Trial begins in Kittilä for individuals accused of severe environmental damage near Lake Immeljärvi

A trial began on Tuesday in Kittilä where two individuals are accused of severe environmental damage, with an additional person facing charges of environmental pollution. The cases are linked to the illegal dumping of earth materials and environmental alteration near Lake Immeljärvi in Levi.

The prosecutor alleges that a tourism entrepreneur buried contaminated soil containing waste and debris on their property. Investigation materials indicate that waste soil was transported from a construction site of a hotel located in Levi. Furthermore, it is claimed that the entrepreneur also dumped contaminated soil into the Ahvenoja stream flowing into Lake Immeljärvi, resulting in flooding of the stream.

The prosecutor is seeking a four-year business ban for the entrepreneur, as well as at least six months of conditional imprisonment and a fine of 70 daily payment units. The entrepreneur is also required to pay a total of €420,000 in damages to the state for the economic gains from the alleged environmental crimes. The entrepreneur’s lawyer has stated that their client denies the charges, acknowledging only that soil was taken from one construction site, while rejecting any responsibility.

For the second accused individual, the prosecution demands 60 days of conditional imprisonment, a fine of 50 daily payment units, and €2,000 in damages for severe environmental pollution. The third accused faces charges of environmental pollution with a demand for 60 daily payment units.