Soil contamination is analysed by studying the history of the land use and taking samples of the soil. In soil surveys, the ground is dug open with an excavator, or deeper holes are drilled into it, through which a specialised environmental expert takes samples. Some of the samples will be analysed with field measuring instruments, and some will be sent to a laboratory for environment-technical analysis. The samples will be analysed for heavy metals, hydrocarbon oils and polyaromatic hydrocarbons.
Based on the results of the analysis, a restoration goal suitable for the land use will be set so that health hazards and environmental hazards can be removed. The restoration plans of the Porvoo region are approved and supervised by the Uusimaa Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment.
In the 20th century, Länsiranta was an industrial site. The planning area for the LUCIA project has been home to a box factory, storage buildings and a storage field for timber. The area was split by railway tracks used to transport raw materials for industry. Older Porvoo residents may remember the area’s change from the fields of the Näsi Manor into an industrial zone. Even bridges were built.
Back in the day, waste treatment and chemical storage were handled carelessly and short-sightedly. In Porvoo, the area is often referred to as the ‘Hankkija area’ and the ‘former mini-golf area’. The City of Porvoo has been restoring Länsiranta for over 15 years. Now only the most difficult-to-dig area by the riverbank remains.
Porvoo’s residents and tourists appreciate that the local history is visible in the environment. Good things, such as material efficiency, should be brought from history to modern times – in a contemporary manner through the development of recycled materials. The Finnish government has also developed legislation to re-use materials such as construction waste in a risk-free fashion.
Porvoo has prepared a roadmap for circular economy where the most significant goal is increasing the re-utilisation of extra soil. The planning will yield notable savings both in terms of money and carbon emissions.
VARAA AIKA