Finnish energy company Fennovoima starts the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process concerning a new nuclear power plant. The assessments will be conducted at potential site locations in Pyhäjoki, Ruotsinpyhtää, and Simo municipalities. As the result of the EIA, it is possible to conclude how suitable the locations will be for a nuclear power plant.
In Pyhäjoki the EIA will be completed in the Hanhikivi area, in Ruotsinpyhtää in Gäddbergsö–Kampuslandet area, and in Simo in Karsikko–Laitakari area. In addition to these areas, it is possible that an EIA will also be completed elsewhere. Possible other EIA locations will be selected by the end of this year.
In the EIA program to be formulated during the first phase of the assessment process, the scope of the EIA will be defined. Fennovoima will then seek confirmation for its program from the Ministry of Trade and Industry which serves as the contact authority. Before issuing its confirmation, the ministry will request statements from various parties. During the second phase, Fennovoima will assess the environmental impact of its new plant in accordance with the confirmed program. At the end of the process, the ministry will prepare its statement concerning Fennovoima’s EIA. To prepare this statement, the ministry will gather a variety of comments from other authorities, local communities, and various other concerned parties. Citizens may take part in the process, among others, in public meetings and hearings.
It is estimated that the EIA process will be completed by the beginning of 2009. After this, Fennovoima will file an application with the Government for the Decision-in-Principle regarding the construction of the nuclear plant.
Fennovoima cooperates closely with authorities, EIA municipalities, land owners, and local communities. As part of its commitment to open communications, Fennovoima will establish local offices in Pyhäjoki, Ruotsinpyhtää and Simo by the end of this year.
Fennovoima has selected Pöyry Energy Oy as its EIA consultant.
Further information:
Pasi Natri, Executive Vice President, Communications and Public Affairs, mobile +358 40 511 7796
