According to the Waste Act (646/2011) and municipal waste management regulations, every permanent and holiday residential property must be covered by the municipal waste management system. Property-based waste transport is connected to the property with its own waste container or a waste container shared with neighboring properties, i.e. a shared container. Holiday homes also have the option of taking their waste to a regional collection point or waste station. In all options, the connection is agreed with Lakeuden Etappi Oy.

An exemption from connection can be applied for if the residential building is completely unused or empty for justified reasons. The exemption from connection is processed by the waste management authority, which is the Lakeuden Waste Board. The municipal environmental protection authority decides on any possible compulsory measures regarding connection.

On 23 February 2022, the environmental inspector urged the owner of property RN 250-405-19-2 to join the waste transport system by 31 March 2022. Following this, a letter of consultation was sent to the property on 15 May 2024, giving the property owner the opportunity to submit a response by 31 May 2024, under the threat that the property may then be ordered to join the waste transport system through a penalty payment procedure. The party consulted has not submitted a response in the matter.

On 21 August 2024, the Kihniö Technical Board ordered the owner of the property RN 250-405-19-2 to connect his property to the property waste transport system by entering into an agreement with Lakeuden Etap. The order had to be complied with regardless of any appeal (JL Section 139). The main obligation was enhanced by a running penalty, the basic amount of which is €1000 per main obligation not complied with and an additional amount of €200 for each calendar month following the set deadline. A copy of the agreement had to be submitted to the environmental protection authority within 14 days of receiving notification of the decision. Notification of the decision took place on 10 September 2024, so the deadline for carrying out the measure was 24 September 2024.

According to information received from the waste management authority, property RN 250-405-19-2 has not been involved in property-based waste transportation.

The Kihniö Technical Board is the environmental protection authority of the municipality of Kihniö and is therefore competent to decide on issuing regulations in accordance with the Waste Act and imposing a penalty.

Prepared by: Environmental Inspector Elsi Hietaranta

1 ASIA

Decision on an application pursuant to Section 30 of the Off-Road Traffic Act concerning the establishment of a driving training track in the Aitoneva area of ​​Kihniö.

2 APPLICANT

Upper Satakunta Motorcycle and Snowmobile Club

Museum Road 29

39820 Kihniö

3 BASIS FOR APPLYING FOR A PERMIT AND THE JURISDICTION OF THE PERMITTING AUTHORITY

According to Section 30, Paragraph 1 of the Off-Road Traffic Act, a permit must be applied for from the municipal environmental protection authority for the repeated or permanent organization of competitions and training with motorized vehicles in the same terrain.

According to Section 3 of the Off-Road Traffic Act, terrain refers to land and ice-covered water areas that are not roads and are not intended for motor vehicle, rail or air traffic.

The Kihniö Technical Board decides on a permit pursuant to Section 30 of the Off-Road Traffic Act, which concerns the permanent organization of training in motorized vehicles (administrative regulations enter into force on 1 January 2018).

4 FILING OF THE APPLICATION

The permit application was submitted on August 21, 2024.

5 LOCATION OF OPERATIONS AND AGREEMENTS CONCERNING OPERATIONS

The operation according to the application will be located on the property Nerkoo state land 250-893-1-2 and more specifically on the Kihniö Aitoneva motocross training area. The property is owned by Metsähallitus, but there is a use right agreement for the use of the area, which is valid until 31 December 2027. The area of ​​the use right area is approximately 2,5 hectares.

License agreement as supporting material and location of driving practice track as an attachment.

6 DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION

According to the application, the driving practice track is intended for the use of motocross, snowmobiles and ATVs. There will be no construction or maintenance activities in the area. Operating hours will be defined for the track. According to the application, there will be no significant noise or environmental damage. The purpose of the track is to discourage unauthorized driving by providing a suitable place for driving practice.

7 AREA PLANNING SITUATION AND ENVIRONMENT

There are no valid or pending master plans or local plans in the area. In the Pirkanmaa regional plan 2040, the driving practice track is located in a catchment area related to peat production. The marking indicates catchment areas where peat production is planned.

Pay special attention to the impacts of the operation on water systems and fisheries. The driving practice track is not located in a groundwater area.

The distance from the driving practice track to the nearest body of water, Pikku Keisarijärvi, is approximately 300 meters. Other nearby bodies of water are Lavajärvi, which is located approximately 400 m northwest, and Iso Keisarijärvi, which is located approximately 700 m northeast. The nearest leisure residential buildings are located in Äijänniemi, Lavajärvi, approximately 700 m away, and on the east side of Lavajärvi, approximately 900 m away from the driving practice track. In addition, there are permanent and holiday homes in Syysalo, north of Lavajärvi.

There is a peat production area to the northwest of the planned driving training track and the Kihniö snowmobile trail to the south. The Aitoneva nature trail is located 1,5 km southwest of the driving training track and the Nerkoon Hunters Association shooting range is located the same distance southeast. There is a birdwatching tower 1,6 km west-southwest of the driving training track. The Närhineva-Koroluoma peatland conservation area, which is part of the Natura 2000 network, is located 2,5 km east of the driving training track on the Virto side.

