Environmental expert Elsi Hietaranta will participate in the presentation of this matter remotely, and environmental inspector Katja Katajisto will participate in the meeting.

The attached material to the meeting is a description of soil extraction levels and groundwater levels.

ASIA

Decision on the application for a soil permit pursuant to Section 4 of the Soil Materials Act and the application for an environmental permit pursuant to Section 27 of the Environmental Protection Act for the property Männikkö RN:o 250-407-1-79.

APPLICANT FOR PERMIT

Civil engineering Kalevi Viitaharju Oy

Riuttankatu 7

39700 Parkano

The contact person is Mika Viitaharju.

BASIS FOR APPLYING FOR A PERMIT

The extraction of soil is subject to a permit pursuant to Section 4 of the Soil Act. The operation is subject to an environmental permit pursuant to Section 27(1) of the Environmental Protection Act and Annex 1, Table 2, items 7 c) (quarry) and e) (crushing plant).

Based on Section 4a of the Soil Materials Act and Section 47a of the Environmental Protection Act, a permit application for the extraction of soil materials and an environmental permit application for the same project under the Environmental Protection Act must be processed together and resolved with the same decision, unless it is considered unnecessary for a special reason.

JURISDICTION OF THE LICENSING AUTHORITY

According to Section 7 of the Soil Materials Act and Section 34(2) of the Environmental Protection Act, the activity in question falls under the permit matters handled by the municipal environmental protection authority. The municipal environmental protection authority decides on the environmental permit when it concerns stone quarrying and crushing plants in accordance with Section 2(1)(6 a) and b) of the Environmental Protection Decree (713/2014).

INITIALIZATION OF THE CASE

The permit application has been initiated with the soil and environmental permit application received on 13.3.2025. The application has been supplemented on 23.4.2025 with a list of the border neighbors of the extraction area, a land register extract, a land register map extract, a general map, a plan map, section drawings and a waste management plan for extractive waste. The application has been supplemented again on 17.9.2025 with revised elevation data of the current extraction levels and two groundwater level measurement point data. The application has been supplemented for the third time on 4.12.2025 with the results of a water sample taken from the quarry basin and the related statement from KVVY Oy. 

CURRENT PERMITS AND DECISIONS

The property has a valid soil permit for a total extraction volume of 200,000 k-m3 and an environmental permit for the excavation and crushing of rock and stone. On 17 October 2018, the Technical Committee of the Municipality of Kihniö granted the property Männikkö RN:o 250-407-1-79 a soil permit for ten years and an environmental permit valid until further notice. The extension permit application being applied for now seeks to amend the permit provisions of the current permit regarding the safety distance to be left to the neighboring property and the lowest permitted extraction level. So far, approximately 16,000 k-m3 of rock materials have been excavated from an area of ​​1,4 ha. The current permit, issued in 2018, is valid until 19 October 2028.

PLANNING STATUS AND OTHER PLANS RELATED TO LAND USE

The Pirkanmaa Regional Plan 2040 is in force in the area. The regional plan designates the area as a rural area. The designation indicates areas that are primarily intended for the use of agriculture and forestry and the industries that support them. In more detailed planning, the area may be designated as a land use with locally significant impacts. The area does not have a town plan or a master plan. There are also no municipal land use plans in the area.

LOCATION AND ITS SURROUNDINGS

The planned sampling area is located along Mustikkamäentie, approximately 10 km west of the center of Kihniö. The sampling area is located in a rocky area called Riitakiimanmäki, on the northwestern edge of the property Männikkö RN:o 250-407-1-79. The permit applicant is the landowner of the farm. The area is accessed by a private Mustikkamäentie road.

The surrounding area is used for forestry and recreation. There is a lean-to on the northeast side of the sampling area. The closest disturbed sites are the nearby residential buildings and leisure buildings. The nearest residential building is located approximately 500 meters northeast of the rock quarry. The nearest leisure residential buildings are located approximately 650 m west of the rock quarry. Other residential buildings and leisure buildings are located over 700 m southwest and northwest on the shores of Lake Naarmijärvi.

The quarry is not located in a classified groundwater area, but the Naarmijärvi Class 1 groundwater area is located 1,2 km northwest of the sampling area. The nearest body of water, Naarmijärvi, is located just over 700 meters away. There are no known endangered species or habitats in the area. There are no areas of value for nature conservation, ancient monuments, valuable rock areas or cultural environments in the nearby area.

BORDER NEIGHBORS

Vähäniemi 250-407-1-30

Huhtimäki 250-403-1-14

Laitila 250-403-1-24

Willow 250-401-1-2

Holma 250-403-12-30

Road District 000-2006-K11967

INPUT ACTION

Property area 13,4 ha

Area of ​​operation 2,1 ha

The area of ​​the sampling area is 1,5 ha.

