Kollaja EIA examinations continue

Examinations related to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regarding Kollaja continue on the River Iijoki between Pudasjärvi and Haapakoski. The objective is to employ sounding to create a comprehensive and precise map of the riverbed in the area. Sounding commenced in autumn 2007, with part of the area mapped, but poor weather postponed the majority of the mapping process until a later date. Riverbed quality assessments will be supplemented later in the summer during the low-water period.

The data obtained during the mapping process will be used to supplement the habitat model and perform impact assessments related to the EIA. The primary objective is to assess the survival of different species of fish on the different flow alternatives, but it can also be applied to assess the living conditions of other organisms. Preliminary results based on modelling performed on the area mapped so far were presented in spring 2008.

Nature inventories related to the EIA will continue in the project's impact area, with areas such as the Natura areas in Pudasjärvi covered in this context. Studies already underway include bird inventories.