Annual Report 2010 - Outokumpu

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studies monitoring the prevailing biological, physical and chemical conditions have been carried out near the Tornio site
since the 1970s. In 2008, results of voluntary research concerning the impact of nitrates on recipient water at the Tornio
site and the Kemi Mine were published. These showed that impacts are restricted to the immediate proximity of the
discharge points at Tornio and cause slight eutrophication. At the Kemi Mine, the impacts on sea areas are essentially
negligible.
Pollution prevention techniques being employed by Outokumpu mean that increases in emissions can be avoided, and
further reductions from earlier emissions levels will be achieved in many cases even at higher-than-current production
levels. Annual studies carried out by Pöyry, a consulting company, have shown that impacts on the sea areas close to
the Group's production plants have diminished during the last ten years and that the associated marine ecosystems are
in good health.
A number of studies which include the continuous monitoring of discharge levels have shown that discharges of
chromium and nickel are now 60–80% below levels measured ten years ago. Considered to be the most significant
metals released into the sea by Outokumpu's production activities at Tornio, current discharges of chromium and nickel
only represent a fraction of the total metal loading, which originate in the main from natural sources in the northern part of
the Gulf of Bothnia. This is because Tornionjoki and Kemijoki, the two local rivers, carry far greater concentrations of
these metals into the sea than the combined amount discharged by the Group's facilities. Activity in local fisheries
located near the Tornio Works is at healthy levels and commercial fishing operations are carried out close to the
production plant. Research indicates that the metals released from the Outokumpu facilities do not accumulate in the
marine food chain.
Continuing measures to improve the condition of the Baltic Sea
Outokumpu is participating in the Baltic Sea Challenge as mentioned in the programme published at the beginning of
2010. We use the practical measures already instituted at our Tornio Works in the 2000s and will also take action in the
future to improve the condition of the Baltic Sea. In 2010, the required effluent permit was amended permitting us to take
into use the 70 hectare-suction-dredging basin for effluents before they are discharged into the sea. During 2011–2012,
the sanitary treatment facility of Tornio Works will be modernised to fulfil the new stricter efficiency requirements coming
into force in 2013. These measures will help us reduce our impact on the Baltic Sea.
See the Baltic Sea Action programme.
Outokumpu Annual Report 2010 – Business – Biodiversity