Tornio seeks permit to destroy remaining sand martin nests after construction damage

Several nests of the critically endangered sand martin were destroyed at a pipeline construction site near Tornio’s customs area after heavy rain collapsed a trench wall, Yle reports.

The city of Tornio has now applied for permission to remove the remaining nests to avoid delays to the project, which involves relocating water and sewage pipes for a new customs building. The work must be completed by the end of July, but sand martins may continue nesting into August.

Environmental inspector Lotta Mattila said the nests were first discovered in late May and initially protected. Some birds later moved to a second trench, where their new nest cavities were destroyed during excavation. Heavy rain on Tuesday night then collapsed part of the original nesting site, reducing the number of active cavities from over 30 to an estimated ten.

Technical director Jussi Korpi stated that any removal would occur only as a last resort to prevent financial losses and disruptions to border control operations. He emphasized that the birds would be allowed to nest as long as possible.

Tuomo Karplund, a conservation expert with the Meri-Lapin lintutieteellinen yhdistys Xenus, stressed the importance of protecting the remaining nests, noting the species’ critically endangered status and limited natural nesting sites. Authorities, contractors, and birdwatchers have agreed to cover the second trench’s walls to prevent further nesting there.

The sand martin is a protected species in Finland, with an individual bird valued at €1,220 under national regulations.