The Defiance County Commissioners have submitted a letter of opposition to the Ohio EPA concerning permits for the salmon farm in Williams County, known as AquaBounty. The board of commissioners stated they are not against the growth and development of businesses in the region; but they wanted to ensure it happens without impeding other residents, businesses or industries.
According to a notice from the EPA, Defiance County Commissioners were informed AquaBounty would be discharging treated wastewater from their facility into the East Branch of the St. Joseph River. The amount of that treated wastewater could be 4.4 million gallons per day, up to 5.3 million gallons. The Ohio EPA is hosting a public meeting this coming Monday, September 12th on the issue, at the North Central High School varsity gymnasium in Pioneer, beginning at 6pm. A hearing will immediately follow, during which the public may submit comments on the record. They can also be mailed to the Ohio EPA in Columbus. The Aqua Bounty facility would include freshwater tanks to support salmon growth, from hatching to harvesting.