended the meeting to voice their concerns over the project, many of them residents of the Westwood Garden Apartments or of the Westwood neighborhood. Though a couple of people were in support of the project because of the city’s dire need for affordable housing, most commenters were strongly opposed to the proposed project, voicing concerns over increased traffic, the close proximity the building would have to each other, the loss of green space and the potential of the buildings blocking the sunlight for the existing units. 

“This is a wonderful, precious place to live,” Adam Taylor, a Westwood Garden Apartment resident said during the meeting. “And the design does not take the existing buildings into account whatsoever. It sees them as an obstacle to build around.” 

Another resident of the apartments, Raelina Krikston, who is currently running for Arcata City Council, said that the design would “sandwich” the buildings together, causing privacy issues for the residents. Krikston suggested that the design be amended to have fewer buildings with more stories. 

One of the commenters who spoke in favor of the project, Daniel Baggot, said that the addition of more units would provide much-needed housing to the community, and said that this housing would be especially ideal for Cal Poly Humboldt students, who need affordable housing.  “This solves a primary need in a cost-feasible way,” Baggot said. “It is dense housing, but that is more and more the state of the world.” 

Several people were concerned that, because the proposed apartments only have one bedroom, only students would be moving in and that it wouldn’t be suitable for families. Several people even referred to the additional units as “student housing.”

Steve Strombeck, the property owner, clarified that this project is not student housing, it is “market-rate housing” that would be available to anyone. “We rent to any and all people,” he said.

Though all of the planning commissioners agreed that there is a need for more housing and for infill housing, like this project, most of them were not in support of the proposed project design. For the most part, the commissioners didn’t have a problem with making an exemption for the outdoor space requirements (David Loya, community development director for the City of Arcata pointed out that an exception has been made for nearly all housing developments in Arcata). But they did have issues with the removal of existing green space and with cutting down 49 trees, some which are pretty big and have been there since the apartments were first built in 1967. 

After a long discussion, the commission unanimously voted to continue the project to a later meeting and requested that the planners remove one of the buildings from the design, and to maintain more of the existing green space and to leave more trees uncut. Strombeck said that he could probably bring something back to the commission in as soon as two weeks. (Commission Chair Julie Vaissade-Elcock had recused herself from the discussion because her husband had done work on the project.) 

The commission did also have a lot of issues with the overall design of the buildings, but did not request any specific changes be made. Loya told the commission that, because of California’s Housing Accountability Act and because the city has no current design standards written in its code, the commission conditioned its approval of a project on the design elements. 

Planning Commissioner John Barstow also pointed out that the more the commission requires certain design elements, the more expensive the housing will be to build and to rent. 

“As far as design goes, the original buildings are not that great and the proposed buildings are not that great,” Barstow said during the meeting. “Yes I would like to see an improvement and a better looking design. But anything we do to improve the design will increase the cost.” 

The project will return to the Planning Commission at a later meeting. Because the meeting was so long, the commission also voted to continue discussions of the Gateway Area Plan to its next meeting. 

Humboldt County Drug Task Force release:

On September 28th, 2022, Humboldt County Drug Task Force (HCDTF) Agents made a traffic stop on Jonathan King (46 old from Eureka) in the area of Central St. and Harris Ave. in Eureka. King was on multiple counts of probation with a search clause for previous drug arrests.

Agents conducted a probation search of King and his vehicle and located over 1 ounce of fentanyl and approx. ½ ounce of methamphetamine. Agents searched a hotel room King has been living in on Broadway St. in Eureka and located a digital scale and packaging materials. Agents also located metal knuckles and ammunition in the hotel room.

King was transported to the Humboldt County Jail where he was booked for the above charges:

• 11351 H&S Possession of fentanyl for sale
• 11352 H&S Transportation of fentanyl for sale
• 11378 H&S Possession of methamphetamine for sale
• 11379 H&S Transportation of methamphetamine for sale
• 21810 PC Possession of metal knuckles
• 30305(a) PC Felon in possession of ammunition

Anyone with information related to this investigation or other narcotics related crimes are encouraged to call the Humboldt County Drug Task Force at 707-267-9976.

