BELFAST, Maine — Nordic Aquafarms was hit with another major setback in their efforts to build and run a fish farm in Belfast.
City councilors voted unanimously Tuesday to vacate an eminent domain order granted three years ago, which would have allowed the company to use a resident's property to run pipes from the proposed fish farm to the ocean.
The decision follows a Maine Supreme Court ruling in 2023 that found the city was incorrect in its interpretation about who owned the property in question.
"The court told us to take another look. Legally, we did. And legally, this is the decision that is on the table tonight, and I'm OK with that, because that's how it's supposed to work in a democracy and a rule of law," Belfast Mayor Eric Sanders said.
Conservation groups applauded the decision by city councilors and called it a huge blow to the project.
Jacki Cassida, a spokesperson for Nordic Aquafarms, told NEWS CENTER Maine earlier this week that the company would "find another way" to move forward if this decision was made by councilors.
In an official statement following the council vote Tuesday, Nordic Aquafarms said they were disappointed by the decision.
"Despite this turn of events, we remain optimistic while we continue to evaluate options that are in the interests of the company as well as the local community and broader region," the statement read.
Alternatives presented by Cassida earlier this week included placing discharge pipes at another location or creating a farm that recirculates water used in the fish tanks.
The company said it promises the project will deliver economic benefit and sustainable aquaculture.