METSÄ FIBRE OY
ÄÄNEKOSKI BIOPRODUCT MILL
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REPORT
METSÄ-FIBRE OY
ÄÄNEKOSKI BIOPRODUCT MILL
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REPORT
Karttakuvat:
Maanmittauslaitos (MML)
Suomen ympäristökeskus (SYKE)
SISÄLLYS
Liite 1: Yhteisviranomaisen 15.7.2014 antama lausunto Metsä Fibre Oy:n Äänekosken
biotuotetehtaan ympäristönvaikutusten arviointiohjelmasta
Liite 2: Asukaskyselyn lomake
Liite 3: 110 kV voimajohdon ympäristöselvitys
YMPÄRISTÖVAIKUTUSTEN ARVIOINTISELOSTUS
20.8.2014
SUMMARY
Background and objective
Metsä Fibre is looking into the construction of a bioproduct mill with a capacity of
1,300,000 tonnes of pulp at its integrated unit in Äänekoski. The bioproduct mill would
process the pulp mill's side streams and leftovers into new bioproducts and raw materials.
Demand for softwood pulp is expected to remain stable in the future. In Finland, it is possible to fell an additional six million solid cubic metres of pulpwood for the production of
softwood pulp, still keeping the operations sustainable. The bioproduct mill project would
replace the current pulp mill, enable the manufacture of new bioproducts in the area, and
allow new players to get involved.
The project seeks to meet energy and material efficiency requirements, to achieve renewable energy targets, and to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
The party responsible for the project is seeking the information required to make a final
decision on its investment by spring 2015. Construction of the bioproduct mill would last
about two years. The mill would then start up late in 2017.
Alternatives to be assessed
The new mill would be located in Äänekoski, within the existing mill complex, whose facilities include a pulp mill, a paperboard mill, a power plant, and other industrial plants.
Building within the existing mill complex is a good option with regard to environmental
impact. Äänekoski is ideally situated for, among other things, wood transportation. The
existing mill's technical and financial lifecycle would end in the early 2020s. No other locations have been examined for the aforementioned reasons.

Alternative VE1 is the bioproduct mill concept. In terms of tonnage, the most significant product for VE1 is kraft pulp, which is made from both softwood and
hardwood: production would stand at about 1.3 million tonnes per year. Tall oil,
turpentine, bark, sawdust, and sulphuric acid would be also produced. The pulp
mill's processes would include extracting lignin from the waste liquors generated.
In addition to the pulp mill, the mill complex would include a product gas plant, in
which biomass generated as by-products is processed into product gas, and a
digestion plant to process the sludge from the wastewater treatment plant. The
bioproduct mill would not use any fossil fuels whatsoever.

Alternative VE2 is simply a pulp mill with a capacity of 1.3 million tonnes of softwood and hardwood pulp. The mill would be able to use fossil fuels in its lime kiln
and as a backup fuel in its recovery boiler. In addition to bioenergy, the mill would
also produce other by-products that could be sold: turpentine, tall oil, bark, and
sawdust.

The control alternative, VE0, is not to actualise the project. The existing pulp mill
in Äänekoski would continue its operations to the end of its life, that is, to about
2020. Current pulp production stands at about 500,000 tonnes per year.
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The bioproduct mill's environmental targets are such that, under normal circumstances,
the new mill would be able to operate in accordance with the terms and conditions of the
permit issued in 2006 for the existing integrated unit and its wastewater treatment plant.
With regard to aquatic emissions, this means extremely strict internal water circuit closure
for the pulp production process, the expansion of the existing wastewater treatment plant,
and boosting the efficiency of the treatment processes. The target for emissions to air can
be achieved with the technology currently in use.
Environmental impact of the project
Impact during construction
All of the impact during the construction phase is temporary. Construction of the new mill
is expected to take about two years. This covers all of the buildings and structures required for the operations of the bioproduct mill, as well as roads, rail tracks and other
work in the mill area. Construction of the new mill will require the demolition of the buildings of the kraft pulp mill commissioned in the 1960s. Polluted soil will also be removed
from the area before construction. The existing pulp mill will continue to operate throughout the construction period.
