Agency clears assessment for €4.7 billion aluminium plant project

Finland’s Permit and Supervision Agency has accepted the environmental impact assessment for a planned €4.7 billion aluminium plant in Ostrobothnia, allowing the project to move to the permit application stage, Yle reports.

The plant, planned by Arctial MidstreamCo Oy on the border between Kokkola and Kruunupyy, could have significant effects on air quality, plants, wildlife, people’s living conditions and climate, the agency said.

Emissions, particularly hydrogen fluoride and sulphur dioxide, would increase in the area compared with current levels. The agency said uncertainty remains, especially over the long-term effects of hydrogen fluoride.

The agency found the assessment met legal requirements. It received 14 statements and 36 public submissions during the consultation.

Arctial said it would focus further planning on controlling hydrogen fluoride emissions, protecting groundwater and managing stormwater. The company’s local manager, Jöran Sopo, told Yle in late September that it planned to submit its first permit applications during October.

Environmental, chemical and construction permits are among the requirements for an investment decision. Sopo estimated that the decision would be made in about a year.