Residents in Kukko voice concerns over wind power project approval by Saarijärvi City Council
Residents of the village of Kukko in Saarijärvi and local holiday home owners are expressing deep concern over a recent decision by the Saarijärvi City Council to approve the development of the Palkkikangas wind power area. Former municipal leader Stefan Sundberg, speaking on behalf of numerous holiday home owners and permanent residents, remarked, “We lived in hope that reason would prevail, but that hasn’t happened.”
Sundberg’s comments stem from the council’s narrow approval of zoning for the wind power area, which was initially part of a larger wind farm project in the draft regional plan for Central Finland. After assessments were conducted, the area was reduced in size due to various environmental considerations.
The proposed site is in close proximity to protected areas, including the Mahasuon conservation site, which is home to the endangered golden eagle. Residents are particularly worried about the impact on nearby spring-fed lakes. “It’s strange that after studies reveal the area isn’t suitable for ten turbines, there’s now planning for nine,” Sundberg pointed out.
Ulla-Maija Humppi, the city’s zoning director, indicated that the regional plan identifies significant wind power areas, and municipalities have the option to assess projects under ten turbines independently. They will decide whether to investigate the project’s feasibility in the upcoming council meeting.
Tohtaanjärvi, a shallow lake with a sandy bottom, is crucial to the local ecosystem, relying exclusively on springs for its water. Environmental expert Jouni Kivinen emphasized that turbine construction could affect the lake’s condition.
In addition to wind turbines, solar power facilities are planned for Palkkikangas, potentially generating around €500,000 annually in property tax revenue for the municipality. While Sundberg emphasizes the necessity of such revenue, he insists that the development should minimize harm to nature, residents, and waterways.