Nordic Aquafarms cleared another hurdle for the company’s recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) project on 13 July when the Waldo Superior Court in Maine upheld rezoning decisions required for the project to move forward.
The lawsuit was initiated back in July 2018 by abutters to the future site of Nordic’s proposed salmon RAS facility in Belfast, Maine. The abutters – Eleanor Daniels and Donna Broderick – alleged that the city of Belfast violated both state and local law when it amended the city’s comprehensive plan and zoning.
The lawsuit alleged that the city did not go through the correct process when amending the comprehensive plan, in addition to amending zoning ordinances in the area where Nordic plans to locate its RAS facility.
Justice Robert E. Murray declaratively ruled in favor of Belfast, finding that the city “appropriately provided for the required citizen participation, public notice, and public hearing,” according to a press release from the City of Belfast. The ruling also found that the city went through the correct processes when approving changes to the zoning ordinance.
“The City of Belfast is pleased with the outcome of this case and extremely appreciative for the swift and efficient manner in which it was reviewed and acted upon by Justice Murray,” Wayne Marshall, director of code and planning for the city, said. “With this matter now resolved, all parties can now more confidently move forward with local, state, and federal permit application requirements.”
The ruling means the zoning that Nordic requires to build its salmon RAS has been validated, clearing another obstacle.
“Nordic Aquafarms has remained confident that the court would rule in favor of the city, but the ruling came quicker than expected,” Marianne Naess, commercial director for Nordic Aquafarms, said. “We remain confident that the project will move forward and that we have a solid legal position.”
