Authorities ban lake water use after Rantasalmi oil spill

Itä-Savo environmental health authorities have banned all use of lake water in the oil spill area on Haukivesi lake in Rantasalmi, Yle reports.

The water must not be used for drinking, household purposes, washing or irrigation. The ban also covers giving water to or washing animals.

People should avoid swimming if oil is visible on the water. Fishing and crayfishing in the area should also be avoided. Household water wells should not be used if bank infiltration is possible.

Hundreds of litres of engine oil leaked from a cargo vessel into the waterway on Tuesday. The estimated affected area is off Linnansaari. The oil is visible as a thin film on the water or collected along the shoreline.

Rantasalmi municipality has arranged an emergency water distribution point at the S-Market during the store’s opening hours.