Kingfish Maine, a Dutch operator of land-based aquaculture systems, has received a critical green light from the Department of Environmental Protection to build a facility in Jonesport.
The state agency approved the company’s application for a Maine Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit, according to a news release Monday.
Kingfish Maine is owned by the Kingfish Co., which operates a land-based recirculating aquaculture system under the name Kingfish Zeeland in the Netherlands. In November 2019, Kingfish Zeeland announced plans for a proposed $110 million land-based aquaculture facility in Jonesport, and since then has secured funding for the plant.
The recirculating aquaculture system facility is projected to produce 6,000 to 8,000 metric tons of yellowtail kingfish annually upon completion. The plant is proposed to be near Chandler Bay on Route 187.
In the Netherlands, Kingfish Zeeland has received a variety of sustainable practice certifications there for its production of kingfish, according to the release.
The Maine subsidiary will use the same technology to minimize the effect of wastewater, the company said. The DEP permit is based on the facility’s ability to maintain the water quality of the area, based on the location of the wastewater’s make-up and discharge point.
“We are pleased the Maine DEP has approved the MEPDES permit, confirming our commitment to uphold the water quality of Chandler Bay,” said Megan Sorby, Kingfish Maine’s operations manager.
“For two years, we’ve worked very closely with the town of Jonesport and those who use Chandler Bay to address their questions. This is a major milestone for Kingfish Maine and we look forward to our continued work with the community.”