Clean soil shortage stalls Hollola shooting range project

Construction at the Hälvälä shotgun ranges in Hollola has stalled because there is not enough suitable clean soil to complete a noise barrier, Yle reports. The project began in 2018 and has no estimated completion date.

The environmental permit requires a barrier about 600 metres long, lined with protective plastic to prevent lead shot from reaching the soil and groundwater. The barrier is 18 metres high and must be built from soil that meets strict quality and technical requirements.

About 120,000 tonnes of soil, or 60,000 cubic metres, are still needed. That is around 10 per cent of the total required. The shortage has held up work for more than three years, with suitable material scarce because of a slowdown in construction in the Lahti region.

The project is expected to cost more than two million euros. Salpamaa, the company responsible for soil deliveries and construction, says it has clean soil available at landfill sites, but transporting it to the range would double the cost of building the barrier. Soil brought directly from construction sites is cheaper because the building contractor pays for its transport.

The shotgun ranges were closed for four years, and some reopened only a month ago. The prolonged disruption has led some shooters to leave the club and train elsewhere, reducing membership and range-use income while rent and other costs continue. The club says other shooting sections help cover expenses.

Some of the barrier is complete and covered with plastic. The Hälvälä shotgun range is the only range in the area located in a groundwater formation zone, according to project manager Antti Virolainen.