Sedimentation and clouding of the water caused by bridge construction and the dredging
or filling of water areas could have a detrimental effect on aquatic vegetation and thereby
on fish and benthic organisms. The hazardous substances contained in the sediment
raised by dredging may end up in bodies of water and cause a risk to aquatic environments.
On the basis of simulations, visible concentrations of solids could form in the vicinity of
the dredged area to a maximum distance of about 300 m. They can be reduced by the
use of protective structures during dredging.
The surface component of the sediment is predicted to be slightly contaminated with
PCDD/F and PCB compounds, and strongly contaminated with oil hydrocarbons. Concentrations of hazardous substances will be considered during dredging and the requisite
protective structures will be used.
The migration of fish may be disturbed during bridge construction work in the Äänekoski
fishway. The spawning grounds of some spring-spawning species may be buried in the fill
areas.
The impacts of dredging and filling will be short-lived and will diminish with distance from
the target area. They can be minimised with appropriate scheduling, the choice of methods employed, and technical solutions.
Special deliveries and a significant increase in traffic volumes must be considered when
developing the area's road and street network and when scheduling any improvement
projects. The safety of bicycle and pedestrian traffic in particular must be considered
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when planning traffic arrangements. An analysis of the required traffic arrangements is
currently ongoing in cooperation with the Town of Äänekoski.
Compared to the noise generated by the operations of the existing pulp mill, the noise
impact will increase during construction. Noise will be generated by increased traffic, as
well as by construction and earthworks on the mill site. The noise impact will extend to at
least the closest residential buildings. Construction work will be carried out during the day
on weekdays.
Emissions from increased traffic and dust emissions from earthworks will have an impact
on air quality. The waste generated by demolition and construction work will be recycled
as effectively as possible. Contaminated soil will be appropriately treated. Any impact on
land use will be only temporary. Noise and clouding of water caused by the construction
may be considered a disturbance in the local landscape.
The project will not carry out any construction in areas that are protected or designated as
sites of natural value. Birdlife and other wildlife in the industrial area and its vicinity have
already adapted to the disturbance caused by existing operations and no significant impact is expected from the construction.
When it comes to impact on humans, an extremely favourable effect on employment is
forecast during the construction phase. Traffic and noise may cause unfavourable impacts.
The impact during construction would be of similar magnitude for both alternatives VE1
and VE2.
Impact during operation
Impact on bodies of water
Due to the significantly larger size of the new mill, there will be some increase in the
amount of wastewater channelled into bodies of water.
The highest concentrations of wastewater will be found in the immediate vicinity of the
discharge point to a distance of about 100 metres. For example, the maximum total
phosphor impact in Lake Vatia would be 5 mg/m3 (actual figure 2.9 mg/m3 in 2013) and
2.9 mg/m3 in Lake Leppävesi (1.7 mg/m3 in 2012). In Vaajakoski and the northern part of
Lake Päijänne, the estimated change in solid concentrations would be about 0.05 g/m3
(0.05 mg/l), the total phosphor 0.3 mg/m3 (0.3 µg/l), and the total nitrogen 5 mg/m3
(5 µg/l). Changes in oxygen consumption are minimal farther away from the mill.
In Lake Leppävesi, close to the northern part of Lake Päijänne, solid concentrations have
been close to 1 mg/l, and phosphor concentrations about 15 µg/l. In 2013, industrial and
residential phosphor loading in the northern part of Lake Päijänne stood at 38 kg/d and
nitrogen at 2,500 kg/d. The Äänekoski plants accounted for 53% of the phosphor and
9.6% (240 kg/d) of the nitrogen.
The volume of cooling water required by the new mill will be many times that required by
the existing mill and power plant.
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Modelling predicts that average surface temperatures will rise by over two degrees Celsius within a radius of about half a kilometre of the discharge point. During a hot summer, a
temperature rise of 1–2 °C could be caused as far as the Kapeenkoski rapids and the
northernmost part of Lake Vatia. The surface temperature of Lake Vatia would rise by a
maximum of 0.5 °C in a normal year and by a maximum of 1 °C during a hot summer.
This rise in temperature is predicted to have a slightly eutrophic effect extending to the
Kapeenkoski rapids and the northernmost part of Lake Vatia.
