Samherji wins temporary permission to continue fish drying

Samherji has received temporary permission to continue operating its fish-drying plant at Laugum in Reykjadalur, mbl.is reports.

The Environment and Energy Agency granted the authorization while a new operating permit application is being processed by the Northeast Iceland Health Committee. The permission takes effect immediately and remains valid until a permit is issued, for no more than one year.

In September, the Environmental and Natural Resources Appeals Board overturned the committee’s decision to issue an operating permit for the plant. The ruling did not concern shortcomings in the operation. Instead, the committee had not relied on sufficient information when assessing the condition of water bodies near the plant.

Samherji applied for a new permit after the ruling and asked the agency for temporary authorization to continue operating while the application is considered and the shortcomings in the previous process are addressed.

During the interim period, Samherji must follow the conditions of its previous permit, including regularly monitoring wastewater under an updated monitoring plan. About 20 people work at the plant, which is the largest workplace in the area apart from the municipality itself.