8 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND PREVENTION OF HARM

The operator states that the environmental risks of the operation are low.

8.1 Noise

The operation is not expected to cause significant noise pollution due to the remote location of the area.

8.2 Terrain wear

The driving practice track will be built on an existing motocross practice area, which is already open. The Upper Satakuntan Motor and Snowmobile Club will be responsible for maintaining the area.

8.3 Soil and groundwater protection

No basic maintenance is performed on motocross bikes, snowmobiles, and ATVs in the area. Motorized vehicles must be brought to the area with fuel. No fuel is stored or stored in the area.

8.4 Waste and its treatment

Users are required to remove their waste from the area.

8.5 Responsibility and safety

The ride takes place in a marked area. An information board will be placed at the starting area, providing information on the use of the area. Motor vehicles have motor vehicle insurance.

8.6 Natural impacts

No endangered or protected plant species have been identified in the area.

9 EXCEPTIONAL SITUATIONS

Preparedness for accidents has been provided with absorbent material and equipment.

10 PROCESSING OF THE PERMIT APPLICATION

10.1 Information about the application

The application was announced by means of a notice on the Kihniö municipality website from 28 August to 1 October 2024 and in the Ylä-Satakunta newspaper on 25 September 2024. The application documents have been on display during the notice period.

10.2 Statements, reminders and opinions

No separate statements have been requested regarding the application. The area has no known natural values ​​and is not located in a groundwater area.

No reminders have been submitted regarding the application.

10.3 Inspection

An environmental inspector visited the area on October 16, 2024. No separate memorandum was prepared about the inspection, but photographs were taken of the area.

Prepared by: Environmental Inspector Elsi Hietaranta, tel. 044 7865 650

ASIA

Decision on an application pursuant to Section 115 a of the Environmental Protection Act (527/2014) concerning the Kankari shooting range.

APPLICANT FOR PERMIT

Kankari Hunting Association

Alavantie 218

39820 Kihniö

Business ID: FI0133857

OPERATION AND ITS LOCATION

The Kankarin Hunting Association has applied for an environmental permit for a shooting range for the 1,5 ha Kankarin shooting range (250-401-21-1), located at Alavantie 218. The permit is being applied for as long as it is valid.

The coordinates of the center of the track are 295811 E 6904950 N (ETRS-TM35FIN).

BASIS FOR APPLYING FOR A PERMIT AND JURISDICTION OF THE PERMITTING AUTHORITY

According to Section 115a of the Environmental Protection Act (527/2014), the operator must submit a written notification of an activity that poses a risk of environmental pollution, as provided for in Annex 4, Section 7 of this Act (an outdoor shooting range intended for firing a maximum of 10,000 rounds per year and which does not have a range intended for shotgun shooting).

According to Section 115 a, subsection 4 of the Environmental Protection Act (527/2014), the municipal environmental permit authority shall process a notification other than that referred to in subsection 3.

FILING OF THE APPLICATION

The permit application was submitted on September 11, 2024. The application was supplemented on October 31, 2024 with a well water sample research certificate and a soil disposal agreement.

PERMITS, AGREEMENTS AND ZONING STATUS OF THE AREA CONCERNING OPERATIONS

The shooting range is located on property owned by the permit applicant. This is an existing activity, as small-scale rifle aiming has been practiced in the area. The aiming point has been in use since the 1980s. The activity does not have permits under the Environmental Protection Act or the Shooting Range Act.

There is no valid site plan or master plan determined by the municipality of Kihniö in the shooting range area. In the Pirkanmaa regional plan 2040, the shooting range is located in an area important for peat production (EOt). The marking indicates areas with peat production and/or explored peat resources. The boundaries of the areas are general, and they will be specified in connection with more detailed planning, when the conditions for taking are assessed in the manner required by the Environmental Protection Act.

LOCATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS OF OPERATION

The shooting range is located northwest of Naarminkylä and approximately five kilometers northwest of the center of Kihniö municipality on property 250-401-21-1, at Alavantie 218.

The nearest buildings are located approximately 640 m to the southwest and approximately 850 m to the south. There are three residential buildings and two recreational buildings within a kilometer radius of the center of the shooting range area. There are 31 residential buildings and 34 recreational buildings within a two kilometer radius. Most of the buildings are located to the south, southeast and east of the range, i.e. in the vicinity of Naarminkylä and Naarmijärvi.

The shooting range is located in a sheltered location, where the ground level is 144 m above sea level. The area surrounding the shooting range is predominantly forested and partly swampy. To the east of the shooting range area is the Pirttineva peat production area. To the southwest of the range rises the Hunttilaistenhautkangas (148 m above sea level), which continues for over 200 meters south. To the northwest, the ground level rises to over 150 meters above sea level at Potaskasalonkangas, the highest point of which is 154 m above sea level. Correspondingly, the lowest point is in the east, on the shore of Lake Naarmijärvi, at a level of 133 m above sea level.

