Cleaning efforts launched for Hukkajoki River in Suomussalmi as Stora Enso addresses environmental concerns

Approximately thirty employees from Stora Enso arrived today to clean the Hukkajoki River in Suomussalmi, according to Eero Moilanen, an expert from the Finnish Forest Administration. In addition, a dozen of the administration’s own staff members are on-site. “We have entirely halted our own projects and redeployed personnel here,” Moilanen stated.

The river cleaning is expected to last several days, after which Forest Administration employees will continue their efforts “as long as necessary.” Moilanen warned that time is running out for the preservation of the endangered freshwater mussels, known as “raakku.” With autumn approaching, increased rainfall and cooling temperatures will alter local conditions rapidly. “As water flow increases, the sediment will move downstream, causing further damage,” he explained.

Approximately 4,000 mussels have already been relocated upstream after forest machinery likely drove over them hundreds of times. There are concerns about the viability of the remaining mussels, as many have shown poor health following their relocation. Moilanen pointed out that the upstream area has reached its capacity for mussel populations and cannot accommodate unlimited numbers.

Previously, attempts to clean the riverbed involved vacuum dredging, which proved ineffective against the thick layers of sediment and logging debris in the riverbed. Currently, Stora Enso and Forest Administration workers are using shovels for cleanup efforts.

Moilanen believes this incident may prompt changes in operational practices among many companies. The alleged severe violation of nature conservation laws occurred at the Stora Enso site on August 15.