Thu, 04 Dec, 2014 12:07:31 AM FTimes - STT Report, Dec.04 Photo – Lehtikuva. Nickel emission from Kokemäki river in July is reported to have caused the deaths of over four million mussels, said the Southwest Finland Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment (ELY Centre).
The most affected were the Duck mussels with reported three out of five of the total deaths.
About a million of thick-shelled river mussel, a species considered endangered, were also killed.
The ELY Centre together with the Ministry of Environment will evaluate whether the emission meets definition of EU directive on environmental liability.
The ELY Centre said it will consider the necessary follow-up action afterwards.
In July, 66 tons of nickel leaked from Norilsk Nickel mine in Harjavalta.
According to the plant’s environment permit, a maximum of 550 kilograms of nickel may be discharged in water in a year.
Measurements taken after the leak revealed nickel concentration at a maximum of 8,800 micrograms per litre while the normal level is 20 micrograms.
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