Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Through the project, Hollola will receive tax revenue from companies operating in the area, which will help finance, for example, school operations and other services.
In addition, the eco-industrial zone will indirectly create hundreds of new jobs.
- During the construction phase, the area provides jobs for infrastructure builders for many years, and every new operator in the area needs new employees. Almost every time a new direction of operation begins, employment opportunities increase.
- According to our estimate, a "completed" eco-industrial zone will employ at least one hundred new workers.
A total of five options were compared for the location of the eco-industrial area, one of which was Nostava. The Regional Council studied the options in a thorough environmental impact assessment procedure, which was part of the phased regional plan drawn up in 2023.
Nostava is an excellent location for an eco-industrial park, as it is an attractive location for companies from the perspective of logistics, markets and accessibility. The Lahti area also already has the necessary education and expertise.
For Hollola, Nostava is the only possible direction of expansion, as it faces Lahti to the east and military areas to the west.
Nostava will not be a landfill like Kujala, but an eco-industrial area where used materials will be used to make new raw materials.
Waste is minimized, and new products are processed from companies' side streams and surplus materials. This opens up new business opportunities that did not exist before.
The material that is not suitable for further use is mainly soil. At current municipal waste volumes, the Kujala landfill will be sufficient until 2070.
Extensive studies have been conducted on the impacts of the eco-industrial zone. Negative impacts are required to be taken into account in planning and environmental permits, and permit requirements and obligations are imposed on companies operating in the zone. All activities are carefully monitored.
We want to collaborate and listen to residents, entrepreneurs, municipal decision-makers, and municipal officials.
The eco-industrial area will change the Nostava area, but the disadvantages can be limited.
Traffic volume will increase, but it will be diverted from the ring road ramp to the eco-industrial area.
Dust and odor nuisances can be limited through zoning and locating operations indoors, among other things. In addition, various dust removal and dust binding methods can be utilized.
The nuisance of noisy activities can be controlled, for example, by using noise barriers, protected areas and setting operating times.
Not at all, on the contrary, the eco-industrial zone will increase the attractiveness of Hollola. The project will bring new jobs and increase tax revenue from companies locating in the eco-industrial zone.
Hollola is a large municipality. There is plenty of space for housing, although the eco-industrial area takes up part of the Nostava area.
Circular economy activities have changed over the years: new landfills or waste incineration plants are no longer needed, but areas and facilities for recycling and utilizing materials. Such an area is coming to Nostava.
Nostava is in an excellent location for an eco-industrial area. Extensive studies have been and are being conducted on the area, including environmental impacts. Studies are required even in the planning process, and the authorities ensure that they are carried out carefully before the plan is approved.
During the construction phase, there will be companies operating in the area that utilize aggregates. These may include, for example, concrete product factories, binder factories, and aggregate factories.
During the operational phase, industrial operators will be located in the area, able to utilize materials left over from each other's production processes. The companies may be, for example, concrete plants, asphalt plants, hydrogen production plants or wood processing plants.
The construction of the eco-industrial park will take an estimated 10 years.
The duration of the operational phase depends on how much material needs to be transported to Kujala for final disposal. If the amount is small, the operational life could be until around 2100.
Location is extremely important for a rail-truck terminal, a logistics center that combines road and rail traffic. The location must be along the railway in the Lahti urban area, close to the highway.
The location of the rail-truck terminal has been selected by the Regional Council in the 2023 urban regional plan. Nostava is an unutilized area in a good location.
The European Union's TEN-T regulation also stipulates that an area the size of the Lahti urban region must have such a terminal.
The area is not intended for housing, but rather for industry that will create new jobs. The plan designation means that activities in the workplace area may have environmental impacts that are approved in the most detailed plan and possible environmental permit.
Existing housing near the workplace area can be protected in the plan, for example by noise abatement regulations.
Lahti Regional Development Agency LADEC and the municipality of Hollola will organize customer events at a later date to be announced, where they will provide more information about the eco-industrial area.
In the future, information about the progress of the project and the construction of the eco-industrial area will be provided, among other things, on the project's website and through media releases.
The project has been in preparation for a long time, including various studies. The next key goal is to obtain a plan that covers both the eco-industrial area and logistics.
The construction of the eco-industrial zone will take approximately 10 years. After that, the operational life of the eco-industrial zone will last until approximately 2100.
One operator's waste (surplus material) is another operator's raw material
Surplus material is never taken directly to landfill. It is first processed, and only after processing can the residual fraction be directed to final disposal.
