Contaminated land situation in Finland

Abstract

Contaminated land sites in Finland was investigated in the beginning of 1990' s. About 10 000 sites were suspected to be polluted. Typical cases of soil contamination are sawmills, wood impregnation plants, waste treatment plants, garages and scrap yards. It is estimated that about 1200 sites need remediation actions. Estimated costs of restoration are FIM 5.4 billion over the next 20 years. Legislation has been changed to concern soil pollution. However old and hostless contaminated soil sites have legal and economic problems. The resources meant to solve soil pollution have increased rapidly during last years in Finland.