The Port of Astoria continues to advance its plans for a Byproduct Recovery Center (“BRC”) to support the seafood processing industry, enhance environmental sustainability and improve regulatory compliance. The facility is being designed with state-of-the-art technology to receive process water and extract usable byproducts, such as fish oils and proteins, for potential reuse. The BRC’s operating technology will improve environmental outcomes and ensure sustainable fisheries while providing a significant investment in the local economy.

On August 20, 2024, the Port Commission approved a proposal for SLR International to complete a Feasibility Study (“FS”) for a BRC to be located on Pier 2. In tandem with this, the Port contracted with Aqua-Terra Consultants (“ATC”) to conduct a Treatability Study (“TS”), which evaluates various treatment technologies to determine the most effective, sustainable, and environmentally friendly methods for utilizing seafood processing “wastewater” as a valuable resource.

MAY 28, 2025 UPDATE

The Port of Astoria continues to advance its plans for a Byproduct Recovery Center (BRC) to support the seafood processing industry, improve regulatory compliance, and enhance environmental sustainability. The BRC will be located on Pier 2 and is designed to use Advanced Foam Separation™ (AFS™) technology to recover usable byproducts—such as fish oils and proteins—from seafood processing water. These materials could then be reused in composting and other applications.

In August 2024, the Port Commission approved SLR International to lead a Feasibility Study (FS) and contracted with Aqua-Terra Consultants (ATC) to conduct a Treatability Study (TS). This dual effort evaluated both infrastructure requirements and the environmental performance of treatment technologies.

As part of this planning process, the Port collaborated with Bornstein Seafoods, Da Yang Seafoods, and other local processors to assess how shared resource recovery could be integrated into the region’s industrial ecosystem. These conversations included a January 2025 industry roundtable hosted with the Center for Sustainable Infrastructure and support from Business Oregon, where experts from Denmark provided insights into industrial symbiosis models. Public, industry, and regulatory input helped shape how the BRC could turn seafood “wastewater” into valuable resources—an approach that could make the Port a regional leader in circular economy practices.

On April 15, 2025, SLR and ATC presented their Phase I findings to the Port Commission, confirming that the BRC concept is both technically feasible and environmentally effective.

Key Findings:

·      AFS™ technology removed 70–90% of pollutants, including oil, grease, and bacteria, and achieved BOD (Biological Oxygen Demand) reductions of 45–77%, depending on salinity and water quality conditions.

·      The system avoids the use of toxic chemicals, making it more sustainable than traditional methods.

·      Recovered solids were successfully composted with wood chips, though moisture levels will need refinement during pilot testing.

·      A preliminary layout projects 17 tanks and 12 towers to handle peak flow at full scale.

 Next Steps for Phase II:

·      Conduct pilot-scale treatability testing using a continuous AFS™ system.

·      Develop geotechnical/foundation concepts.

·      Map pipeline routes and select appropriate construction methods.

·      Refine cost estimates, risk mitigation strategies, and project schedules.

·      Begin permitting with Oregon DEQ.

·      Integrate planning efforts with the Port’s Process Water Project (P2W).

The Port’s progress on the BRC represents a forward-thinking approach to infrastructure—one that values environmental stewardship, operational efficiency, and economic resilience.