The goal is always to capture everything possible:
• as material
• for energy
Only the part of the waste that can no longer be utilized ends up in final disposal.
How are different surplus materials processed?
Soil and rock materials
The waste is screened, crushed, sorted, possibly washed and processed for reuse.
After processing:
• processed soil is used as aggregate in construction or as a raw material for the construction industry
• residual fraction → to landfill for final disposal
Spoiled countries
Contaminated soils are examined, sorted and treated according to the concentration of pollutants. Waste is screened, crushed, sorted, possibly washed, biologically cleaned, stabilized and processed for reuse.
After processing:
• processed soil → used as aggregate in construction or as a raw material for the construction industry
• residual fraction → for final disposal
Ashes and slags
The ashes are crushed or otherwise “cleaned” and processed for reuse.
After processing:
• utilizable part → for earthworks, fertilizers, raw materials for the construction industry
• unusable residue → for final disposal
Construction and demolition waste
The waste is crushed, screened, sorted, chemically treated and processed for reuse.
After processing:
• metals, concrete, brick → as industrial raw material for material recycling or aggregates for earthworks
• wood waste and plastics → for material or energy recovery
• unusable residue → for energy recovery or final disposal
When can waste be sent to final disposal?
Waste that can still be used must not be sent to final disposal. In Finland, final disposal sites are governed by the Landfill Decree 331/2013. Final disposal is only permitted for waste that has been pre-treated, examined and found to be unusable.
Waste can only be sent to final disposal if:
• it has been treated to be suitable for landfill
• all usable materials have been separated from it
• it cannot be used in energy production
• it cannot be recycled technically, economically or environmentally
• it meets the requirements of the Landfill Regulation.
In addition, waste that:
• is so harmful that it cannot be burned safely
• contains harmful substances that prevent recycling or energy recovery.
How does the quality of waste affect the structures of the final disposal site?
The more hazardous the waste, the better the environmental structures required.
What is the final disposal site for permanent waste?
“Final disposal site for stone materials”
Only pre-treated waste that:
• not suitable for recycling
• not suitable for energy recovery
• does not contain harmful substances
• does not dissolve, burn or decompose.
Typical examples:
• clean surplus land that cannot be utilized in construction.
Principle:
The material has been processed and studied, and there is no longer a sensible use for it.
Only pre-treated waste that does not pose an environmental risk is placed in the permanent waste disposal site.
Base structure
• natural compacted soil or artificial compaction layer
• if necessary, a leachate management layer
The aim of the structures is to prevent water from entering the landfill and to control any minor leachate.
Surface structure (closure)
• styling and protective layers
• growing medium for landscaping
A dense insulation layer is usually not required.
What is the final disposal site for non-hazardous (conventional) waste?
“Final disposal site for non-recoverable waste”
Pre-treated waste is placed here, which:
• not dangerous
• no longer suitable for recycling
• not suitable for burning
• not suitable for material recovery
• must not contain significant organic matter.
Typical examples:
• treated construction waste from which recoverable materials have been removed
• contaminated soil that cannot be processed and utilized
• industrial waste for which there is no recovery.
Principle:
The usable parts have been separated and the remaining waste is unusable.
Pre-treated waste that cannot be utilized is placed in a non-hazardous waste disposal site.
Base structure
• mineral sealing layer (clay or bentonite)
• artificial insulation (e.g. HDPE film)
• leachate collection and management system
The aim of the structures is to prevent leachate from entering the soil and groundwater.
Surface structure (closure)
• sealing layer
• drying layer
• protective layer
• growth layer
The goal is to prevent rainwater from entering the landfill.
What is the final disposal site for hazardous waste?
“Final disposal site for hazardous waste”
Pre-treated waste is placed here, which:
• is dangerous to health or the environment
• not suitable for safe combustion
• not suitable for recycling due to harmful substances
• cannot be treated with other methods
• contains very little organic matter, practically none at all.
Typical examples:
• asbestos
• waste containing heavy metals
• concrete containing harmful substances
• heavily contaminated soils
• waste from the chemical industry.
Principle:
The waste has been examined, processed and found to be such that it cannot be utilized without posing a health or environmental risk.
What all disposal categories have in common is:
• the waste has been pretreated
• the waste has been examined
• usable parts have been removed
• the waste is not suitable for recycling or energy recovery
• the waste meets the eligibility requirements of the Landfill Regulation 331/2013.
Condensed principle
Waste that can still be reused is never taken to a landfill.
Final disposal is only permitted for waste that has been treated and found unrecoverable in accordance with the Landfill Regulation.
