WWF volunteers begin cleaning Saimaa oil spill

WWF Finland’s oil response teams have begun cleaning the shores of Haukivesi lake in Rantasalmi after hundreds of litres of engine oil leaked from a cargo ship’s tank on August 18, Yle reports.

Damage assessment has largely been completed, but oil remains visible as a film on the water and on rocks. Experts and volunteers are testing different cleaning methods, including scraping oil onto the shore and collecting it with absorbent materials.

The operation currently involves a seven-person core team, with more volunteers to be called in if needed. WWF Finland’s oil response network has more than 10,000 volunteers.

Teemu Niinimäki, a conservation specialist, said the duration of the work was still difficult to estimate but that he did not expect it to take several weeks. The oil’s properties and weather conditions affect both the work and the choice of cleaning methods.

No oil-covered animals have been found in Rantasalmi so far. The response teams are cleaning shores and treating oil-covered birds under the direction of authorities.

Residents should report sightings of oil or oil-contaminated animals to Heidi Käyhkö, the municipality’s environmental specialist. People must not attempt to clean the oil themselves.

Oil found at several locations

Mauri Ruuskanen, Rantasalmi’s technical director, said the damage assessment was completed on Thursday. Oil has been found at two larger locations and at several isolated points.

Some further findings may still emerge, Ruuskanen said, urging people to report any oil they see to the municipality.

Part of the affected area lies within Linnansaari National Park. However, the areas of Voinsalmi, Repomäki and Härmäniemi are outside the park. Most of the uninhabited islands without road connections are within it.

The municipality has received between 10 and 15 contacts since responsibility for the follow-up response was transferred from the rescue service. The work is not expected to stop for the weekend. The Permits and Supervision Agency is also directing and assisting with the operation.

Ruuskanen said an oil spill in Linnansaari had been considered a feared worst-case scenario for decades. Preparations had been made, but not every situation could be anticipated, he said.

Boaters urged to avoid the spill area

The deep-water route on Lake Saimaa reopened to traffic on Wednesday evening and is operating normally. However, Jani Jämsä, risk management manager at the South Savo Rescue Department, urged people to avoid travelling within the affected area while the cleanup continues.

Rescue boats, Metsähallitus vessels and WWF response teams are operating there, and boating could spread the oil further.

The spill is significant because the oil reached part of Linnansaari National Park, where endangered Saimaa ringed seals live and breed. The impact on the seals is considered less severe than on birds.