Soil to be extracted: rock material

Total intake volume 200,000 k-m3

Annual abstraction 20,000 k-m3

Withdrawal period 10 years

Groundwater level +153,93 (N2000)

Lowest soil intake level +155,00 (N2000)

Average sampling depth 2–10 m

APPLICATION ACTIVITY AND ADMISSION PLAN

The application concerns the extraction and crushing of rock material. The amount of rock material to be extracted is 200,000 k-m3 and the estimated annual extraction is 20,000 k-m3. The amount of material to be crushed is 40,000 t/year. The crushing will take place on site with mobile equipment and the crushed material will be stored in an area of ​​0,65 ha along Mustikkamäentie. A depot area will be built on the northwestern edge of this area to store the equipment. Electricity will be generated from a generator. The permit is being applied for for ten years. The area of ​​the operating area is 2,1 ha and the extraction area is 1,5 ha. The water surface in the extracted area is at +157,3 (map dated 22.8.2025) and the lowest permitted extraction level is sought to be +155,00 instead of the current +160,00. The extraction depth varies from 2–10 m.

The extraction area is located in the western part of the Riitakiimanmäki rock area on the farm. According to the plan, extraction will continue southeast and southwest from the current extraction area. The trees have been partially felled and topsoil has been stripped and stored on the edges of the extraction area for landscaping. The estimated production of topsoil is 1500 kg/year and stumps is 500 kg/year. The stumps are intended to be chipped. The trees still standing in the extraction area will be felled. A safety distance of five meters will be sought between the properties to the north of the extraction area and the extraction area, instead of the current ten meters. The edges of the extraction area will be excavated vertically and the steep edges will be protected with flag lines.

A fence will be built one meter from the northeast boundary of the property. A four-meter-wide embankment will be built immediately next to the fence at a level of +160,00. Aggregates will be transported along the road.

Operating hours

According to the application, the excavation and crushing of rock material will be carried out as follows:

- crushing 30 days/year

- drilling 20 days/year

- violation 20 days/year

- explosions 5 days/year

- loading and transportation 50 days/year

Transport

Unnecessary vehicle traffic is avoided in the area. The private Mustikkamäentie road leads to the intake area, along which the aggregate is transported to the use sites via Piikkiläntie and further via Kankarintie. The amount of traffic varies daily, 5–10 trips per day. Salting is used as a dust control measure when necessary.

Effluent

Noise and dust are generated during drilling, blasting, crushing, and loading and transporting of quarry material. According to the application, noise and dust generation will not be prevented because there is sufficient distance to the disturbed sites and the noise from aggregate production does not exceed the guideline values.

The operation is not expected to generate emissions into water bodies. According to the application, no special stormwater arrangements or clarification basin are required and no wastewater will be generated.

Waste

According to the application, the operation will not generate any waste. No fuels will be stored in the extraction area. Maintenance and refueling of loading and transport equipment will take place at a point built for this purpose.

Aftercare and landscaping

The aftercare of the extraction area will be carried out in its entirety after the operation has ended. The sides will be sloped to a gradient of 1:3 on the surface soils of the area. The upper and lower ends of the slopes will be shaped flexibly in relation to the surrounding terrain. There is a forest around the operation area, so seedlings will naturally begin to take root on the topsoil spread in the extraction area, which will grow into a forest over time.

ASSESSMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF OPERATIONS

The application does not assess the environmental impacts of the operation.

PERMIT APPLICATION PROCESSING

Information about the application

In accordance with Section 13 of the Land Use Act, the border neighbors have been consulted by the municipality of Kihniö. The permit application has been announced on the Kihniö municipality's website from 28 April to 30 May 2025 and the application documents for this period have been on display in the technical department of the municipal office. A notice of the pending permit application has been published in the Ylä-Satakunta newspaper on 30 April 2025.

Requested opinions

The permit application has been requested from the Pirkanmaa ELY Centre and the environmental health service of the city of Sastamala in accordance with Section 42 of the Environmental Protection Act. Six objections were submitted to the application by the deadline.

Sastamala City Environmental Health Care, 28.4.2025

The operation must be carried out in a way that does not impair the quality of groundwater. The operation must take into account any noise, dust and vibration impacts that may arise. 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.

