The Waldoboro Planning Board approved an application from American Unagi LLC to build a plant for eel farming at the Waldoboro Business Park, in the state of Maine.
This decision is contingent upon permit approval by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, due to the company's plans for stormwater use and wastewater management, board chairman Scott Simpson said, as Bangor Daily News reported.
American Unagi will buy young eels (elvers) from local producers and fatten them on land facilities until they reach commercial size, said Sara Rademaker, president of American Unagi LLC.
Sara Rademaker, president of American Unagi LLC, discusses her plans to bring her eel aquaculture business to Waldoboro. (Alexander Violo photo)
The executive highlighted that an attractive aspect of the business park is its proximity to the old town well, which will allow a reliable supply of a large volume of water.
The proximity of the well and the number of eels fishermen in the area make the Waldoboro Business Park an ideal place to locate commercial eel breeding facilities, Rademaker emphasized.
In the new plant, which will cover 27,000 square feet and where seven or eight people would work, the company will focus on the production of live eels, but will also have a small small area dedicated to processed products.
William Gartley, presidente de Gartley & Dorsky Engineering & Surveying Inc., presenta los planes para las instalaciones de American Unagi LLC en el Waldoboro Business Park. (Foto de Alexander Violo)
William Gartley, president of Gartley & Dorsky Engineering & Surveying Inc., said plans for stormwater and wastewater management have already been submitted to the DEP.
In his opinion, the proximity to the city old well is fundamental for the fish farm, because it will guarantee a constant supply of water.
In addition, he stressed that the company designed plans for the safe discharge of water to the Medomak River, through an existing pipeline under Route 32, after an extensive treatment process.
The water will be sterilized with ultraviolet sterilizers before leaving the facilities, and will be subjected to secondary and tertiary treatment steps.
The Waldoboro Business Park is currently home to other companies linked to aquaculture, such as Acadia Harvest Inc., which breeds soldier flies for aquaculture feeds, and Ocean Organics Corp., which produces natural and organic marine-based fertilizers.
The top 5 trends shaping the salmon processing industry Worldwide
How processors are embracing innovation to succeed in an evolving market
As the salmon processing industry continues to evolve, staying informed about the latest trends and changes is crucial for com...