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Press release from the Humboldt County Drug Task Force:

On September 27th, 2022, the Humboldt County Drug Task Force (HCDTF), with the assistance of the Rio Dell Police Department (RDPD), served a search warrant on a residence in the 100 block of Douglas St. in Rio Dell. This search warrant was the result of multiple neighborhood complaints about drug activity associated with the residence.

During the search warrant a father, Fred Elliott Jr. (51 years old), and his son Fred Elliott III (26 years old), were both detained. Both Elliott’s were found to be in possession of methamphetamine. In total agents seized approx. 3 ounces of methamphetamine. Agents located digital scales, packaging materials, and additional evidence of drug sales. Agents seized 5 firearms including an illegal assault rifle, high-capacity magazines, and ammunition.

In the kitchen agents located a functioning liquor still that was actively working. An agent from the Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) responded to the scene and collected evidence of the illegal liquor production.

Both Elliotts were transported to the Humboldt County Jail. Elliott Jr. was refused for jail booking for medical reasons. He was issued a citation and court date to appear for the below charges. Elliott III was booked for the below charges:

• 11378 H&S Possession of methamphetamine for sale

• 11370.1 H&S Possess controlled substances while armed

• 11366.5 H&S Operating or maintaining a drug house

• 29800(a) PC Felon in possession of a firearm

• 30605(a) PC Possession of an assault weapon

• 30305(a)(1) PC Felon in possession of ammunition

• 23301 B&P Possess a still without a license

• 21810 PC Possession of metal knuckles

• 32310 PC Possess large capacity magazines

Anyone with information related to this investigation or other narcotics related crimes are encouraged to call the Humboldt County Drug Task Force at 707-267-9976.

Humboldt Bay Fire press release:

At 9:34 P.M. Humboldt Bay Fire units, including 3 engines, a ladder truck, and four duty chiefs were dispatched to a reported structure fire in a vacant commercial building on the 3500 block of Broadway. The first responding engine 8112 reported seeing heavy smoke from the roof of the structure. A commercial second alarm was requested and four mutual aid units responded with one Arcata unit going to the scene, they were staged then later released from scene. Loleta, Samoa, and Blue Lake provided station coverage.

The first arriving unit reported a working fire in a commercial structure. They passed command to the incoming Battalion Chief. 8112 secured water supply and set up for a offensive fire attack. After fire was visible from the roof fire attack was switched to defensive fire operations. The second arriving unit was also assigned fire attack. After two hours of defensive fire actions and consulting with city officials it was determined that the building was deemed to be unsafe, and demolition of the building was necessary.

Fire crews remained on scene for approximately five and a half hours to complete extinguishment and facilitate demolition of the building.

After investigation it was determined that the cause of the fire was transient activity. PG&E was notified, there was no gas or power going to the building. There was a gas line near by that PG&E capped.

Damage was estimated at $2,000,000 $750,000 with the building being a total loss. There were no injuries to fire personnel on scene nor civilian injuries. [CORRECTION: Humboldt Bay Fire has corrected its previous damage estimate, which was made in error, according to a spokesperson.]

Humboldt Bay Fire would like to thank its allied partners for their assistance with coverage during this Smoke Alarms Save Lives. incident. Arcata Fire Protection District, Samoa Fire District, Loleta Fire District, and Blue Lake Fire District helped to ensure the safety of the HBF community while our resources were committed. Also we would like to thank PG&E, EPD, Eureka public works, City Ambulance, and Mercer Fraser for providing equipment and personnel for demolition.

Footage from last night’s fire from Redheaded Blackbelt

Yurok Tribe release: 

Today, the Yurok Tribe and California State Parks signed a far-reaching agreement to facilitate the cooperative management, conservation and interpretation of traditional and natural resources on state park lands within Yurok ancestral territory.

