J.A.Savage asks Natalie Arroyo, Kim Bergel, Mike Newman…

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Fish Farm

What is your most outstanding concern about Nordic Aquafarms’ proposed fish factory?

— J.A.Savage

Responses

Natalie Arroyo

Hello J.A.,

I am looking forward to seeing how Nordic Aquafarms responds to and incorporates input on their Draft Environmental Impact Report (which is currently available here for anyone who would like to check it out: https://humboldtgov.org/3218/Nordic-Aquafarms-Project). I have been impressed with their community presence and responsiveness thus far. 

I love wild fish and watershed science. However, I recognize that there aren’t always enough wild-caught fish to consistently supply the protein needs of Pacific Coast communities. One concern that I share with many community members is the energy requirements of Nordic Aquafarms’ facility. I understand that the company is looking at options to purchase renewable energy, which is a great start. I also would analyze any project based on what benefits are offered - in this case, Nordic Aquafarms has made the case that they are closer to markets for their fish, meaning that transportation costs and energy requirements may be lower. I definitely want to see them (and any company) do as much as they can to reduce their energy footprint and invest in/ support renewable energy. 

I have reviewed the DEIR and I think many of the other concerns I had early on - farmed fish escapement, nutrient-dense effluent, food sourcing - have been addressed or explained. I also know that the facility will use a lot of water, which I still believe that we need to demonstrate local uses for in our existing state water allocation framework, so that has some pros and cons. 

Thank you for the question. This will definitely be an interesting and complex project to watch unfold. 

Sincerely, Natalie Arroyo 

Kim Bergel

That the defunct Samoa Pulp Mill site is likely going to finally be put to good productive use is exciting and could be a game changer for the local economy in terms of jobs, development, and diversification.  I have not had the opportunity to read the DEIR, but I have read the Lost Coast Outpost’s summary and the part that sticks out for me is that the project would consume 21 percent of the total county electricity usage, or about the same amount of electricity as Eureka and Fortuna combined.  This is a big deal!

I appreciate the long term public engagement and dedication to building relationships Nordic has put forward with our community.  I also appreciate the North Coast Coalition (Epic, Humboldt Baykeeper, the Northcoast Environmental Center, the Coalition for Responsible Transportation Priorities, Surfrider Foundation, 350 Humboldt North Group of the Redwood Chapter of the Sierra Club, and Save California Salmon) for reading the entire DEIR and bringing  forward their concerns. I am not a scientist and am grateful we have groups like these experts to advocate for best practices. I share the same concerns regarding how the electricity usage will be mitigated as well as potential increase in algae bloom by the very large draws of water from the bay and the larger discharges into the ocean which could have negative impacts on our fishing fleet.

My understanding is that these mitigations are currently being worked out. The ability to have healthy dialogue and work together towards solutions is good business. I am excited to see where we go from here. Nordic should be credited with a healthy business model having come to a community and immediately opened up discussions with key players over tough issues rather than try to avoid them. I look forward to what they come up with.  Welcome to Humboldt  Nordic!

Thanks for the question.