Pirkanmaa ELY Centre, 30.6.2025

                                            Distance of the intake operation from the border

In rock extraction areas, the recommended safety distance to the neighbor's boundary is 30 m. The safety distance may be smaller than this if the written consent of the neighboring property owner has been obtained. The current valid permit stipulates a safety distance of 10 meters. However, in some places the operator has already excavated rock closer to the 10-meter safety distance in the northeastern part of the extraction area. Narrowing the safety distance to the 5 meters proposed by the operator in the application requires written consent from the neighbors. If consent is not obtained, the operator must restore the 10-meter safety distance to the boundary. The noise generated by the operation must not exceed the outdoor noise guideline values ​​laid down in the Government Decision on Noise Level Guidelines (993/1992) in sites susceptible to disturbance.

Protection of surface and groundwater

The ELY Centre believes that the application is incomplete with regard to groundwater information in the area and that there are also ambiguities regarding the area's abstraction levels. The application therefore does not currently meet the requirements for granting a permit. The application must be supplemented with the following information and the ELY Centre will issue a statement on the supplemented application:

In the pending application for amendment of the joint permit, the highest and average groundwater level is stated to be +153 m (N2000). In the 2017 permit, the groundwater level was at the level of +155,30–152,50 (N60). The difference between the N2000 and N60 elevation systems in the Parkano area is estimated to be +0,35 m, which is added to the elevation figure according to the N60 elevation systems. The groundwater level was thus previously estimated to be between +155,65–152,85 (N2000). The application does not indicate how the groundwater level was determined. According to the information from the ELY Centre, no groundwater pipe has been installed in the area, although permit provision 5 of the valid environmental permit required it.

A groundwater monitoring pipe must be installed in the area to monitor the groundwater level. The ELY Centre reminds that a protective layer of at least two metres must be left on the highest measured groundwater level, even if the site in question is not located in a classified groundwater area. The area's elevation level and the lowest abstraction level must be marked on the ground in a place where it will remain permanently throughout the abstraction operation. The marking of the lowest abstraction level must be changed if observations of the groundwater level require it. Extracting soil from below the groundwater level will likely require a permit in accordance with the Water Act and more detailed groundwater surveys of the area.

Based on aerial photographs, a water basin has formed in the excavation area in question. According to the ELY Centre, the bottom level of the basin was last measured in 2020, and at that time the intake reached at least +158,46 m, which is already below the +160,35 m allowed in the current environmental permit (N2000). The ELY Centre does not have reliable information about the current state of the intake level in the area, and the ELY Centre believes that it would be appropriate for the operator or consultant to carry out a check measurement of the current bottom level in the entire intake area. The basin formed in the intake area should be pumped empty before the measurement and at the same time it should be determined whether the pooled water in the area is entirely rainwater or also groundwater. If the intake has already progressed to the groundwater level or the safety distance to the groundwater surface is less than two meters from the highest measured groundwater level, the operator must raise the bottom height of the intake level by filling the area with clean rock and soil materials.

The bottom of the intake area should be sloped so that no surface water pools form in the area. Untreated stormwater must not be discharged directly into ditches or watercourses, but must be absorbed into the soil or a settling basin must be built for the water before being discharged into the ditches. The discharge of water must not cause flooding or other harm to adjacent properties.

Water monitoring

If water is not absorbed into the ground, but is discharged into ditches, the quality of the water discharged into the ditch must be monitored during the overflow periods in spring and autumn. If necessary, a more detailed description of the discharge of water must be presented to the licensing authority. At least the following properties and concentrations of substances must be examined in the water samples: turbidity, solids, total nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen, pH, chloride, electrical conductivity, CODMn, iron, sulphate and arsenic, and oil hydrocarbons (C10-C40). The flow rate must be measured in connection with sampling. The discharge of water must not cause wetting or other harm to adjacent properties.

Noise, vibration and dust

Noise from rock extraction is generated by drilling, blasting, crushing, screening, storage, loading and transportation. The crushing plant must be located in front of the face of the target intended for crushing at each visit. The noise impacts of the operation must be reduced by enclosing the equipment. Storage piles located in the operating area can be utilized as noise barriers.

During operations, dust is generated from the handling, crushing, storage, loading and site traffic of the aggregate. Efforts should be made to control dust emissions by enclosing the crushing plant, controlling the height of the aggregate fall and by watering the aggregate being crushed. If necessary, the road leading to the area should be watered to prevent dust and loads should be watered or covered.

Taking action

Care must be taken in the extraction area to ensure that no steep slopes or frost ridges that could cause a fall are formed there in the winter. Accidents in the extraction area can be prevented by using the right working methods, especially in the vicinity of slopes and slopes. Steep slopes must be marked and fenced off to prevent the risk of falling. General safety in the area can be improved with protective fences, information boards, warning signs, surveillance and by preventing unauthorized persons and vehicles from moving in the area by installing lockable barriers or other obstacles on the roads leading to the extraction area.