Based on the determination of the Geological Survey of Finland, the soil in the range area is mainly sand/gravel moraine. There is peat and fine sand in the vicinity of the range. The range area belongs to the Kankarinjärvi catchment area. Due to the small height differences, rainwater will probably remain mainly in the range area and be absorbed into the highly permeable soil. Therefore, it is not estimated that significant amounts of surface water will be discharged into the environment from the shooting range.

The closest body of water to the shooting range is Pirttilampi, which is located approximately 950 m north-northeast. Iso Kokonlampi is located approximately 970 m west-northwest from the shooting range. Lake Naarmijärvi is approximately 1,3 km away.

There are no nature conservation or groundwater areas in the vicinity of the shooting range. The closest protected area to the shooting range is the Louhineva nature conservation area, which is part of the private land nature conservation areas (YSA), and is located approximately 3 kilometers west of the shooting range. Louhineva is a partially restored marshland. The closest classified groundwater area to the shooting range is the Naarmijärvi Class I groundwater area, which is located approximately 1,3 km northeast of the range.

There are no ancient monuments in the vicinity of the area.

DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION

The notification of a small shooting range concerns the conversion of a target area maintained by the Kankari Hunting Club into a deer range. The permit is being applied for as of now.

The shooting range would only be used with long-barreled weapons and, in addition to the Kankari Hunting Club, the users would be Kihniö Eränkävijät, Mäkikylä Hunting Club and Kihniö Eräveikot. There are an estimated 60 active users of the range annually.

No competitive activities are organized on the track.

Operating times and shot counts

The shooting range is mainly used for deer rifles or smaller caliber rifles. The shooting range is open Mon-Fri 10 am-20 pm and Sat-Sun 10 am-18 pm. The range is closed on Good Friday, Mother's Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The range is also closed for three weeks starting from Midsummer Eve.

The annual number of shots is currently estimated at approximately 3,000 shots per year. The aim is to more than double the current number of shots in order to secure potential future growth. The shooting range is seeking a maximum annual number of shots of 7,500.

The focus of the activity is on August-November, when statutory shooting tests are carried out. More than 80% of the number of shots is estimated to occur between August and November. Otherwise, the activity mainly consists of weapon aiming. The use of a silencer is recommended at the shooting range. Currently, about 50% of shooters use a silencer.

Shooting range structures

The aiming point has a six-meter high back wall and an approximately three-meter high side wall on the northeast side of the track. The target stand is located in front of the back wall. Aiming takes place from a distance of 100 m under a metal canopy.

Rails for moving targets will be built between the back and front ramparts, and a screen will be built along the edge of the rails to store targets and protect the machinery. The back and side ramparts are planned to be combined. In addition, a two-person, rail-mounted, insulated shooting booth will be built on the shooting range, allowing shooting from distances of 100 m and 75 m.

The property also houses the hunting club's hunting lodge, hut, storage and composting dry toilet. The hunting lodge uses well water, which is used in small quantities for processing game meat and washing the premises. In addition, the water is occasionally used as drinking water and for making coffee. Wastewater is absorbed into the terrain. The well is located approximately 76 meters from the rifle range's back wall. The water volume in the well is small and the well dries up occasionally. The shooting range is not expected to have an impact on the water quality. The well water was last tested on July 19, 2023. At that time, the water quality met the quality requirements and quality recommendations set for domestic water in the parts tested (Ministry of the Environment, Forests and Climate Change Regulation 401/2001).

Waste disposal

Waste generated during shooting range operations includes cardboard waste from used targets and ammunition packaging, small-scale plastic waste, and metal waste from cartridge cases.

Waste is collected separately in the track area as cardboard and metal waste and delivered to the Etapi waste collection site. Approximately eight kilograms of cardboard waste and approximately four kilograms of metal waste are generated at the track annually.

The dry toilet located in the shooting range area is used very little. The toilet tank has not been filled in the last five years. The toilet waste is composted and spread on the property as a soil conditioner.

Traffic to the shooting range

The shooting range is located on the east side of the E12 road at the beginning of the forest road that turns off from Alavantie. Annual traffic to the range is very low. On average, 10 cars drive to the range per week. There are no heavy vehicle visits. Cars are parked in the yard of the hunting lodge.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND THEIR LIMITATION

The most significant environmental impacts and risks of shooting range operations are related to shooting noise and the potential effects of heavy metals contained in bullets on the environment. Bullets are composed of approximately 89% lead, 9% copper, 1% zinc and 1% antimony. Long-term impacts can arise when bullets deteriorate and pollutants migrate from the soil to surface and groundwater. However, in dry mineral soil, the migration of heavy metals is extremely slow.

Melu

The closest objects potentially exposed to noise in the vicinity of the shooting range are located approximately 640 meters southwest, approximately 850 meters south, approximately 1 kilometer east, and approximately 1,2 kilometers northwest, measured from the center of the range.

