Old state-funded waste management work in contaminated areas

Since 1989, the government has supported the investigation of contamination and remediation of contaminated areas. Until 31 December 2019, the support was based on state-funded waste management work. It was intended for situations where a contaminated site causing a health or environmental risk could not be otherwise investigated or remediated and public interest required action. 

The Ministry of the Environment granted approximately EUR 3-4 million annually for the investigation and remediation of sites that pose an environmental or health hazard. Publicly funded sites included old closed landfills, sawmills, impregnation plants and shooting ranges.  

In the State Waste Management System, the government and a partner, such as a municipality or a private party, conclude a waste management work agreement. Among other things, it stated the project's objectives, responsibilities and the share of the project costs borne by the parties. In 2016, state waste management was consolidated in the Finnish Supervisory Agency (formerly the Pirkanmaa Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment) along with the national research and remediation programme for contaminated land areas (the Clean Soil Programme). 

Although the Waste Management System was employed in the investigation and remediation of hundreds of sites, there were a number of problems with it, such as with regard to the Constitution and government support legislation. Furthermore, because the system was primarily based on repealed regulations, it could not be further developed. 

A new government support system was introduced on 1 January 2020 to support the investigation and remediation of contaminated sites. Waste management projects launched by no later than 31 December 2019 will be completed in accordance with the waste management agreement.