Large sulphuric acid leak at Nevel Oy facility in Kemi

A large sulphuric acid leak occurred at the Nevel Oy energy infrastructure facility in Veitsiluoto, Kemi, on Friday, with approximately 10,000 litres released into a settling tank, Yle reports.

The acid is gradually draining from the tank into the sea via piping. Sulphuric acid is harmful and can acidify seawater. The company is monitoring seawater pH levels and has restricted access to the area.

Nevel’s responsibility and communications director Hanna Viita confirmed no staff were injured. “We are doing everything to handle this incident safely. We apologise for what has happened,” Viita said.

Duty fire chief Jukka Huttunen stated there is no active emergency response at the site. Authorities deployed a pH meter to assess the amount of acid in the seawater. While the leak is now contained, Nevel is responsible for cleanup, with emergency services providing support and monitoring for off-site impacts.

The alarm for a major environmental incident was raised after 18:00.