Aquaculture for all

Hughes county ponders zoning issue

US - A proposed fish farm in Hughes County shouldn't be allowed to be too close to the Missouri river, says County Commissioner Mark Venner.

The commission had a first reading of an ordinance that would deal with a number of zoning issues ranging from cell towers and wind farms to aqua farming during a regular meeting.

Mr Venner said he thinks part of the ordinance should not allow a fish farm on land in a special are along the river.

"I think 60 tons of dead fish a day, that's a lot to be so close to the river," said Venner, commenting on a proposed fish farm site. "You could have a big rain, which only has to happen once every 20 years, and wash it all into the river and pollute everything between here and Sioux Falls."

Min-Kota Fisheries, based out of Minnesota, has proposed a tilapia fish farm on land in DeGrey Township along the river. The company would probably employ between 75 and 100 people.

Min-Kota has yet to make any official requests to build the farm, and commissioners want to enact an ordinance dealing with the issue before that happens.

Source: Capital Journal

Create an account now to keep reading

It'll only take a second and we'll take you right back to what you were reading. The best part? It's free.

Already have an account? Sign in here