Bakkafrost’s Skálavík smolt facility receives environmental approval

The Bakkafrost smolt production plant in Skálavík on the Faroe Islands has been granted environmental approval, the Faroese Environmental Agency announced on Tuesday.

The facility, operated by P/F Bakkafrost Freshwater, is designed to produce up to eight million smolt—each weighing around half a kilogram—before their transfer to sea cages. The plant features a water purification system that recycles water, with wastewater discharged at a depth of approximately 15 metres north of the site.

Wastewater from the facility contains organic waste and feed residues, which the approval stipulates must not accumulate on the seabed or cause visible pollution. The Environmental Agency has imposed conditions requiring Bakkafrost to conduct seabed surveys near the discharge outlet. If the outlet causes unacceptable environmental impact, the agency may demand corrective measures.

The approval also prohibits the facility from emitting excessive noise, odour, or other nuisances. Any objections to the decision can be appealed to the Faroese Ministry of Environment by 27 April 2026.

The plant’s planned summer startup remains contingent on resolving outstanding issues, including securing water rights. Local landowners have refused to grant access to the required water source, prompting intervention by the Faroese Food and Veterinary Agency, which has since taken over negotiations. A recent agricultural tribunal in Skálavík, convened by local authorities due to the dispute, has yet to issue a final ruling, though a decision is expected within weeks. The case was previously dismissed by the Faroese Court.