The entry of fuels and other substances that pose a risk of environmental pollution into the soil and groundwater must be prevented. The earth structures in support operations and refueling areas must be compacted in such a way that the entry of fuels and other substances that pose a risk of environmental pollution into the soil and groundwater is prevented.

Any fuel tanks must be double-walled tanks or tanks with a fixed catch basin and must withstand mechanical and chemical stress. The tanks must be equipped with an overfill prevention device and the refueling equipment with lockable shut-off valves. When refueling and servicing loading equipment, care must be taken to ensure that fuels or other substances that pose a risk of pollution do not enter the soil or groundwater. Absorbent material must be provided in the area to collect any oil or fuel leaks. To prevent leaks, it is a good idea to have hose rupture valves and an absorbent mat on the machines. Machines and maintenance vehicles should be equipped with fire extinguishing equipment in case of fire.

Any accidents or disturbances affecting the environment must be reported to the rescue service and the environmental protection authority. Efforts must be made to prevent or limit environmental and other damage caused by accidents and disturbances as effectively as possible. In the event of a disturbance, the operator must suspend operations and eliminate the disturbance before continuing production. If waste or other substances that may cause pollution have entered the soil or groundwater, the person causing the disturbance must immediately notify the supervisory authority.

Aftercare

The Pirkanmaa ELY Centre considers that the extraction area must be maintained in accordance with the Ministry of the Environment's guide (Extraction of soil materials. Guide to the sustainable use of materials, 2023). The permit must specify the aftercare measures. Aftercare measures include cleaning the area, shaping and spreading surface material, restoring vegetation and preventing use that is not suitable for the area. Aftercare is discussed in more detail in the guide starting on p. 144.

Only clean soil may be brought into the area for aftercare in addition to the material already in the area. A layer of soil about half a meter thick is sufficient for forest growth and for the area to adapt to the surrounding nature and landscape. The use of a layer thicker than this can be considered as the placement of surplus masses. An unauthorized landfill must not be formed in the area. Soil materials that introduce alien species into the area (lupine, giant balsam, giant pipe) must not be used for landscaping. Slopes must be shaped to be sufficiently gentle for the safety and landscape management of the area, with a slope of 1:3 or gentler.

Comments and opinions left

Six reminders were submitted regarding the permit application during the viewing period.

Reminder A, 1.6.2025

Maanrakennus Kalevi Viitaharju Oy has come close to my border and part of my side with its excavation, disregarding the safety distance specified by law. No remedial measures have been taken either.

A large number of large boulders have flown onto my farm, damaging the trees. The damaged trees were removed in the previous thinning.

In my opinion, no excavation, etc. can begin until the above issues have been fixed.

Reminder B, 11.6.2025

I am a resident and landowner of the area and would like to express my serious objection to the continuation of the environmental permit application for the rock crushing plant operation. I base my position on the following points, which relate to the safety deficiencies of the operation and the harm it causes to the environment and residents of the surrounding area:

1. Neglect of the security fence

For years, the entrepreneur has failed to erect an appropriate safety fence around the crushing plant area. This neglect has caused significant danger to people, animals and pets in the area. The lack of a fence has left the area open and vulnerable to accidents, which is a completely irresponsible act. Safety obligations are based on the Occupational Safety Act (738/2002) and the Government Decree on the Safety of Blasting and Excavation Work (644/2011), according to which the employer must ensure that unauthorized persons do not enter the dangerous area (e.g. Sections 3 and 4).

2. Safety deficiencies in blasting

The blasting work on the rock has not taken sufficient precautions. The blasting site has been inadequately covered, resulting in large boulders being thrown hundreds of metres away. These rocks have been found in adjacent forest areas, where they have broken and damaged trees and caused serious danger to the environment and potential users of the area. According to Government Decree 644/2011, a written safety plan must be drawn up for blasting work, which must take into account, among other things, the risk of being thrown and protective measures (Sections 3 and 5). In addition, Section 6 requires that the blasting area must be protected in such a way that it does not pose a danger to outsiders.

3. Decline in recreational use

The lack of a security fence has also significantly weakened the recreational use of the adjacent forest area. There is a lean-to in the area, which has been actively used by local residents, especially families with children, dog walkers and hunters, since 1999. The lack of security has made the use of the lean-to risky and reduced its accessibility and possibilities for use.

The above-mentioned facts show that the operator has not shown sufficient responsibility or commitment to the safety of the environment and the surrounding area. Therefore, I believe that the environmental permit should not be extended until all safety deficiencies have been corrected and the operation meets the requirements set for it.

