Damage observed at Hukkajoki River in Suomussalmi following logging activities

Damage caused by forestry machinery on Hukkajoki River in Suomussalmi is evident from a kilometer away from the crossing point, according to Eero Moilanen, a conservation expert from Metsähallitus. The area has accumulated mud severely within about 100 meters from the crossing, but signs of mud can still be seen 300 to 400 meters away, and even a kilometer downstream.

Earlier assessments of the river’s pollution had suggested distances in the hundreds of meters. Over 4,000 endangered freshwater mussels have been relocated upstream to safety, but Moilanen notes that space is becoming limited due to the existing mussel population.

Cleaning efforts at the riverbed will continue on Monday, employing around 40 workers, including approximately 10 from Metsähallitus and 25-30 from Stora Enso. The work relies on shovels, as vacuum excavation attempts were unsuccessful due to the challenging terrain, which includes thick mud mixed with logging debris.

The condition of the relocated mussels remains uncertain, with their health being monitored, as they were in poor condition during relocation. Stora Enso’s CEO is set to visit the damaged area today, followed by a press conference in Oulu later in the afternoon.

Thousands of threatened freshwater mussels perished when logging machinery crossed the protected Hukkajoki River multiple times last week, significantly impacting their habitat. Authorities are investigating the environmental damage as a severe breach of conservation laws. It was revealed that Stora Enso and the landowner had received instructions via email from the regional environmental authority prohibiting machinery crossings, but the reasons for non-compliance are still being determined by the company.