The influence of Kostomuksha mining plant on human environment in the boundary region
Funded by Euregio Karelia Neighbourhood Programme 2001-2006

Objective of the project

The purpose of the project was to track the atmospheric transmission of the said emissions, particularly of small particles, heavy metal compounds and Polycyclic Aromatic Carbohydrate combinations, across the border to Kainuu and the effects of the emissions on humans and the nature of the border areas.

Main activities

• Continuous measurements of small particle amounts in the border region, taking them for laboratory analyses, • Analysing the fallout samples on their transmission to ground and water environments, • Completing diffusion model calculations about the transmission of emissions in the atmosphere • Acquirement of emission details from Kostomuksha, • Taking sediment samples from the lakes in the area on both sides of the border and doing profile analysis of their heavy metal compounds, • Collection of mushroom, berry and soil samples from the area and analysing their heavy metal concentrations.

Achievements

The project researched the atmospheric emissions of Kostomuksha, their transmission and fallout and effects on the water and ground environment. The Finnish Meteorological Institute performed continuous measurements of small particle amounts in the border region and took samples of them for laboratory analyses. The concentrations from the samples were analysed for heavy metal compounds and Polycyclic Aromatic Carbohydrate combinations. The fallout samples were similarly analysed for their transmission to ground and water environments. The Finnish Meteorological Institute also completed diffusion model calculations about the transmission of emissions in the atmosphere. The Kainuu Regional Environment Centre participated in the upkeep of calculations and acquired emission details from Kostomuksha. The Laboratory of Radiochemistry of the University of Helsinki took sediment samples from the lakes in the area on both sides of the border and did a profile analysis of their heavy metal compounds. The sediments were dated according to their Lead 210 and Cesium 137 concentrations. In cooperation with the Kainuu Regional Environment Centre, the Finnish Forest Research Institute collected mushroom, berry and soil samples from the area and analysed their heavy metal concentrations. According to the results, the concentrations in the water systems, berries and edible mushrooms are very small, and the emissions of Kostomuksha therefore do not cause a threat to the health or livelihoods of the people of Kainuu. The entire research report of the project and impact of the Kostomuksha mining plant on the human environment at the Finnish-Russian border, can be found on the web pages of the Environment Centre.