No detailed noise assessment has been carried out at the Kankari shooting range. Instead of site-specific noise modelling, template models have been used as a method of examining shooting range noise. Template models are diagrams in which the

According to the calculation model, noise propagation into the environment in open terrain and soft soil without the effect of a bulletproof vest. In the calculation, the soil is acoustically soft, the temperature is +10 °C and the relative humidity is 70%. The models take into account a -5 dB correction related to the I-time constant.

According to the template models, several residential properties remain within the 65–70 dB and 70–75 dB zones. According to the Government Decision on the Guideline Values ​​for Noise Levels Caused by Shooting Ranges (53/1997), in order to prevent noise nuisance caused by shooting ranges and to ensure environmental comfort, the guideline is that the noise level must not exceed the maximum sound level of 65 dB in areas used for residence, and 60 dB in areas used for holiday accommodation.

Rifles are fired on the range towards the north, in which direction a six-meter-high back wall acts as a noise barrier. According to the noise plan, the noise level for residential buildings located north of the range is 60–65 dB, which is below the guideline values.

In contrast, two residential buildings in the northwest may exceed the guideline value, even though

Potash upholstery dampens noise in this direction.

An insulated shooting booth will be built on the shooting range, from which shooting will take place. According to the BAT guide, a shooting shelter attenuates sound by 3–8 dB to the sides and 5–15 dB to the rear. If we assume that the attenuation effect is 5 dB to the sides and 10 dB to the rear and to the rear, it can be seen by examining the noise template that the noise-exposed sites in the southwest, south, southeast and east will likely meet the guideline values ​​presented above. However, the guideline values ​​may still be exceeded for the second-home in the northeast and the three second-homes in the east.

The intention is to connect the back wall and the side wall, which would better block noise to the northeast and east. Uncontaminated soil will be used to extend the wall. The planned measures will significantly limit the spread of gunfire noise.

Noise is also significantly affected by operating hours and the number of shots fired. According to the environmental guide for shooting ranges, falling below the guideline values ​​basically allows shooting range operations to be carried out between 7 am and 10 pm. The requested operating hours of the shooting range (Mon-Fri 10 am-22 pm and Sat-Sun 20 am-18 pm) are 60% of this, meaning they are significantly restricted. It should also be noted that operations are mainly concentrated in four months (August-November).

The use of a silencer is recommended at the shooting range. Currently, approximately 50% of shooters use a silencer. According to the BAT guide, a silencer reduces noise by 3–8 dB forward, 10–20 dB to the sides, and 3 dB from the canopy to the rear.

To date, no complaints have been received from the operator or the supervisory authority regarding the shooting range's operations or noise.

Emissions to track structures and soil

The greatest environmental impact at shooting ranges is caused by the lead contained in bullets, which ends up in the range area as a result of shooting. Its release into the environment is typically very slow. When assessing the measures needed to reduce the potential environmental impact of a shooting range, the most significant factor to consider is the risk of migration of harmful substances.

Shooting ranges, target areas and the areas between the two are classified as range structures. According to the range structure classification, these areas are considered separate parts of the soil, which can be examined after the operation has ended and, if necessary, removed on a risk basis. They are therefore not comparable to ordinary soil and the threshold and guideline values ​​for the concentrations of harmful substances associated with it. The harmful substances accumulated in the range structures with bullets constitute a risk to the environment if they are transported to a wider area as a result of weathering and dissolution. For this reason, determining the risk of migration is essential when assessing the environmental impacts of shooting ranges. In particular, the amount and movement of water in the range structures and the soil surrounding them is essential in determining the risk of migration. The soil in the Kankari shooting range area is mainly sandy moraine, which has good water permeability in principle. Water that moves rapidly downwards through the soil layers only has time to come into contact with lead in the surface layers of the soil for a short time, which helps to reduce the dissolution of lead into groundwater.

Since the bullets fired end up in the backwalls of the range areas, the concentrations of harmful substances that accumulate in them can be high in some places. Based on the composition of the bullets and the maximum annual number of shots (7,500), the amount of lead accumulated in one year can be estimated at approximately 44 kg. There is no recorded information on the historical number of shots fired at the range, but if the use of the range is estimated to have been 50 shots/year since its establishment (1980), approximately 13 kg of lead, approximately 1,3 kg of copper and approximately 0,15 kg of zinc and antimony would have accumulated in the backwalls of the range. The majority of the harmful substances are concentrated in the backwalls of the elk range. The amount of lead accumulated in the range structures is small.

Emissions to water bodies

The risk of surface water migration is greatly affected by the amount of surface runoff generated in the track area and coming from outside it, as well as the connection of the track area's surface water to an external water body. Based on the boundaries and landforms of the local catchment area (35.354) of the Finnish Environment Institute's catchment area division, the track area falls into

Kankarinjärvi catchment area. Behind the back embankment, at a distance of a good 30 meters and to the east of the range, there are ditches. There is no direct connection from the shooting range to the ditches. Due to the small height differences, rainwater will probably remain in the range area and will mainly be absorbed into the highly permeable soil. Therefore, it is not estimated that significant amounts of surface water will be discharged from the shooting range into the environment. The side embankment will be extended to the back embankment, so that surface water from the northern end of the range area cannot end up in the ditch from the side of the embankments.