Reminder C, 11.6.2025

I am a photographer who regularly travels to the area, and with this letter I would like to express my opposition to the extension of the environmental permit for Maanrakennus Kalevi Viitaharju Oy's rock crushing plant.

I often use the forest plot next to the crusher and its lean-to for photography purposes. The area has been an important peaceful place for me to observe and document nature. However, in recent years, the crusher operation has significantly reduced the amenity and safety of the area.

Of particular concern is the fact that the cliff at the crushing plant is not fenced or otherwise clearly marked. This poses a serious safety risk, especially when moving around in the dark, when it is difficult to see the edge of the cliff. As a photographer, I often move around early in the morning or late in the evening, when the light conditions are poor but photographically optimal. In these cases, the risk of accidental falls is real.

I find it irresponsible that industrial operations can continue without adequate safety measures in an area that is also used by outdoor enthusiasts and nature enthusiasts. I believe that extending the environmental permit is not justified until the safety deficiencies of the crushing plant have been corrected and the use of the area as a diverse natural environment has been secured.

I hope that the municipality of Kihniö will also take into account the perspectives and safety of other users of the area when assessing the permit application.

Reminder D, 11.6.2025

I would like to use this letter to express my objection to the environmental permit application for the rock crushing plant of Maanrakennus Kalevi Viitaharju Oy. My objection is based on both my personal experiences as a user of the area and the observed shortcomings in safety and environmental protection. I actively use the forest area next to the crushing plant for recreation, especially visiting the lean-to and hunting with my dogs. The use of the area has become significantly less safe as a result of the crushing plant operations. In particular, the lack of protective fences around the cliffs and the crushing area poses a serious safety risk to both people and animals.

Legislative basis:

1. The Environmental Protection Act (527/2014) and the related Government Decree on Environmental Protection (713/2014) require that operations must not pose a risk to the environment or health. Protective fences are an essential part of this requirement, especially in quarry areas with steep slopes and deep pits.

2. The Government Decree on the Environmental Protection of Quarries and Crushing Plants (800/2010) stipulates that the operator must take sufficient measures to prevent dangerous access to the area. This includes fencing, warning signs and other safety measures.

3. Regarding blasting, it has been observed that boulders have been thrown from the crushing plant up to several hundred meters away, causing damage to trees and posing a serious risk to those moving around in the area. This violates the legislation on blasting and quarrying, which states that blasting must be carried out in a way that does not pose a danger to bystanders or property (see Government Decree on the Safety of Blasting 644/2011).

Summary:

The operations of Maanrakennus Kalevi Viitaharju Oy do not meet the requirements of the Environmental Protection Act or safety regulations. The protection of the area is inadequate, and the blasting operations have caused concrete damage to the environment. For these reasons, I request that the environmental permit not be granted until:

- The area will be appropriately fenced off around the entire crushing plant and the steep slopes.

- Blasting work is planned and carried out in such a way that the ejection of boulders is effectively prevented.

- The permit application presents concrete measures to protect safety and the environment.

Reminder E & F, 12.6.2025

Maanrakennus Kalevi Viitaharju Oy's environmental permit application for the continuation of its crushing plant operations raises concerns from the perspective of the area's safety and recreational use.

The area around the crushing plant does not have adequate safety fences or clear warning signs, which poses a significant safety risk. The area is regularly visited by hikers, berry pickers and dog walkers who use the forest areas near the crushing plant for recreation. Without appropriate protective structures, steep slopes and other dangerous areas may go unnoticed, especially at night or in difficult weather conditions.

Safety deficiencies limit the use of the area and could lead to serious accidents. It is therefore justified that the continuation of the crushing plant operations is not approved until the safety of the area has been ensured through appropriate measures.

When processing an environmental permit application, it is important to also consider the perspectives of other users of the area and their right to safe movement in nature.

Hearing and response of the applicant

The applicant is given the opportunity to respond to the statements and reminders.

Applicant's response, 30.8.2025

The applicant has provided the following joint response to the statements and objections:

Rocks in the terrain

When starting the extraction of rock, we start from the so-called flat ground, i.e. there is no deep space where the rock material is blasted. For this reason, these loose rocks can be thrown when starting. The reminders mention that rocks have been thrown hundreds of meters away. In practice, all the stones that have been thrown are well under a hundred meters from the boundary of our property. In addition, these thrown rocks originate from the start of the operation, as one person who reminded us also states from the removal of damaged trees in connection with previous felling. We would also like to mention that no remarks have been made about these possible damaged trees in the past. The blasting field is not covered when extracting rock material far from the built environment, as mentioned in one of the reminders. The first extraction from the area was carried out after the permit was granted in 2007.

