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Committee reminds agencies to study Salisbury Fish Hatchery’s permit and replacement options
Summary
The committee flagged a statutory deadline and required feasibility work on Salisbury Fish Hatchery, asking the Agency of Natural Resources to analyze options to secure Clean Water Act permits, upgrade the facility or replace its stocking capacity more cost‑effectively.
The House Corrections and Institutions Committee reviewed legislative intent language and a feasibility requirement concerning the Salisbury Fish Hatchery, which faces an expiring pollution discharge permit at the end of 2027.
Damian Leonard, legislative counsel, told the committee that the capital act requires the Agency of Natural Resources to examine whether the Salisbury Fish Hatchery can secure a renewed Clean Water Act discharge permit or whether the state should replace the hatchery’s stocking capacity through expanded operations elsewhere or new construction. The statute also directs the agency to analyze potential economic impacts of closing the facility and to avoid closure without prior approval of the General Assembly.
Leonard said the statute authorized a feasibility study update and that an agency report had been due; he indicated committee staff had received a version of the study in December. The study must examine the feasibility and cost of necessary facility improvements and weigh those costs against alternatives for preserving fish‑stocking capacity.
Committee members were told the provision was highly negotiated in the previous session and that additional testimony from fisheries and ANR staff would be forthcoming during the committee’s review. No formal committee action was taken during the briefing.
Ending: Committee staff said they will arrange follow‑up testimony from the Agency of Natural Resources and Fish & Wildlife to review the submitted feasibility materials and the agency’s options for permitting and capacity replacement.
