Finland Times

 

Kokemäki river on July 15, after the nickel release from Norilsk Nickel Harjavalta factory. Photo – Lehtikuva / Getty Images.

The police have started to investigate the nickel leak into the Kokemäki River. The request for investigation was submitted by the Southwest Finland Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment (ELY Centre).

 

The police are now investigating the leak as aggravated impairment of environment.

 

Matti Lankiniemi, environmental director of Pori, said based on the measurements of nickel content in the river, nickel content does not vary at different depths. The measurements were taken in the area around the city centre of Pori and around Ulvila from the surface as well as from the bottom of the river.

 

Earlier, samples were taken only from the surface of the water.

 

The highest concentration of nickel is still in Reposaari where the river drains into the sea.

 

The authorities in Pori continue to warn the residents in the area not to eat fish from the Kokemäki.

 

The marine research vessel Aranda will investigate the effects of the nickel emission, said the Southwest Finland ELY Centre.

 

Almost two weeks ago 66 tons of nickel from Norilsk Nickel plant in Harjavalta leaked into the Kokemäki.