Wastewater is not expected to have an impact on the nutrient content-based physicochemical classification of Lake Kuhnamo or its lower waterways, nor on the biological
classification of their organisms. Lake Kuhnamo's physico-chemical status is currently
good, the concentrations of chlorophyll a indicating eutrophication levels are high, and the
status of benthic organisms is poor. The ecological status of the Kapeenkoski rapids is
currently classified as 'good'.
A rise in the concentration of BOD7 may cause a loss of oxygen in the discharge zone. A
rise in water temperatures in Lake Kuhnamo may cause localised falls in oxygen concentration, but it is unlikely that any major oxygen-deficient areas will form.
Average variation in water level due to increased water consumption by the new mill will
be in the range of about one millimetre. Increased water flow in the Äänekoski canal may
have a favourable impact on fish ladders and fish gravitating towards the rapids.
As the water-intake current increases, the number of fish drawn into the current may also
increase, which must be taken into account when designing intake structures. The slight
rise in eutrophication may cause an increase in fish species that favour abundant vegetation.
Wastewater and cooling water would have a greater impact on fish than they currently do.
In areas subject to the strongest effects, fish spawning grounds could be ruined by the
combined effect of eutrophication and a large increase in solid concentrations. The
spawning grounds of, for example, vendace or whitefish are unlikely to be affected to any
great extent in Lake Kuhnamo, nor likewise the spawning grounds of other species in the
vicinity of the mill complex. Changes in solid concentrations will be greater in the immediate vicinity of the discharge pipe. Modelling indicates that the new mill will have a minimal
impact on water quality, and thereby on spawning trout, in the Kapeenkoski rapids.
The slight rise in eutrophication may improve fishermen's catches, but would also increase the percentage of fish in the Cyprinidae family. The temperature impact may slow
the migration of trout to the Äänekoski rapids and fishway; there may also be an impact
on the movement of fish heading for the Salakkajoki river. The negative impact of increased temperatures mainly affect species that prefer cold waters (trout, whitefish,
smelt, vendace, burbot, grayling). Perch, zander and pike may grow faster than before.
The new mill will increase these impacts, at least in the vicinity of the discharge pipe. The
effects will rapidly decrease with distance from the discharge zone.
Ice volumes in the Äänekoski area naturally fluctuate due to strong currents. Changes in
ice volumes mainly arise from delayed freezing and early thawing. It is unlikely that any
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significant impact will extend to Lake Vatia. It is estimated that any early thawing effect
would be limited to a few days.
Ice coverage to the south of the discharge point located on the Teräväniemi peninsula
beside Lake Kuhnamo is expected to weaken by about 50%, and thawed areas could
form during a mild winter. Weakened ice would probably also be found in the area between the discharge point and the Ala-Keitele canal.
The mill complex is already surrounded by industry, and recreational use of the area is in
accordance with that. Weakened ice may impair opportunities for winter fishing in the
vicinity of wastewater and cooling water discharge points. No impact is expected on the
recreational use of waterways heading southwards. The project is not expected to significantly lower the usage rate of bodies of water.
There is no difference in the impacts of alternatives VE1 and VE2 on bodies of water.
The overall impact of a joint wastewater treatment plant has been assessed. If
wastewater from Suolahti and the town of Äänekoski were channelled to the new mill's
treatment plant, nitrous nutrients could be more effectively removed, while phosphor loading would remain at roughly current levels. The algae in the Äänekoski–Vaajakoski waterway are phosphorus-limited, so nitrogen removal would have practically no effect on
eutrophication levels.
Impact on air quality and climate
In 2013, odorous sulphur compounds caused an air quality index value of 'very bad' on a
total of four days and 'bad' on 20 days. Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide concentrations were below both limit and reference values.
The impact on air quality has been estimated using the upper limits for emissions in accordance with the best available technique (BAT), and emission volumes indicate the
maximum effect. Emissions from actual operations will probably be significantly lower.
Modelling shows that normal operations at the new mill will have a minimal impact on air
quality and, if the new mill is constructed, not a single limit or reference value for pollution
will be exceeded. Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide limits intended to protect vegetation and ecosystems will also not be exceeded. When compared to reference values, the
new mill's operations will not cause any odour nuisance. A new, tall chimney will reduce
the concentrations caused by air emissions in the surroundings.