What are the environmental disadvantages of final disposal?
A final disposal site is always an environmental risk, but the risk can be managed with properly designed structures and monitoring. The more harmful the waste, the greater the environmental risk and the stricter the control measures.
Permanent waste disposal site
The environmental risk is low.
Possible disadvantages:
• dusting during use
• no odors
• landscape effects
• minor surface water impacts if stormwater is not managed.
The waste does not generate significant leachate or carry pollutants.
Non-hazardous waste disposal site
The environmental risk is moderate, but manageable with structures.
Possible disadvantages:
• formation of leachate
• risk of harmful substances being transported without adequate foundation structures
• dusting during use
• slight odors may occur
• landscape impacts.
Requires continuous water management and monitoring and, if necessary, dust control.
Hazardous waste disposal site
The environmental risk is high without very strict structures.
Possible disadvantages:
• risk of pollution of groundwater and surface water
• spreading of pollutants into the soil
• long-term environmental impacts
• odor or dust nuisance
• health risks to humans and animals.
Requires continuous supervision, monitoring and risk management.
Eco-industrial area means an area where used materials are made into new raw materials. Companies operating in the area benefit from each other's activities: for example, one company's operations result in surplus timber that another company utilizes in its own operations.
Companies also benefit from having the raw materials they need nearby, so they save on logistics costs.
New ways of further processing materials also open up new business opportunities. Such activities save the environment by using recycled materials instead of virgin raw materials to manufacture products.
Land logistics area
The virgin soil of the land logistics area will be cleared and the rock will be excavated in accordance with the soil permits and environmental permits to be applied for later. The land logistics area will be used for the storage of surplus soil and/or contaminated soil in accordance with environmental legislation. It is possible to dispose of suitable residual fractions in the land logistics area in accordance with environmental legislation.
Multimodal terminal
In Nostava, a multimodal terminal means a rail-truck terminal where large quantities of goods can be transferred between freight trains and trucks. The word 'multimodal' means combining several modes of transport in the same transport chain. A new freight terminal for the Lahti urban region is being planned for Nostava, with connecting tracks, a truck park and loading/interim storage areas. A more easily understood word with the same meaning is rail-truck terminal.
With permanent waste means waste
a) which does not dissolve, burn or otherwise react physically or chemically, nor does it biodegrade or react with other substances to cause a hazard to health or the environment;
b) in which no other significant physical, chemical or biological changes occur, even over a long period of time
c) the total leaching and concentration of harmful substances contained therein and the toxicity of the landfill water formed from the waste to the environment are insignificant
(d) which does not pose a risk to the quality of surface water or groundwater.
Hazardous waste and conventional waste
Conventional waste refers to waste that is not hazardous waste. Hazardous waste is waste that, due to its chemical or other properties, may cause danger or harm to health or the environment. Waste is classified as hazardous if it has one of the hazardous properties according to the Waste Decree, i.e. if the concentrations of harmful substances it contains exceed the limit values specified in the Waste Decree. Hazardous properties according to the Waste Decree include explosive, oxidizing, highly flammable, flammable, irritating, harmful, toxic, carcinogenic, corrosive, infectious, toxic to reproduction, mutagenic waste that releases toxic or highly toxic gases when in contact with water, air or acid, sensitizing, environmentally hazardous and waste that may, after final processing, produce another substance, such as leachate, that has one of the listed properties.
The recycling area also accepts construction and industrial waste classified as hazardous waste. Industrial waste includes waste from the chemical industry, wood processing or mineral exploitation. The waste can also have different compositions, such as dust, fines, production by-products or rejects. Construction waste classified as hazardous waste from construction includes, for example, sealants and asbestos. Concrete waste can also be hazardous waste if it contains high concentrations of harmful substances.
Construction and industrial waste classified as hazardous waste is treated according to its properties. The aim of hazardous waste treatment is to separate the components suitable for use as raw materials, and the remaining parts are either sent for incineration or disposed of in the area based on their properties. Waste classified as hazardous waste is mainly disposed of.
Surplus countries are uncontaminated soil that is formed in connection with community construction. Soils can be topsoil removed during construction, in which case they contain humus, plant roots or twigs. Soils received can also be so-called loose soil, such as moraine, sand and gravel. Soils can also include large stones. Rocks include, for example, quarries and rubble. Soils and rock can be utilized in construction or delivered for reuse elsewhere. They can also be processed to produce new rock products for construction. This reuse can replace the use of virgin raw materials. Unusable soil is disposed of in the land logistics area of the recycling area being built.