Groundwater impacts

Rainwater and meltwater can cause lead to dissolve, which can, if the soil structure allows, transport it with groundwater to the soil layers and further to the groundwater. The Kankari shooting range is not located in a groundwater area, but the soil type consists of sand and gravel, which have high water permeability. Therefore, the contact time with harmful substances on the surface parts of the range structures is short. In addition, the amount of lead accumulated in the range structures is small. There are no more widely usable amounts of groundwater in the range area or its surrounding areas, and the operation of the shooting range does not pose a risk to groundwater.

Best Available Techniques (BAT)

A needs assessment for the management of pollutants has been carried out for the Kankari shooting range in accordance with the BAT guide for outdoor shooting ranges. According to the guide, the need for the management of pollutants in shooting range operations and the best available techniques are determined on a site-specific basis based on the long-term environmental risk caused by the operation. Four different requirement levels have been defined for the best available techniques.

Based on the assessment in accordance with the BAT guide, the emission potential of the Kankari shooting range in terms of both surface and groundwater risks is low. On this basis, the shooting range is classified as risk level 1 (low environmental risk), i.e. basic level. According to the BAT guide, monitoring the load using shot counts and targeted monitoring of possible impacts are considered to be sufficient measures for risk management at ranges of this risk level.

It is in accordance with the principles of best available technology and sustainable rehabilitation to leave the range structures in place, as the shooting range will continue to operate in the area reserved for it. According to the BAT guide, rehabilitation is relevant for low-environmental risk ranges after the end of operations, and even then, the necessary measures are taken based on a rehabilitation needs assessment and risk assessment. The pollutants in the range area are not considered to pose risks that would require acute remediation. If land use becomes more sensitive, the risks must be assessed taking into account changes in land use and local conditions.

MONITORING ACTIVITIES AND ITS IMPACTS

The operator ensures through supervision and instructions that shooting times are observed. Noise assessments have not been deemed necessary due to the low use of the shooting range. If the shooting range were to expand substantially from its current size, the noise impacts of the range would be assessed separately. The condition of the structures in the range area

is monitored regularly visually. The accumulation of harmful substances in the range structures and the load potential they create are monitored annually through the number of shots. The guideline values ​​for soil pollution do not apply to the range structures. Since the shooting range continues to operate, it is in accordance with the best available technology

leave the range structures in place. The need for renovation of the range structure will be assessed based on a risk assessment if shooting range operations cease and land use in the area changes.

In principle, monitoring of emissions or impacts is not required at basic shooting ranges according to the risk assessment of the BAT guide. The Kankari shooting range is not located in a groundwater area, and there is no need to carry out groundwater monitoring at the range. Approximately 76 meters northwest of the range area, there is a well at a hunting lodge, the water from which is used in small quantities for processing game meat, washing the premises, occasionally as drinking water and for making coffee. The well located on the range property has not been considered a domestic water well, and the occasional use of water by shooting range users has not been considered domestic water use, as it is not used as continuous domestic water for any household. Nevertheless, the water quality meets the quality requirements and quality recommendations set for domestic water in the parts examined. The groundwater deposit in the well is small and the well has dried up from time to time. Given the locality of the groundwater deposit and the low lead load at the shooting range, it is not estimated that the range's operations will cause significant harm to the quality of the well water.

No water body monitoring is presented for surface waters, as surface waters are likely to be absorbed mainly into the soil of the range area. Behind the back embankment, at a distance of just over 30 meters and to the east of the range, at a distance of approximately 10 meters, there are ditches. There is no direct connection from the shooting range to the ditches. Due to the small height differences, rainwater will probably remain mainly in the range area and be absorbed into the soil. Therefore, it is not estimated that significant amounts of surface water will be discharged from the shooting range into the environment. The side embankment will be extended to the back embankment, so that surface water from the northern range area cannot end up in the ditch from the side of the embankments.

EXCEPTIONAL SITUATIONS AND PREPARING FOR THEM

According to the applicant's assessment, there will be no exceptional situations in the operation of the shooting range that would lead to an increase in the environmental impacts caused by the operation.

When it comes to safety, the authority is the police, so safety issues are not discussed or assessed to a greater extent in the environmental permit application.

PERMIT APPLICATION PROCESSING

Information about the application

The application was announced by means of a notice on the Kihniö municipality website from 11 September to 17 October 2024 and in the Ylä-Satakunta newspaper on 16 October 2024. The application documents are

have been on display during the notice period. The interested parties have been notified of the application by letter sent on 11 September 2024 and have been given an opportunity to be heard.

Requested opinions

Statements on the application have been requested from the Environmental Health Service of the City of Sastamala and the Pirkanmaa ELY Centre.

