Frequently Asked Questions
Looking for answers to the most commonly asked questions received from local residents and community members? Check our FAQs below to learn more about AquaCultured and our mission.
Having followed all of the correct procedures and consulting with the necessary bodies, it was determined that no EIA was required for the proposed development.
No. Independent evaluations and assessments have concluded that the proposed development will have no direct impact on the SSSI, SAC, SPA or Ramsar designations.
Extensive ecology reports relating to the sites have been ongoing since 2001. All findings and recommendations are being carefully considered, along with measures to minimise the impact of the development on wildlife wherever possible.
The proposed site layout includes retention and protection of approximately 2ha of existing local wildlife sites (LWS) habitats; trees, scrub and grassland as a strip alongside the railway line boundary. Where loss of designated wildlife habitats does occur, off-site mitigation options will be sought with support from credible and trustworthy partners.
In Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), which we’re proposing for this development, some of the treated waste water is recycled within the processing system and returned to the tanks to be re-used. However, for optimum fish welfare, a percentage of water exchange is required.
No. We are continually learning from other established onshore aquaculture facilities to minimise any risk of contamination, as it is in our best interests to prioritise the welfare of our salmon to produce healthy, nutritious fish.
However, if ever there is a contamination incident, any affected tanks will be immediately isolated from the other tanks in the facility and the waste will be properly and carefully disposed of by our specialist fish waste processing partners.
Onshore aquaculture enables a more controlled environment that allows for optimised fish welfare. This includes less use of medicines and chemicals compared with offshore fish farms.
Despite that, any waste water from the process is cleaned and filtered, ensuring that it is at least as clean as when it was extracted before being returned to the sea. Regular monitoring and analysis of water quality forms part of the process.
Any water returned to the Humber will be correctly cleaned and filtered to ensure that the water is returned in a state that is at least as clean as it was when first extracted.
Yes. The proposed development, which contains the tanks is a completely enclosed, indoor facility.
No. Specialist, independent consultants have confirmed that noise from the proposed development will be low impact to all residential dwellings at all times. That means that the noise generated will not be noticeably louder than the current level of background noise.
A specialist, independent consultant has identified 3 possible sources of odour that could be generated, but all 3 will be contained within the facility.
- Fish processing waste will be separately stored in sealed, refrigerated containers and securely transported to nearby processors, who already have established facilities.
- Solids from waste water treatment will be stored in a sealed container and removed from the site daily by credible waste management partners.
- Water treatment and exhaust air is continuously recycled and cleaned and carbon filtered when discharged to external air.
The facilities that are being referred to in Scotland are offshore aquaculture farms, which operate differently to the proposed development. The proposals for Grimsby are for an onshore Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS), which operates in a closed, indoor facility.
One of the benefits of the proposed Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) is the lack of chemicals and hormones introduced into the system. In addition, all waste water is thoroughly cleaned before being returned to the Humber to ensure that it is at least as clean as when it was extracted.
No. On the contrary, the facility will create new skills opportunities for local people, which will be delivered via local education and training support.
We are committed to employing local people wherever possible. Where local skills gaps exist, we are working with local education providers to introduce new, specialist skills training to the region for future employment.
While increasing demand in Asia is helping to drive growing, global demand for healthy, nutritious seafood, this development is not about supplying Asian demand. This is an opportunity for improving UK food security and reducing our reliance on overseas imports.
Most of the fish currently processed in Great Grimsby is transported in from Norway and Scotland. All of the fish from the proposed development would be processed within a 2-mile radius; reducing food miles, increasing freshness at the point of delivery to the processor and supporting local businesses and jobs.
The site has been selected for a variety of reasons that make it the ideal location for the proposed development. These include proximity to fresh and saline water sources, nearby location of food and waste processors, and strong, existing, local transport links.