Thu, 10 Jul, 2014 12:03:11 AM Nickel emission from Norilsk plant in Harjavalta FTimes-STT Report, July 10  Norilsk Nickel factory in Harjavalta on Tuesday. Photo – Str / Lehtikuva. Emission of nickel from the Norilsk Nickel plant in Harjavalta during the last weekend has posed threats to public health in the area.
Following the leak, the Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment (ELY centre) of Southwest Finland on Wednesday issued a warning to the inhabitants by the Kokemäenjoki River to be more cautious about the water they use.
“Strawberries for instance should be rinsed with tap water rather than water from the river,” said an official of the ELY centre, Harri Helminen.
Helminen also suggested that the water for sauna and washing should preferably be used from sources other than the river.
People found to jump ans swim in the water of the Kokemäenjoki river in Harjavalta on Tuesday. Photo – Str / Lehtikuva. The authorities are also considering imposing further restrictions on the use of the river water after discussing the issue with local municipalities and others concerned, said ELY centre sources.
The warning came after 66 tonnes of nickel had leaked from the plant. This has caused the nickel reading in the river to soar above normal.
In Pori, for instance, the nickel level on Wednesday morning stood at 530 micrograms, while the limit for domestic water use is 20 micrograms. The level at the bottom of the river was measured at 8,800 micrograms.
The levels are however declining rapidly and, according to the Norilsk Nickel plant authorities, most of the nickel leaked into the river has already reached the sea.
Norilsk Nickel factory in Harjavalta. Photo – Str / Lehtikuva. The ELY centre also informed the police about the leak and requested investigation, although no probe has been launched yet due to holiday.
Occupational health physician Markku Pavela meanwhile pointed out that nickel emissions do not pose danger to swimmers but there is a possibility of allergic reactions. However, all the consequences of the leak cannot be assessed before completion of investigation into the matter.
Jaakko Mannio, a researcher from the Finnish Environment Institute SYKE, however, said the emission in the Kokemäenjoki will dilute fast.
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