Investigation into suspected environmental damage at Stora Enso logging sites in Puolanka and Hukkajoki

The preliminary investigation into suspected environmental damage in Puolanka has not yet begun. The police recorded a request for investigation from the Regional State Administrative Agency (ELY) last Friday. The Kainuu ELY Agency believes that regulations were violated at a logging site operated by Stora Enso in Puolanka, where logging activities may have occurred at a prohibited location. The same subcontractor involved in these activities is also suspected of causing significant environmental damage at Stora Enso’s logging site in Hukkajoki, Suomussalmi.

The suspected damages in Puolanka came to light following the Hukkajoki incident. The ELY Agency had previously announced plans to file a criminal complaint regarding the new findings. The police have now received this complaint, which was recorded last Friday. According to Tiina Lehmus, a crime commissioner with Oulu police, the preliminary investigation has not started yet, but they plan to review the materials collected by the ELY Agency soon. The investigation is expected to commence shortly, although it is currently unclear what specific criminal charges will be involved. Nonetheless, it pertains to violations of nature conservation laws.

Lehmus noted that the preliminary investigation will later assess whether it involves a serious offense or a more basic violation. In a related matter, environmental damage recently uncovered in Hukkajoki is being examined as a serious nature protection crime. Lehmus stated that there are no new updates regarding the Hukkajoki investigation at this time. Some individuals connected to the case have already been interviewed, while others are yet to be questioned. The police will provide further information once clarity on accountability issues is attained.