Statement from the Environmental Health Service of the City of Sastamala, 2 October 2024

The operation must be organized in such a way that it does not impair the quality of groundwater or cause harm to a healthy living environment. The noise generated by the operation must not exceed the limit values ​​stated in the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport Decree 545/2015 indoors. If well water is used as domestic water, it must be ensured through research that the water meets the quality requirements and objectives set for domestic water.

Statement by the Pirkanmaa ELY Centre, 8 October 2024

Melu

According to the noise template in the announcement, several residential properties remain within the 65–70 dB and 70–75 dB zones. According to the Government Decision on the guideline values ​​for the noise level caused by shooting ranges (53/1997), in order to prevent noise nuisance caused by shooting ranges and to ensure environmental comfort, the guideline is that the noise level must not exceed the maximum sound level of 65 dB in areas used for housing, and 60 dB in areas used for holiday accommodation. The Pirkanmaa ELY Centre emphasizes that the regulations must be issued in such a way that the noise level guideline values ​​according to the Government Decision are not exceeded in nearby residential areas as a whole.

The Pirkanmaa ELY Centre believes that the noise level caused by the range in the nearest disturbed sites should be determined by measurements. If the noise measurements reveal that the noise level significantly exceeds the noise level guidelines for shooting ranges (VNp 53/1997), the Pirkanmaa ELY Centre believes that the range's noise control must be improved, for example by insulating the shooting shelter. The adequacy of the noise control measures must be verified by measurements or modeling after the measures have been taken.

The Pirkanmaa ELY Centre reminds that when applying the guideline values ​​of the Government Decision (VNp 53/1997), the nature of the shooting range operations, such as shooting times, number of shots and shooting types, as well as the actual or planned use and significance of the area, must also be taken into account.

The Pirkanmaa ELY Centre also considers it particularly important to provide sufficient information to local residents about the operating hours of the track. The track operator must ensure that the track is only used during the times specified in the regulations and that only those persons who have permission to use the track use the track.

Conservation

There is a private nature reserve approximately three kilometers west of the shooting range property. Based on the noise assessment presented in the notification, the distance, and the fact that there is a railway between the shooting range and the nature reserve, the noise level caused by the shooting range in the nature reserve does not exceed the 60 dB guideline value laid down in Government Decree (53/1997).

The ELY Centre is not aware of any natural values ​​in the vicinity of the shooting range that would restrict the range's operations as announced, provided that the planned noise abatement measures are implemented appropriately.

Background wall

According to the Pirkanmaa ELY Centre, shell casings and other waste should be regularly collected from the shooting range area. After the activity is over, the area should be cleaned and the soil should be examined and cleaned. The background material should also be removed and delivered to an appropriate collection point.

Reminders and opinions

No comments or opinions have been submitted regarding the application.

Hearing the permit applicant

The permit applicant was heard on 23 October 2024 regarding the statements. The applicant submitted a response to the statements received on 31 October 2024. The response was prepared on behalf of the applicant by the Shooting Range Environmental Permit Project.

Applicant's response to the Environmental Health Service of the City of Sastamala on 31 October 2024

The statement of the health protection authority refers to the Health Protection Act and the measures required by it. The permit applicant reminds that the environmental permit application being processed is an administrative branch of the Ministry of the Environment. Therefore, the application complies with the regulations issued by that administrative branch. The administrative branch of the Ministry of the Environment has only laid down guidelines for gunshot noise in a Government Decision (53/1997).

Regarding well water, the permit applicant emphasizes that the well water is mainly used for washing the premises in connection with the processing of game meat. The water is used very occasionally as drinking water or for making coffee. The well located on the range property has not been considered a domestic water well, as it is not used as continuous domestic water for any household. The occasional use of water by users of the shooting range has not been considered domestic water use. The well water was last tested in July 2023 and according to the results, the well water meets the quality requirements for domestic water.

The applicant's response to the Pirkanmaa ELY Centre 31.10.2024

The permit applicant proposes that the noise measurement required by the ELY Centre of the nearest disturbed sites will be carried out when the eastern side embankment and the new insulated shooting shelter have been completed, so that the measurement describes the noise control situation. The permitted operation will only begin once the noise control measures have been completed.

The Pirkanmaa ELY Centre reminded in its statement that when applying the guideline values ​​of the Government Decision (VNp 53/1997), the nature of the shooting range operations must also be taken into account, such as shooting times, number of shots and shooting types, as well as the actual or planned use and significance of the area. The operating times and number of shots, which are very small at the range in question, have a significant impact on noise. According to the environmental guide for shooting ranges (Attila et al. 2023), falling below the guideline values ​​basically allows shooting range operations to be carried out between 7 a.m. and 22 p.m.

between. The requested operating hours of the shooting range (Mon-Fri 10 am-20 pm and Sat-Sun 10 am-18 pm) are 60% of this, meaning they have been significantly restricted. It should also be noted that the operation is mainly focused on four months (August-November), and the shooting range is closed for three (3) weeks starting from Midsummer Eve. Breaks related to the operation of shooting ranges are in no way general or mandatory procedures in environmental permits. The three-week break in the summer is a voluntary measure by the operator, which guarantees a significant amount of quiet time for residents of the surrounding area. When the number of shots in the area is low, there is naturally free time from the operation.

