Fire ignites at Remeo waste processing facility in Rusko, Tampere, prompting environmental review
The Pirkanmaa Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment (ELY) is evaluating the continuation of the environmental permit for the Remeo waste processing facility in Rusko, Tampere. A significant fire broke out early Tuesday morning in a large energy waste pile, marking the third incident of its kind in a short period. The fire has yet to be extinguished.
The ELY centre oversees compliance with environmental permits at the Remeo facility. The site ceased waste reception last Friday due to exceeding allowed storage limits. According to regulations, the supervisory authority can revoke an environmental permit if violations are not rectified. Emmi Pajunen, a senior inspector at the ELY centre, stated that they are currently assessing the situation before making further decisions.
Pajunen noted that Remeo had begun taking steps to address violations, but these efforts were interrupted by the new fire. A passerby reported large waste piles in the area, prompting the ELY centre to request information from Remeo about waste amounts in September following public concerns.
Remeo had reported compliance with permitted waste levels at that time. After a previous fire at the facility last week, Pajunen conducted another site visit and assessed that waste amounts likely exceeded the permit.
The Pirkanmaa rescue department issued a warning for the Rusko area early Tuesday, advising residents to stay indoors and close ventilation systems. CEO Panu Routasalo acknowledged to the media that the facility’s storage levels are not compliant with regulations. Several complaints about odor pollution from nearby residents have been reported to the ELY centre this year.
Pajunen emphasized the ELY centre’s position that the facility cannot continue operations at its current capacity, especially since one warehouse has been completely destroyed and another partially affected. Routasalo stated it is too early to evaluate the full extent of the damage and the facility’s future.