(PIONEER) - AquaBounty Farms is facing renewed scrutiny in Williams County, Ohio, after the company received a new five-year water pipeline permit from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), despite construction on its genetically modified salmon facility being on hold for over a year. The permit, issued in September and effective October 1, allows for the installation of pipelines to draw groundwater and discharge wastewater into the St. Joseph River.
The controversy stems from the fact that no public notice was issued regarding the permit. Local residents and environmental groups, including the Williams County Alliance, were unaware of the approval and criticized the lack of transparency. The Ohio EPA called the lack of notice "an internal oversight," but insisted the permit protects public health and the environment.
The news has sparked outrage among community members, particularly given the facility's uncertain future. Construction on the project was halted in June 2023 due to financial issues, and no timeline has been announced for its resumption. This latest development raises concerns about the project's viability and the state's accountability to local communities.