Protective fences

The quarry has a chain link fence on the northeastern border with the necessary warning signs, as was observed during the inspection carried out in May. In addition, it was noted at the same time that the strips on the southeastern border of the area are sufficiently far from the edge of the quarry. A chain link fence has also been built on this border, similar to the northeastern border. On the southern border there are piles of peeled earth, which if crossed are certainly enough to draw the attention of passers-by to the fact that it is not appropriate to enter the area.

For the Mustikkamäki forest road, the area has been demarcated by placing stones and installing a barrier. Warning signs have also been placed. The image materials have been provided electronically.

Rock extraction

Rock material is taken and crushed approximately every 2–3 years. Blasting is only done once for each extraction. Before blasting, the surrounding area is checked for potential pedestrians, people are placed on the road to monitor potential pedestrians, and a warning buzzer is used. The crushing of rock material does not cause significant noise, as the sound level is at the level of speech even a hundred meters away from the crushing equipment. In addition, wind conditions and storage piles have a significant effect on the crushing noise.

Use of the area for recreational activities

I visit the area a few dozen times a year. I hardly meet any visitors on the road. I have never seen any outdoor enthusiasts. Based on my observations, I can reasonably say that this area is not used for recreation any more than other actual forest areas. Even the use of the adjacent lean-to seems to be quite occasional.

Restoring safety distances

Negotiations have been held with the owner of the neighboring property regarding the safety distance. I refer to the previously submitted emails. However, the negotiations have ended without results. The owner of the neighboring property was offered various options for resolving the safety distances, land exchange or an agreement. The safety area will be restored as soon as possible after this permit becomes legally binding.

The soil needed to fill the protection area will be obtained from the land used for deepening and leveling the area.

Design of the intake area

The intake area will be designed so that water does not accumulate at the bottom of the quarry. Surface water from the intake area will be drained into the terrain of the southwestern part of our farm, absorbing it. Due to the shape and inclination of the rock, water will not accumulate in the area more than in its natural state, and its flow direction will not change compared to its natural state.

Area measurements, groundwater pipes and groundwater monitoring

Measurements of the necessary elevations in the intake area were carried out by Parkano Consulting Oy on August 20, 2025, both for permanent markings on the rock surface and for the groundwater pipes to be installed.

Two groundwater pipes were installed in the area on August 27, 2025. The elevations of the top surface of the groundwater pipes are marked in the attached map. No water was detected during the installation of the groundwater pipes. The length of the groundwater pipes is 250 cm and the elevation at the bottom of the pipe is 151,3 at its lowest point.

The development of the water level in the installed groundwater pipes will be actively monitored after the autumn rains arrive, and the necessary analyses of the water quality will be carried out.

Finally

We would also like to highlight the fact that one of the grounds for this amendment permit is the extraction of sustainable and natural resource-saving rock material, which justifies extending the extraction operation deeper. As stated above, once this permit becomes legally binding, the necessary measures will be taken to restore the safety distance to the neighboring property. All possible measures in accordance with the statement of the ELY Centre have been taken.

We would also like to mention that in order to improve and maintain road connections, crushed rock is needed to be delivered annually, which must be obtained from somewhere in any case. Excessively long transport distances cause environmental burdens and costs, and increase the price of the crushed material to be delivered.

Rock removal is an essential part of infrastructure maintenance, which enables the passability of roads in sparsely populated areas, especially for local residents and the numerous holiday home owners in Kihniö. Improving the passability of roads will become even more challenging as the number of electric cars increases due to the higher level of road maintenance required for their use.

Completed permit application

On 17 September 2025, the applicant has supplemented the permit application again with revised elevation data for the current intake levels and two groundwater level measurement point data. In addition, photographs of the topsoil piles, the elevation marking, the boom installed at the junction and the fence erected on the southeast border have been submitted. On 4 December 2025, the applicant further supplemented the application with groundwater level data measured on 4 November 2025 and a test report of a water sample taken from the quarry basin, as well as a statement from KVVY. A new statement on the supplemented permit application has been requested from the Pirkanmaa ELY Centre on 17 September 2025 and 4 December 2025.

Pirkanmaa ELY Centre, 6.10.2025

Groundwater protection and abstraction level

The application was supplemented with two groundwater measurements. These two groundwater measurement points are located relatively far from the intake area along Mustikkamäentie and therefore do not yet provide sufficiently reliable information about the groundwater level in the intake area. In order to determine the groundwater level, a groundwater pipe must be installed near the intake area and a groundwater pipe card must be submitted upon its installation.

