Health committee to consider fish processor’s permit application

The Suðurnes Health Committee will consider a new operating permit application from fish processor Premium of Iceland this week, mbl.is reports. The application has not been approved, and the outcome remains undecided, according to Ásmundur E. Þorkelsson, director of the Suðurnes Health Inspectorate.

The company reapplied this autumn at the request of the Reykjanesbær mayor, after its application was rejected in the spring. The rejection cited municipal plans for housing to replace industrial activity in the area, where several other industries also operate. It is unclear when the area will change.

In September, daily fines imposed on the company until it stopped operating at Brekkustígur 22 in Reykjanesbær were confirmed.

Mayor Vilhjálmur Árnason reiterated before the weekend that the municipality’s position remains that businesses in the area should be allowed to continue operating until a different decision is made. The health inspectorate said it did not know how many other businesses in the neighbourhood might be seeking permit renewals.