Contaminated soil materials are soils that contain one or more pollutants. Sensory contaminated soils are not necessarily different from residual soils. Contaminated soils may also be classified as hazardous waste if the concentrations of pollutants are high. Contaminated soils are classified into contaminated soils according to the Government Decree on the Assessment of Soil Contamination and Cleanup Needs (PIMA Decree, 214/2007) according to the threshold value, lower guideline value and upper guideline value. The guideline values are intended to support the assessment of soil contamination and cleanup needs.
The reception and processing of contaminated soil in the recycling area takes place in accordance with the environmental permit and the Landfill Decree. The contaminated soil is received at its own processing field and sorted into different piles according to the pollutant concentrations of the soil being received. If necessary, the contaminated soil is treated using different methods and is then delivered either for recovery or final disposal.
Ashes
Power plants, heating plants and waste incineration plants produce ash, slag and flue gas cleaning waste. Ash is often a finely divided material, but its form can vary between fine and coarse-grained. When dry, ash can cause dust. Ash often has the property of solidifying, causing the waste to become lumpy. The processing of ash is particularly affected by the concentrations and solubilities of the metals it contains. The properties and harmfulness of ash can vary considerably depending on the fuels and the combustion process. Ash is used, for example, in earthworks or as fertilizer products. The purpose of ash processing is to make it into fertilizers or raw materials for construction products or recycled material products. If necessary, ash is treated before recovery and is stored temporarily if recovery sites are not immediately available.
Construction and demolition waste
Construction and demolition activities generate various types of construction and demolition waste, such as concrete and brick waste, wood, metal, glass, ceramics and demolition asphalt. Concrete waste may also contain iron used in reinforcement. Concrete and brick waste may be treated, for example, by crushing and screening. After the necessary treatment, concrete and brick waste can be used, for example, in earthworks or in the area. The waste can also be processed into raw materials for the concrete and brick industry. Metals and other recoverable fractions separated from the waste are delivered for recovery.
Ceramic and porcelain waste are e.g. tiles, sinks, basins, clinkers and slabs. Glass waste is mainly generated during the demolition of buildings. Glass waste can be further processed into raw materials for aggregate products, recycled products and used in earthworks or it can be used, e.g. in construction, crushed.
Demolition asphalt consists of removing asphalt from road and street structures or field areas. Demolition asphalt can be utilized, for example, in the production of recycled asphalt or directly in earthworks. Before utilization, demolition asphalt is crushed and screened if necessary.
Materials to be delivered for material recovery are materials that, after the necessary processing, can be delivered for reuse as materials, such as metal, paper, plastic and cardboard.
With materials delivered for energy recovery refers to waste that cannot be utilized as materials, but can be used to produce energy in power plants. Such materials can include, for example, wood waste, construction waste and plastics. Energy recovery involves recovering and using the energy contained in the waste. Materials delivered for material and energy recovery are processed in the recycling park area if necessary, after which they are delivered as raw materials for further processing or as fuels for energy recovery.
Forest residues and similar energy fractions
Forest chips, twigs, stumps and other wood-based by-products or waste from the forest industry are received and delivered to the solid fuel terminal area for further energy recovery.
Source: Environmental Impact Assessment Report/Sweco Environment Oy & Vahanen Environment Oy
What does the acronym BAT stand for?
BAT (Best Available Techniques) refers to the best available, technically and economically feasible solutions that minimize environmental damage.
In practice, this means that:
• modern equipment and methods are used
• emissions and harm are minimized
• operations are continuously developed
• environmental impacts are monitored regularly
• all waste processing takes place in accordance with the environmental permit.
The BAT requirement applies to all waste processing: including crushing, screening, sorting, storage and interim storage.
Potential environmental hazards and BAT solutions
Dust: generated during crushing, screening and processing of soil materials.
BAT solutions:
• irrigation systems
• dust binding agents
• covered conveyors and warehouses
• paved processing areas.
Noise: generated by machinery, crushers and transportation.
BAT solutions:
• noise barriers and barriers
• placing machines in protected areas
• quieter device models
• working hours restrictions.
Odors: can arise from organic waste. The recycling area does not process biowaste.
BAT solutions:
• fast processing
• covering or handling materials in halls
• limitation of storage times
• deodorization systems, if necessary.
Water impacts: Rainwater can pass through the treatment areas and become contaminated.
BAT solutions:
• compact field structures
• stormwater collection and treatment
• clarification and filtration systems.