TRS and SO2 concentrations caused by a disturbance at the new mill would, depending
on the weather, reach a maximum of about 70 per cent of reference values, and the
highest concentrations would form in the vicinity of the mill (to a radius of about three
kilometres from the source of the emissions). In such a situation, the odour threshold for
TRS concentrations (0.7 µg/m3) may be momentarily exceeded over an extensive area,
up to more than fifteen kilometres from the source of the emissions. The area affected by
odour – its extent, range and direction, and the strength of the odour – will depend on the
weather conditions. In calm weather (a stable inversion), strong odours will primarily be
experienced locally, in the vicinity of the source of emissions, while windy weather could
cause weaker odours to be experienced farther from the source.
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The new mill will probably emit noticeably fewer odorous gas emissions than the existing
mill. Emissions from the most significant odour sources will be collected and channelled
though the new mill's tall chimney. The new mill will have more combustion points for
odorous gases, so there will probably be significantly fewer incidences of disturbances in
which odorous gases cannot be burnt.
Alternatives VE1 and VE2 differ only slightly in their sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide
emissions, and their emissions from traffic. There is no discernible difference in their impacts.
Carbon dioxide emissions per tonne of pulp produced are lowest with alternative VE1 and
highest with VE0.
Traffic impact
Road deliveries to the new mill are estimated at about 300 per day, which means about
600 heavy-vehicle road journeys per day. Rail traffic is estimated at a total of eight arrivals and departures per day. Traffic volumes will increase by a factor of about 2–2.5
compared to current volumes. There will be a noticeable increase in wood transportation.
Increased traffic will primarily use existing roads and highways. Road deliveries of wood
will be directed to the mill complex through the paper mill area, and a new bridge will be
built over the lower course of the Äänekoski rapids. A new rail connection for chemical,
wood and pulp transportation will be built from Suolahti, to the southeast from the mill.
The increase in traffic volumes and heavy vehicle deliveries will cause noise and emissions impacts, as well as occasional dust and vibration nuisance. The significant increase
in heavy vehicles will affect traffic flow. Road and street development is necessary to
ensure good traffic flow and improve road safety.
The main problem areas are key junctions, such Highway 4/Kotakennääntie, Kotakennääntie/Tehtaankatu, the Viiskulma area, and Äänekoskentie/Sarvelantie.
There is little difference between the total traffic volumes arising from alternatives VE1
and VE2, and their traffic impacts are of the same magnitude. The road and street network already requires development as is.
Noise impact
Traffic and the industrial operations of the plants will cause noise both now and after the
construction of the new mill. The total noise output for alternatives VE1 or VE2 would be
of the same magnitude as the current noise level. Day and night reference values will be
exceeded for a small number of residential buildings. There are minor differences in the
impact on various target areas.
Two options have been examined with regard to the noise impacts of traffic between
Highway 4 and the mill. By focusing traffic on either the Kotakennääntie or Äänekoskentie
roads, the impact on the areas surrounding these roads could increase by about 1–3 dB,
depending on the aforementioned alternatives.
Impact of waste and by-product treatment and their final placement
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Waste will be appropriately treated and its treatment and final disposal is not expected to
have any significant impact on the environment. The amount of waste generated will be
minimised and its recycling rate will be continually improved.
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Impact on the use of natural resources
Raw wood supply for the pulp mill is the most significant factor in the bioproduct mill's
impact on the use of natural resources. The project will increase the use of pulpwood in
Finland by about 3.5 million cubic metres. The existing pulp mill uses about 2 million cubic metres of wood. Sustainable felling options will not limit the availability of wood. The
impact of wood supply for the mill will extend throughout the country.
The majority of raw materials will come from thinning operations. Unlike final felling, thinning is unlikely to cause a significant increase in nutrient washing, as the remaining tree
stand will bind any freed nutrients.
Thinning is often considered favourable with regard to the landscape, as it opens up
copses and makes it easier to move through the forest.
The impact on biodiversity is regulated by international agreements as well as national
legislation and regulations. This impact will be mitigated using forest management recommendations. Quality assurance for raw material supply will be based on a certified
quality and environmental system, and a wood origin tracing system.
There are no differences in the impact of wood supply for alternatives VE1 and VE2.
