Submitting the EIA Program Initiated the EIA Procedure – Comprehensive Studies Until the End of 2026

Submitting the EIA program to the ELY Centre initiated the EIA procedure, during which we will comprehensively gather information on the project’s impacts and ways to reduce or prevent harmful effects. Our goal is to complete the EIA procedure for the Puhti project by the end of 2026.

The EIA Procedure Requires Time and Specialized Expertise

We have allocated significant time for the EIA procedure because we want to collect information as thoroughly as possible and form an accurate picture of the potential project’s environmental impacts. The procedure examines both construction-phase and operational impacts.

The phases of natural cycles and seasonal changes affect the timing of studies and surveys – birds nest at certain times, reindeer change grazing areas, snow tracks are counted in winter, and ice and snow conditions influence activities such as fishing or terrain research. For this reason, we have reserved nearly two years for the entire process.

We need the support of experts from various fields for these studies. Our EIA consultant is Sweco Finland Oy. Since studies are conducted at different times, the size and focus of our team will vary during the procedure. You may encounter different research groups in nature or in the village, which we will introduce through our channels during the process. You may also receive a request from us to participate in surveys, for example by responding to a resident questionnaire. We thank you in advance for your engagement!

Studies Utilize Various Methods and Techniques

The EIA procedure considers many perspectives. Therefore, we divide the studies into different categories based on their focus: nature surveys, water system studies, landscape and cultural environment assessments, social impact evaluations, and soil, bedrock, sediment, and groundwater studies. Each category includes numerous studies and investigations carried out in different ways.

We use a variety of techniques and always select the most appropriate ones. Some studies are done at a desk, for example through modeling, while others involve fieldwork or observation. Some tasks even require diving. Certain studies involve collecting water or soil samples, while others are conducted through surveys and interviews. For example, social impacts are assessed through resident questionnaires, interviews, and reindeer husbandry studies. As part of the procedure, we will also conduct a Natura assessment in the Ottavaara Natura area and hold consultations in accordance with the Reindeer Husbandry Act.

Review our EIA program on the environmental administration’s website (in Finnish only)
Askanaavan pumppuvoimalaitos ja 400 kV:n voimajohto Pirttikoskelle -hanke, Kemijärvi, Rovaniemi (PUHTI)