Saarijärvi go-kart track ordered dismantled after permit revoked

The Northern Central Finland environmental board has revoked the environmental permit for a go-kart track in Saarijärvi, forcing its dismantling after water levels rose over a metre on the site in autumn 2023.

The track, operated by Saarijärvi Motorsport Enthusiasts, was built in 1998 on a former municipal landfill and storage area. Its permit, granted in 2004, was cancelled due to changed environmental conditions on the groundwater site.

Vice chair Kari Kirijatshenko said the club had invested €120,000–150,000 in the track, with €20,000 from EU funding and €5,000 from the town. The rest was covered by volunteer work. The club still pays rent for the leased land.

Flooding first forced a halt to racing in late 2023. Though water had pooled before, 2023 saw unprecedented levels. The cause is unclear, though heavy autumn rains may have raised the water table.

Environmental secretary Saara Lind said the track’s location on a groundwater area was the main concern, as surface water could seep back uncontrollably. Such permit revocations after long-term use are rare.

The club must now submit a plan for the site’s future use or landscaping by 30 September 2026. If no safe use is found, the asphalt track must be removed. Kirijatshenko warned removal costs could bankrupt the club, and building a new track elsewhere is financially unfeasible.

The decision is under appeal. If challenged, the case will go to the Vaasa Administrative Court.