Impact on urban structure and land use
The project will promote the actualisation of national land use guidelines. All of the project's alternatives are in line with the regional plan. The town plan for the existing waste
treatment area and the water treatment plant is currently being processed.
The switchyard and digestion plant will not be located wholly within the zoned area, and a
town plan for this area is currently being processed.
VE1 best complements the existing industrial complex, and therefore harmonises community structure. The impact of VE2 is similar to that of VE1.
Impact on the landscape and cultural environment
The facility's location is not expected to have a significant impact on local cultural historical sites or other sensitive sites. When designing the appearance of the new bridge and
waterside construction along the new road, it must be kept in mind that they will be visible
from Kuhnamo, Piilolanniemi, and the old bridges. The impact of road and rail traffic associated with the transportation of raw materials may be considered a disturbance in the
landscape. The landscape impact of the new 110 kV power line will probably not be significant, as the new power line will run alongside the existing line.
Good design with regard to, for example, construction materials, colours and shapes can
improve the cityscape and strengthen the mill complex's image.
The size of VE1, and therefore also its impact on the landscape, is slightly greater than
those of VE2, although there is no significant difference between these alternatives.
Impact on vegetation, wildlife and conservation sites
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The majority of the existing mill complex lies within the industrial zone, where there is no
natural environment or natural vegetation. Siberian flying squirrels have been spotted in
the vicinity of the project area.
The Central Finland Bird Club has designated Kuhnamo in Central Finland as a MAALI
area – a nationally valuable bird area The closest Natura 2000 area is Lake Vatia's
Saraavesi, which is located on the lower course of the Äänekoski rapids about seven
kilometres to the south-east of the project area. The nearest conservation areas are located four kilometres away.
The mill's operations will not cause any direct impact on surrounding vegetation or wildlife. The operations of the mill may result in, for example, traffic noise disturbances in
surrounding areas. These are not expected to be significant, as the area is already in
industrial use.
Considering the proximity of a bird area of national value, preventative measures should
be taken to avoid any industrial oil and chemical spills in particular. According to the assessment, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide limits for the protection of vegetation and
ecosystems will not be exceeded when the mill is operational.
Due to the distance involved, no direct impact on local Natura-protected habitats or other
nearby conservation sites is expected during either the construction or operation of the
mill.
The impact of the new power line on the natural environment is also expected to be minimal, as there is already a heavily man-made environment along the route, i.e. it is primarily agricultural or forestry land. The project is not expected to have a significant impact on
conservation areas, nor on endangered or protected species.
There are no substantial differences between the environmental loading or expected impact of alternatives VE1 and VE2. The environmental impact of alternative VE0 would, for
the time being, be the same as those of the existing mill.
Impact on soil, bedrock and groundwater
The soil in the project area currently exhibits hydrocarbon concentrations that exceed
threshold values. Contaminated areas will be removed before construction of the new
mill. The mill complex is not located in, or in the immediate vicinity of, a classified
groundwater area.
During normal operations, the bioproduct mill will not cause any discernible impact on the
soil and bedrock in the project area.
Impact on human health, living conditions and comfort
The project (alternatives VE1 and VE2) supports Äänekoski's industrially focused business structure by generating new opportunities, particularly through indirect effects. Once
production begins, the new mill's impact on employment is estimated at over 2,500 new
jobs throughout the value chain in Finland (currently 1,000). Implementing the project
may have the favourable effect of creating an image of Äänekoski as a vibrant industrial
town.
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In addition to creating employment, the increase in traffic and its potential consequences
(noise, emissions) are expected to have some of the project's most significant impacts on
humans (alternatives VE1 and VE2).
On the basis of responses to a residents' survey, the following are examples of impacts
viewed as favourable: effects on income and property values, potential new traffic connections, and improvements in traffic arrangements. Respondents believed that increased vitality will improve the well-being of local residents. The noise impact was
viewed slightly more negatively than other factors. There was also concern about the
future condition of bodies of water. Respondents' greatest problems with the project were
associated with traffic. Traffic arrangements in the surrounding area are not currently
considered to be functioning well.
On the basis of the residents' survey, the existing mill is important for Äänekoski and, if
the pulp mill is not overhauled, there is a fear that industry in the area will continue to fall
into decline.