As a result of the landmark Global Memorandum of Understanding and Traditional Tribal Gathering Agreement, Yurok Tribe citizens with a tribal identification card can now access state parks inside of the North Coast Redwoods District and within Yurok Ancestral Territory to:

• gather plants and minerals (without applying for a permit); and,
• participate in tribal activities such as religious, spiritual, ceremonial, recreation, and research.

Additionally, the agreement aims to reintegrate the Yurok Tribe’s Traditional Ecological Knowledge into the management of natural resources within the parks.

“I would like to thank California State Parks Director Armando Quintero and North Coast Redwoods District Superintendent Victor Bjelajac for taking action to correct this longstanding injustice. We’d also like to thank Sabine Talaugon, the Tribal Affairs Program Manager who worked closely with our staff on the final MOU. The agreement ensures that our traditions and culture, as well as our Traditional Ecological Knowledge, will continue to be passed from one generation to the next,” said Joseph L. James, the Chairman of the Yurok Tribe. “The reintegration of Tribal land management practices is essential to the long-term health of the redwood forest ecosystem.”

“State Parks is honored to build upon our relationship with the Yurok Tribe towards collaborative management and shared stewardship,” said California State Parks Director Armando Quintero.

“When the Yurok Tribe and other California Native American Tribal Nations can access their ancestral lands and continue their cultural traditions and practices, all Californians will inevitably benefit.”

On the coast, the Yurok Tribe’s ancestral territory extends from Damnation Creek in Del Norte County to the Little River in Humboldt County. The agreement applies to the following park lands: Sue-meg State Park, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Humboldt Lagoons State Park, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park (south of Damnation Creek), Trinidad State Beach and the Harry A. Merlo State Recreation Area. Previously, Yurok citizens were required to acquire a permit from park representatives in Sacramento to harvest natural materials for ceremonial regalia, traditional basketry and plant medicines. The new agreement removes this barrier and creates a much more streamlined system.

“The agreement represents truth and healing in action,” said Yurok Vice Chairman Frankie Myers, who is an appointed member of California’s Truth and Healing Council.

“This MOU further strengthens our shared stewardship/management of Parks within the North Coast Redwoods District [part of the State Park System]. This agreement acknowledges the ancestral lands of the Yurok Tribe and welcomes traditional cultural practitioners in search of materials and contemporary ceremonial practices home again,” added North Coast Redwoods District Superintendent Victor Bjelajac.

The agreement would not be possible without California Governor Gavin Newsom’s Executive Order N-15-19, which acknowledged the state’s “prejudicial policies against California Native Americans.” The paradigm-shifting order also included a promise to strengthen the government-to- government relationship between the state and tribes. Following the order, the Yurok Tribe and California State Parks North Coast Redwoods District have partnered on more than a dozen projects and more are ongoing. Due to this unprecedented partnership, the tribe now operates the Chah-pekw O’ Ket’-toh “Stone Lagoon” Visitor Center, which is the only tribally managed visitor center within the entire California State Park system. District Superintendent Victor Bjelajac played a key role in the Tribe’s effort to restore the name of Sue-meg State Park. The Tribe and district collaborate on watershed restoration work too.

The Global Memorandum of Understanding outlines mutually beneficial activities that will be the focus of future agreements, including Plant Habitat Management, Biological Site Monitoring, and collaborative management practices in Humboldt Lagoons and Sue-meg State Parks.

If you’ve driven through downtown Eureka this morning you’ve undoubtedly smelled it. The stink. It very much stinks down here. 

On a tip, LoCO called up Humboldt Bay Fire to see if they might have gotten wind of what’s smelly. Battalion Chief Michael Landry told us his department was called out earlier this morning by someone worried there might be a gas leak. But if you’ve smelled the smell, you know that ain’t gas. 

No, Landry said they followed the aroma up Fifth Street to Commercial Street and back to Pacific Choice Seafoods. The working theory is that a Pac Choice truck leaked some sort of fish waste on the roadway and we’re all just going to have to deal with the stank for a bit.

“It’s gonna take time to dissipate,” Landry told us. “There’s not much that can be done.”

Happy Wednesday, Eureka.