Papers on Friday reported on an incident last week in which a logging machine belonging to forestry giant Stora Enso repeatedly drove over a critical habitat for freshwater pearl mussels at Hukkajoki River in Suomussalmi, Kainuu, killing thousands of the extremely endangered animals.
A Helsingin Sanomat columnist described it as one of Finland's worst environmental disasters. Oulu police announced they are investigating the matter as a suspected serious environmental crime.
According to a statement by forestry management firm Metsähallitus, logging machines repeatedly crossed the shallow river, depositing mud, sand and debris into the river, wiping out a large number of the mussels. The habitat of the pearl mussel and its host species, the brown trout, has been damaged along an estimated 150-200 metre stretch.
"The devastation in the stream is one of the worst events we have ever witnessed," said Pirkko-Liisa Luhta, a project manager at Metsahallitus.
According to an email seen by HS, Stora Enso was aware of the presence of the endangered freshwater mussel and the necessary protective measures before the logging that caused the damage in Suomussalmi.
In May, Kainuu's Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment (ELY Centre) sent an email to Stora Enso and the forest owner, prohibiting crossing the river at the mussel site. Additionally, the authority recommended leaving a 45-meter strip along the riverbank where no trees should be felled. The Kainuu ELY Centre has informed HS that they also intend to file a complaint with the police.
While the machinery directly killed thousands of mussels by crushing them, the main damage was caused by silt and sludge flowing downstream from the crossing site, suffocating young mussels over hundreds of metres.
Minister of Climate and the Environment Kai Mykkänen took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), calling the incident a criminal case, demanding for explanations from Stora Enso.
Tabloid Iltalehti estimated that Stora Enso could face millions in fines if the company is found guilty of the environmental crime.
The freshwater pearl mussel, found in more than 100 Finnish rivers and streams and which can live up to 200 years, is vital for water quality and aquatic life. Due to habitat impacts, the species is extremely endangered and has been protected in Finland since 1955.
Tampere tram cuts
Plans to extend Tampere's tramline will be significantly derailed, with the state tightening its purse strings, reports paper Aamulehti.
Municipal councils in Tampere and Pirkkala had planned to add another 13 kilometres of rails to the local tram network. However, the plans will have to be changed now.
Initially, the funds will only cover the extension from Tampere to Partola near the Tampere-Pirkkala border, not reaching Pirkkala's centre, Suuppa. At the other end, construction will extend only to the Tampere Tennis Centre, instead of reaching the planned Koilliskeskus in Linnainmaa.
The state has allocated 55 million euros for the extension, short of the 100 million euros sought by Tampere and Pirkkala. The state will cover up to 30 percent of the costs, with the municipalities covering the remainder.
Turku park revamp gets thumbs up
Kupittaa's adventure playground in Turku has been a firm favourite with families, but the water play section has been out of action for renovation.
That changed on Tuesday when the revamped splash space opened for business, and the local paper Turun Sanomat went down to check it out.
It was a popular trip with 5-year-old Ilo, who told the reporter of a desire to visit "at least a million times", showing a child's innocence in the face of the impending seasonal change to autumn.
Although some children complained that the water was a little cold, they all said the play area was an excellent addition. And much better than the 'digital play environment' that was a potential alternative when renovations were discussed."It would be a bit boring to be on your phone all the time," said 10-year-old Jonne Katajisto.
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