Impact of accidents and disturbances
On the basis of the preliminary risk analysis, the impact of almost all of the most significant potential disturbances would be odour nuisance in the surrounding area. Disturbances leading to odour nuisance will be better managed at the new mill.
Another significant risk identified relates to a surge of black liquor on startup, with the
associated risk of liquor emissions into bodies of water. Once in the water, the liquor
would have harmful effects on aquatic organisms. Precautions are being taken to handle
potential disturbances during startup, and precautions against a leak are also being taken
with the aid of the wastewater treatment plant's safety pool.
In addition to the most significant risks, other disturbances identified during the environmental analysis were associated with, for example, chemical handling and chemical leaks
as a result of breakages in pipes or other equipment, flange leaks, and the potential overfilling of tanks. The chemical releases resulting from disturbances would most probably
end up in safety basins, from which the diluted emissions would be channelled into the
wastewater treatment plant. In the case of a fault at the wastewater treatment plant, water
could be channelled into the safety pool. In the event of fire or an explosion, most of the
impact would probably be restricted to the mill complex.
Disturbances and accidents will be prevented through careful design of the mill's various
operations, thorough training and guidance for the operating personnel, clear markings,
and monitoring of operations.
Safety-related operating principles to prevent major accidents will be drawn up as part of
the mill's internal emergency plan and the chemical permit application that must be submitted to the Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (TUKES).
Conclusions
It is expected that the most significant negative impacts associated with implementation
of the project will be increased traffic and its associated effects, as well as impacts on
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bodies of water. Road and street development is necessary to ensure good traffic flow
and improved road safety. The potential impact on bodies of water during the construction
phase can be minimised through the proper planning and execution of hydraulic engineering. The mill's wastewater is not expected to have an impact on the physico-chemical
classification of Lake Kuhnamo or its lower waterways, or on the biological classification
of their organisms. The impacts on bodies of water during operation are considered acceptable.
The most significant positive impacts of the project would be support for the area's industrially focused business structure, through indirect effects in particular, and thereby its
favourable effect on human living conditions, such as income. Another favourable consequence may be new traffic connections and improved traffic arrangements in the area.
The project would promote the growth of the bioeconomy in Finland.
Both of the project's implementation alternatives are considered to be viable.
Information and participation
Residents and other stakeholders may participate in the project's EIA procedure by presenting their views to the contact authority (the Centre for Economic Development,
Transport and the Environment for Central Finland) and to the consultant or party responsible for the project.
A team has been appointed to monitor the EIA procedure, and its aim is to promote the
flow and exchange of information between the party responsible for the project, the authorities, and other stakeholders. The following were invited to be members of the monitoring team: the party responsible for the project, the Centre for Economic Development,
Transport and the Environment for Central Finland, the environmental authorities of the
town of Äänekoski and the municipality of Laukaa, the regional water management cooperation group for Central Finland, the Central Finland Fire and Rescue Department, the
Finnish Association for Nature Conservation (Central Finland chapter), the Regional
Council of Central Finland, Central Finland's Fishery Centre, the Kuusa Village Association, Vihreä Väylä ry, Äänekosken Yrittäjät, Ääneseudun Kehitys Oy, Äänekosken Energia, Äänevoima, Specialty Minerals Nordic, CP Kelco, Metsä Board, and representatives
from the Finnish Forest Centre.
An open briefing and debate concerning the environmental impact assessment procedure
was organised for the general public in Äänekoski. The assessment procedure was presented and members of the public had the opportunity to give their opinions on the environmental impact assessment. Another briefing and debate will be organised in
Äänekoski on 1 September after the completion of the environmental impact assessment
report.
A residents' survey was conducted while the EIA report was being drawn up, and was
supplemented by interviews with residents and representatives from the town of
Äänekoski and Central Finland's Fishery Centre. The survey was announced at a public
event, in newspapers, and with leaflets distributed to all households in the town (about
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11,000) and to businesses operating in the area. The town's website also contained information about the survey. Broad-ranging communications helped to circulate information not only about the residents' survey, but also about the project in general and its
various phases.
Metsä Group and Metsä Fibre have provided information about the project in their press
and stock exchange releases. Information about the most important issues is also available on the biotuotetehdas.fi website.
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