To: Board of Supervisors
From: Planning and Building Department
Agenda Section: Time Certain Matter
SUBJECT:
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9:30 AM - Update on Processing of Nordic Aquafarms Project Application
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RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Receive an update on the processing of the Nordic Aquafarms’ project application.
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SOURCE OF FUNDING:
Applicant Fees.
DISCUSSION:
This is to provide the Board of Supervisors with a brief update on the processing of the Nordic Aquafarms’ project application. The Nordic Aquafarms project includes redevelopment of the old Samoa Pulp Mill facility to construct a land-based finfish recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) facility (aquaculture facility) consisting of five buildings totaling 766,530 square feet producing between 25,000-27,000 metric tons of Head on Gutted (HOG) fish. The project is proposed in three phases and at buildout would employ 150 people in two shifts.
An environmental impact report (EIR) has been prepared for this project, which evaluates the construction and operation of the land-based project as well as evaluates the use of the existing outfall pipe into the Pacific Ocean and the upgrade of the existing water intakes operated by the Humboldt Bay Harbor District within the Humboldt Bay. The draft EIR was circulated for public review from Dec. 20, 2021 to Feb. 18, 2022. During this period, the county received letters from 12 public agencies, 19 organizational entities, and 211 individuals. Those letters have been reviewed and responded to and a final EIR (FEIR) has been prepared. The FEIR has been made public as of July 1, 2022 and is available at: <https://humboldtgov.org/3218/Nordic-Aquafarms-Project>.
The project is now scheduled for a public hearing with the Planning Commission on July 28, 2022. At that time, a full presentation of the project and FEIR will be given, and the public will be presented the opportunity to comment on the project. Written comments can be received and provided to the Planning Commission as part of the agenda packet if they are received by July 20, 2022. After such deadline, written comments may be submitted to the Planning Commission during the hearing or oral comments may be made in-person or via Zoom also during the hearing.
Nordic Aquafarms has also been in the news recently as there has been a change in the leadership within the company. Brenda Chandler, who has been the CFO for Nordic since 2019, was selected to serve as interim president is now the person overseeing this project.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There will be no impact on the General Fund. The applicant is responsible for paying all costs involved in the processing of the application. The source of funding is applicant fees deposited into Planning and Building Department, Current Planning Revenue Account (1100-277-608000).
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK:
This action supports your Board’s Strategic Framework by streamlining county permit processes.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The county has been coordinating with other local, state and federal agencies
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
This is only a report, and no action is required.
ATTACHMENTS:
None
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Board Order No.: N/A
Meeting of: N/A
File No.: N/A