Efforts continue to restore Hukkajoki River in Suomussalmi, Finland

Efforts to restore the Hukkajoki River in Suomussalmi have already resulted in the removal of dozens of cubic meters of sand, mud, and logging debris. Project manager Pirkko-Liisa Luhta from Metsähallitus reported that a new challenge has emerged during these cleaning operations.

“The most affected area is now filled with fine, lightweight soil material that has covered the riverbed and the remaining fish habitats, extending several hundred meters downstream. We are currently developing a new method to remove this material,” Luhta stated.

Luhta provided updates on the restoration efforts when Yle visited the site on Thursday morning. She noted that the situation regarding the Hukkajoki restoration remains similar to previous reports. “We are essentially proceeding based on the initial information we had,” she added.

Meanwhile, Stora Enso announced a new potential incident concerning fish habitats in a different location in Kainuu. The forestry company informed the Kainuu ELY Centre of a suspected violation involving excess logging activities in a fish stream, although this does not pertain to Hukkajoki.

Luhta did not have further details on this case. “I don’t know the specific location, but there are nearly 20 fish streams in Kainuu’s Iijoki and Emäjoki river basins, including this one,” she mentioned.

She expressed concern that similar incidents will likely surface in the future. “Unfortunately, it is quite common in Finland for machinery to cross waterways. I was recently in Sweden, where forestry professionals stated that their machinery never touches the water. I hope practices in Finland will change as well.”