As noise levels are still being determined by noise measurement after the noise abatement measures have been completed, there is no reason to restrict operating hours further than stated or to extend the closing time. In the summer, the focus is on weapon aiming, meaning that noise pollution is generally low. The operator has not received any complaints regarding noise or any other activity at the aiming point. In addition, no objections or opinions were given regarding the environmental permit application, which suggests that the activity is established and accepted in the area.

The permit applicant reminds that according to the BAT guide (Kajander & Parri 2014), a level higher than the guideline values ​​would be permitted in the case of a small number of shots. Such an annual number of shots can be considered to be 10,000 shots, in which case the noise is not considered to cause a significant health or amenity problem. The environmental permit guide for shooting ranges (Attila et al. 2023), when discussing the guideline values ​​for shooting range noise (VNp 53/1997), states that deviations from the guideline values ​​require clear justification. According to the guide, a very small number of shots and

the temporal location of the shooting activity so that the disturbance caused by it is minimal. In addition, in old built-up areas, the guideline values ​​could be considered target values. These arguments can be stated to be true for the Kankari shooting range, which means that the noise guideline values ​​could be set as target values.

The operator ensures that shooting times are observed through supervision and instructions. Information about the shooting range's operating hours and contact persons is provided, for example, on a notice board in the area and on the club's website. The permit applicant reminds that, based on the assessment in accordance with the BAT guide prepared by the Ministry of the Environment, the emission potential and surface and groundwater risks of the Kankari shooting range are all small. Based on this, the shooting range is classified as a basic level (level 1 – low environmental risk) range in terms of risk level. The need for renovation of the range structure will be assessed based on the risk assessment when the shooting range operation ends and the land use in the area changes. The renovation measures will be decided on the basis of the risk assessment.

Inspection

The environmental inspector visited the Kankari shooting range on 30 October 2024 for an inspection. No separate note was drawn up of the inspection, but photographs were taken of the area. Soil materials had been brought to the shooting range area from ditches dug in connection with the renovation of Alavantie. They had also been used to make a noise barrier on the west side of the shooting range, and the existing side dam on the northeast side had been extended to the east side of the range area all the way to the shooting range. It is possible to further increase the noise barriers with the remaining soil materials. According to the submitted dumping agreement, the soil material dumped in the shooting range area is non-hazardous soil and rock material that is unsuitable for road maintenance.

Prepared by: Environmental Inspector Elsi Hietaranta, tel. 044 7865 650

Technical Committee 13.11.2024

At its previous meeting on 2 October 2024, the technical committee decided to table a proposal for a decision to initiate a penalty payment procedure pursuant to Section 182 of the MRL. The technical committee also tabled an order based on Section 166 of the MRL to prohibit the use of a building by the owner of the property;

Building maintenance

The building and its surroundings must be maintained in such a condition that it continuously meets the requirements of health, safety and usability and does not cause environmental damage or spoil the environment.The building and its energy supply systems must be maintained in such a condition that, taking into account the construction method of the building, they meet the requirements set for energy efficiency. (13.4.2007/488)

The purpose of building protection must also be taken into account in the use and maintenance of a building designated as protected in the plan or protected under the Act on the Protection of Architectural Heritage. (4.6.2010/499)

If the building maintenance obligation is neglected, the municipal building inspection authority may order the building to be repaired or its surroundings to be cleaned up.If a building poses an obvious safety hazard, the building must be ordered to be demolished or its use prohibited.

Before issuing a repair notice, the building inspection authority may order the building owner to submit a condition survey of the building to determine any repair measures that are clearly necessary for health or safety reasons.

The building owner must monitor the condition of the structures that are essential to the building's load-bearing capacity. (20.3.2015/301)

By letter sent on October 22, 2024, the building inspector has placed a ban on the use of the partially collapsed outbuilding located on property 250-403-12-43 and has obliged the property owner to ensure that access to the building is prevented. The ban on use came into effect immediately.

Administrative Procedure Act, Section 49 f (7.8.2015/893) Enforceability of the decision

A decision that may be subject to a request for rectification may not be implemented until it has become final.

However, a decision may be enforced without legal force if the law so provides or if the nature of the decision is such that it must be enforced immediately, or if the enforcement of the decision cannot be postponed for reasons of public interest.

Once a claim for rectification has been filed, the authority handling the claim for rectification may prohibit the enforcement of the decision or order its suspension. A separate appeal may not be filed against a decision in a matter of prohibiting or suspending enforcement.

Background to the matter

The Kihniö Technical Board has stated in its cleanliness inspection on 13 June 2024 that the property 250-407-3-60 has a residential building in poor condition and has already partially collapsed. The property owner has not taken any steps to demolish or repair the building. Attached to the cleanliness inspection are photographs of the building in question taken from the property. The building is dangerous to its surroundings and its users and is an eyesore.

