Residents demand halt to quarry blasting in Lappeenranta

Residents of Antamoinen village in Lappeenranta are calling on authorities to suspend rock blasting at a nearby quarry, citing safety concerns after a failed explosion sent debris onto an adjacent road, Yle reports.

A botched detonation two weeks ago scattered rocks and trees onto the road, blocking it for hours. Police are investigating the incident.

Tuija Kaipia, who lives about 300 meters from the quarry boundary, says noise from drilling, blasting, and crushing has at times made it unbearable to be outside. She and her neighbors have avoided using a new outdoor oven due to the disturbance.

Residents also question whether the site is properly marked to prevent unauthorized access and note that protective trees—required by the permit—were destroyed in the blast. A soil embankment now serves as a visual and noise barrier.

Environmental officials in Lappeenranta say they have no grounds to halt operations. Inspector Virpi Valkeapää confirmed the quarry operator, Sammalisen Sora, shifted blasting farther from homes without consulting residents, as the change moved activity away from the nearest dwellings.

The company insists it complies fully with permit conditions and says operations will not cause continuous disruption, with seasonal pauses expected.