A pool has formed in the rock extraction area during excavation. The supplement does not clarify whether the water accumulated at the bottom of the pool is groundwater or rainwater and whether any efforts have been made to determine this. This information is essential for granting a permit. The ELY Centre reminds that a protective layer of at least two meters must be left on the highest measured level of groundwater, even if the site in question is not located in a classified groundwater area. If extraction has already progressed to the groundwater level or the protective distance to the groundwater level is less than two meters from the highest measured level of groundwater, the operator must raise the base height of the extraction level by filling the area with clean rock and soil materials to protect the groundwater.

In addition, taking water from below a two-meter protective layer or from below the groundwater level may require a permit under the Water Act. Chapter 3, Section 2 of the Water Act (587/2011) stipulates that a water management project must have a permit if it may change the quality or quantity of groundwater. Applicants for a soil permit are required to provide information on whether the area also requires a permit in accordance with the Water Act. permit. In permits under the Water Act, the Regional State Administrative Agency (AVI) acts as the permitting authority. From the beginning of 2026, the licensing authority will be the Licensing and Supervision Agency (LVV). The Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment also reminds that if the extraction of materials requires the authorisation of Section 3, Subsection 1, Subsection 4 of the Soil Materials Act The permit referred to in the Water Act (264/1961) must be obtained in accordance with the Soil Materials Act. postpone the processing of the application until the water matter has been finally resolved (MAA Section 5).

In the opinion of the Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment, the application is still incomplete with regard to the groundwater information in the area and there are still ambiguities. The application therefore does not yet meet the requirements for granting a permit.

The level of uptake in the area

According to updated measurements, the bottom level of the basin in the intake area is at +157,3 and the water level at +158,2 (situation 17.9.2025). The lowest intake level allowed under the valid environmental permit (+160,35) has thus been exceeded and the permit provision has been violated. The Pirkanmaa ELY Centre also considers that the application for amendment cannot administratively accept a situation in which the currently valid joint permit has potentially been violated based on the information in the application (intake level). If the intake has already progressed to the groundwater level or the safety distance to the groundwater surface is less than two meters from the highest measured groundwater level, the authority must supervisoryly bring the operation into compliance with the permit.

Pirkanmaa ELY Centre, 16.12.2025

Groundwater surface information has been provided in the application materials submitted on 4 December 2025. In the submitted groundwater information, the levels are stated to be as of 4 November 2025: water level -1,70 m (PV1) and water level -1,74 m (PV2). The map submitted on 22 August 2025 shows two upper ends of the groundwater pipe. The exact locations or pipe codes of the pipes have not been marked on the map. Also, the pipe cards of the groundwater pipes have not been submitted to the ELY Centre despite the request. If the indicated level of the groundwater pipes located on the map is subtracted from the rounded level (1,70 m), the water level in the more northern pipe is approximately at +153,93 m and in the more southern groundwater pipe at approximately +152,1 m. The bottom of the pond in the intake area is indicated on the map dated 22 August 2025 as being at +157,3 m. The ELY Centre considers that a 2 m protective layer should be left on the groundwater surface, and thus the lowest intake level in the area can be +155,96 m instead of the requested +155 m.

In addition, the ELY Centre continues to believe that in order to determine the groundwater level, a new groundwater pipe must be installed near the intake area and a groundwater pipe card must be submitted for its installation. The ELY Centre also reminds that a protective layer of at least two meters must be left on the highest measured groundwater level, even if the site in question is not located in a classified groundwater area. If the intake has already progressed to the groundwater level or the protective distance to the groundwater level is less than two meters from the highest measured groundwater level, the operator must raise the base height of the intake level by filling the area with clean rock and soil materials to protect the groundwater.

On 4.12.2025, the materials submitted included a statement from KVVY Tutkimus Oy dated 18.11.2025, according to which, based on the results of a sample taken from the quarry pond, the water in the quarry pond appears to be surface water. Based on the information in the submitted KVVY statement, the Pirkanmaa ELY Centre also considers that it currently appears that the water in the quarry area is surface water. Therefore, there is no need for a permit procedure under the Water Act.

However, the ELY Centre reminds that the bottom of the intake area must be sloped so that no surface water pools are created in the area. Untreated stormwater must not be discharged directly into ditches or watercourses, but must be absorbed into the soil or a settling basin must be built for the water before being discharged into the ditches. The discharge of water must not cause flooding or other harm to adjacent properties.

If water is not absorbed into the ground, but is discharged into ditches, the quality of the water discharged into the ditch must be monitored during the overflow periods in spring and autumn. If necessary, a more detailed description of the discharge of water must be presented to the licensing authority. At least the following properties and concentrations of substances must be examined in the water samples: turbidity, solids, total nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen, pH, chloride, electrical conductivity, CODMn, iron, sulphate and arsenic, and oil hydrocarbons (C10-C40). The flow rate must be measured in connection with sampling. The discharge of water must not cause wetting or other harm to adjacent properties.

