Port of Pori to implement emissions measurements amid resident concerns in Mäntyluoto

Porin Mäntyluoto harbor plans to address local residents’ concerns through immediate emissions measurements. The port is involved in unloading nickel and copper concentrates that contain hazardous substances. An inspection by the Southwest Finland Regional State Administrative Agency revealed significant shortcomings in the chemical risk assessments and handling of carcinogenic materials earlier this spring.

One problematic area during unloading is the ‘funnel,’ where the concentrates are elevated from the loads. Dust from the unloading process, particularly with wind coming from the north and northeast, has spread towards residential areas. The port manager promises improvements. “We will make enhancements to the equipment to reduce dust emissions. If the winds are too strong from a specific direction, unloading will be paused,” assures Vesa Mäkilä, the port’s managing director.

The port has already solicited bids for particle emissions measurements. “The measurements will take place this fall,” adds Mäkilä. Earlier this week, he mentioned to Yle that new measurements would boost residents’ trust. The last particle emissions measurement was conducted in 2018, and new assessments will be carried out in the nearby Uniluoto area.

The Mäntyluoto resident association has repeatedly appealed to the Port of Pori to manage dust emissions effectively. Residents have expressed dissatisfaction with the port’s operations. According to resident association representative Tapio Hacklin, it was expected that the dust problems would resolve with the commissioning of Boliden Harjavalta’s concentration terminal last year, but this has not been the case. “The dust has been significant this year. The water spray intended to contain concentrate dust froze in the cold,” notes Hacklin, who reports seeing the spreading dust on nearby homes and outdoor furniture.

Hacklin considers the port’s initiative to conduct emissions measurements a positive step, but hopes that the resident association will be included in the measurement process. “I hope we will be heard when selecting appropriate measurement points.” Mäkilä welcomes collaboration with the residents: “We are more than happy to engage with them.”