MRL 166§; The building and its surroundings must be maintained in such a condition that it continuously meets the requirements of health, safety and usability and does not cause environmental damage or spoil the environment. The building and its energy supply systems must be maintained in such a condition that, taking into account the construction method of the building, they meet the requirements set for energy efficiency. (13.4.2007/488)

The purpose of building protection must also be taken into account in the use and maintenance of a building designated as protected in the plan or protected under the Act on the Protection of Architectural Heritage. (4.6.2010/499)

If the building maintenance obligation is neglected, the municipal building inspection authority may order the building to be repaired or its surroundings to be cleaned up. If the building poses an obvious safety hazard, the building must be ordered to be demolished or its use prohibited.

Before issuing a repair notice, the building inspection authority may order the building owner to submit a condition survey of the building to determine any repair measures that are clearly necessary for health or safety reasons.

The building owner must monitor the condition of the structures that are essential to the building's load-bearing capacity. (20.3.2015/301)

In 2017, the owner of the building responded to the rescue authority using the self-assessment form for single-family homes that the building was uninhabitable due to dilapidation. The site was recorded in the rescue authority's report of 23.3.2017_184177 as a dilapidated building with no subordinate buildings, and no fire inspections have been carried out on the site since then.

Follow-up actions

The building inspector has banned the use of the residential building located on property 250-407-3-60 by letter sent on October 22, 2024. The ban on use came into effect immediately.

Administrative Procedure Act, Section 49 f (7.8.2015/893) Enforceability of the decision

A decision that may be subject to a request for rectification may not be implemented until it has become final. However, a decision may be enforced without legal force if the law so provides or if the nature of the decision is such that it must be enforced immediately, or if the enforcement of the decision cannot be postponed for reasons of public interest.

Once a claim for rectification has been filed, the authority handling the claim for rectification may prohibit the enforcement of the decision or order its suspension. A separate appeal may not be filed against a decision in a matter of prohibiting or suspending enforcement.

Prepared by: building inspector Raisa Karinsalo

Presenter: Technical Director Henna Romppainen

Metsähallitus has requested a decision from the Pirkanmaa ELY Centre on whether the Aitoneva solar energy project requires the application of an environmental impact assessment procedure.

The project concerns the construction of a solar energy production area in the former peat production area of ​​Aitoneva in the municipality of Kihniö. The project area covers approximately 280 ha, of which solar panels will be located in approximately 208 ha according to the preliminary plan. The planned nominal power of the solar power plant is approximately 196 MWp. The solar power plant will be connected to Fingrid's Parkano substation, which will be completed in 2028, with a shared 400 kV power line or a separate 110 kV power line in accordance with the line options investigated in Myyränkankaa.

The Pirkanmaa ELY Centre has requested a statement from the municipality of Kihniö by November 15, 2024.

The renewal of the building regulations of the municipality of Kihniö has become topical. The aim of the renewal is to update the building regulations to comply with the Construction Act, which will enter into force on 1 January 2025.

The building regulations in accordance with the Building Act must be in force by 1 January 2027 at the latest (Section 28 of the Building Act). However, it is appropriate to have the new building regulations enter into force well in advance of the prescribed deadline. The aim is to have the new building regulations enter into force by 1 October 2025.

The new building regulations replace the Kihniö Municipality Building Regulations, which came into effect on 1 July 2014.

The preparation of the building regulations will take place while the Land Use and Building Act is still in force, so until the end of 2024, the procedures will be in accordance with the preparation and consultation practices of the Land Use and Building Act.

Participation and evaluation plan

When preparing the building order, the provisions of Section 62 of the Land Use and Building Act on interaction when preparing the plan and Section 63 on participation and interaction procedures and the assessment of the impacts of the plan must be followed, where applicable.

When preparing a building regulation, a plan for participation and interaction procedures and impact assessment that is necessary in view of the purpose and significance of the building regulation must be prepared at a sufficiently early stage. A participation and assessment plan (OAS) is prepared to assess sufficiently comprehensive interaction.

The participation and evaluation plan offers the opportunity to participate in the preparation of the building regulation reform from the very beginning. It explains, among other things: why the reform work has been undertaken, how the design work is progressing, how the progress of the work will be communicated, who has the right to participate in the preparation of the building regulation reform, where and how you can participate, and where you can get additional information about the building regulation and its reform work.

The initiation of the building regulations reform and the participation and evaluation plan will be announced by an announcement on the municipality's official notice board, in the announcement section of the municipality's website, and in the local newspaper of Ylä-Satakunta. The participation and evaluation plan will be made publicly available for 14 days. During the period of availability, participants will have the opportunity to provide feedback on the OAS and express their opinions on the building regulations reform.

Attached: Participation and evaluation plan for the renewal of the building regulations on November 13, 2024.

The technical director presents the financial situation at the meeting.

Accompanying material is a comparison of actual results.

The Technical Committee's proposal for the budget for 2025, the financial plan for 2026-2027 and the budget text for 2025.

Supporting material: budget proposal for 2025, planning years 2026-2027 and budget text

• Letter from Kihniö Public School to the technical department