In other respects, the ELY Centre reiterated its statement made earlier on 30 June 2025, with the exception of the requirement to supplement the application.

Inspection

The environmental inspector has visited the rock quarry area several times. According to the submitted material, the bottom of the rock quarry is at a level of +157,3 and the water level of the pond accumulated at the bottom of the quarry area is at a level of +158,2 (situation 17.9.2025). According to the valid environmental permit, the lowest permitted intake level is +160,35.

 Prepared by: Environmental Inspector Elsi Hietaranta

The Technical Department has prepared a review of the technical and financial situation of the buildings owned by the municipality, which will be presented at the meeting.

Arsi Haapamäki from property management will participate in the presentation of this matter.

The review is attached to the meeting.

The committee must prepare a report on its activities for each calendar year. The Technical Committee's activity report for 2025 is attached.

According to Section 37 of the Kihniö Municipality Administrative Regulations, the technical committee may elect a three-member construction section from among its members. The committee elects a chairman and vice-chairman of the section from among the members elected. The construction section participates in construction site meetings, acceptance inspections, etc., separately determined by the committee, and receives the work performed on the contract.

The municipality of Kihniö has made an annual agreement with the Kihniö 4H Association for the maintenance of the municipality's green areas. The agreement has enabled the green areas to be maintained while employing local young people. The agreement is for one period and will be updated if necessary. According to the agreement, the estimated total cost of the green works to be carried out during the agreement period from 1 May 2026 to 31 October 2026 is 30,000.00 euros (VAT 0%).

Construction site and its location:

The construction site is a property called Janemo, measuring approximately 2370 m2. The property ID is 250-407-8-77. The construction site borders Lake Nerkoo for approximately 65 meters.

Proposed measure and justification for the application:

A deviation is being applied for to convert 100 m2 of a leisure building into a permanent residential building.  

Prohibitions, restrictions and the planned situation

The area is unzoned.

In an unzoned area, the building right is determined according to the valid building regulations of the municipality of Kihniö. For properties under 5000 m2, the building right is 125 m2 (leisure building, sauna, barn) + 30 m2 cold storage room + 30 m2 canopy + 16 m2 smoke sauna.

                                            Construction status:

There is an existing leisure building on the construction site with a floor area of ​​100 m2. In addition, there are 3 smaller outbuildings on the construction site. No changes will be made to the buildings.

Consulting neighbors:

The municipality has conducted a consultation with neighbors. No comments.

Building restriction from which an exemption is sought:

The area is an unzoned coastal area. The construction restriction for which an exception is sought in the application is a deviation from Section 72 of the Land Use Act;  A building may not be built in a coastal zone belonging to the coastal area of ​​a sea or body of water without a local plan or a legally binding master plan that specifically stipulates that the master plan or part of it be used as the basis for granting a building permit.

Conditions for derogation and justification for the proposed decision:

Section 57 of the Building Act; the decision-making power in granting an exemption lies with the municipality;

For a special reason, a municipality may grant a permit to deviate from a provision, order, prohibition or other restriction provided for in the Land Use Act or issued pursuant to it and from a provision, order, prohibition or other restriction provided for in this Act or issued pursuant to it. However, the above provisions do not apply to eligibility requirements, plot division, the need for and conditions for a landscape work permit, or the conditions for the preparation of a local plan provided for in section 46, subsection 1, paragraph 2, for placement in a planning area. A permit to deviate from other conditions for placement in a planning area may be granted.

However, the permit referred to in subsection 1 above may not be granted if it:

1) causes harm to zoning, the implementation of the plan or other organisation of the use of areas;

2) makes it difficult to achieve nature conservation objectives;

3) makes it difficult to achieve the objectives of protecting the built environment;

4) leads to construction with significant impacts or otherwise causes significant adverse environmental or other impacts.

Reasons for the decision

The building in question meets the requirements of a permanent residential building. There is a passable road leading to the property. The neighbors have no objections to the project. The building is equipped with pressurized water and the wastewater drainage has been implemented in accordance with the provisions of the current Wastewater Decree.

                                            Applied legal guidelines:

                                                          Construction Act, Section 57

                                                          Section 72 of the Land Use Act

The accompanying material includes excerpts from the location map and site plan.

Prepared by: building inspector Raisa Karinsalo

• Status of renovation of school ventilation units

• Building code renewal

• Investments in 26

Accompanying material includes situation reports.