Is toxic waste behind dead mussel horde in Finnish river?
Thousands of dead mussels have been discovered in Kokemäki river in western Finland, with possible links to earlier spillages of heavy metals and oil in the river.
The deaths near Ruskilankoski were reported to the Centre for Economic Development, Transport and Environment (ELY) on Monday and divers are now collecting mussels to have them tested for heavy metals and organic hydrocarbons.
In July 2014 , some 66 tonnes of nickel leaked into the river from a Norilsk Nickel mine in Harjavalta, causing the death of millions of mussels several weeks later.
At the end of last year some 50,000 litres of light fuel oil leaked into the Kokemäki river from a heating plant operated by power firm Pori Energia.
ELY said it will examine whether one of those leaks is responsible for the mussel deaths and will report its finding after Easter.
Related stories from around the North:
Canada: Even with its massive water resources, Canada is not immune to dramatic droughts, Radio Canada International
Finland: Finland prepares for ‘nightmare’ wintertime Baltic oil spill, Radio Canada International
Norway: Deal protects Arctic waters around Svalbard, Norway from fishing, The Independent Barents Observer
Russia: Russia’s Arctic nuclear dump could become promising fishing area, The Independent Barents Observer
Sweden: Baltic Sea plastic levels puzzle researchers, Radio Sweden
United States: Alaska Native Regional Corporations are responsible for pollution, too, Cryopolitics Blog
