Assessment of sustainability in projects involving contaminated areas

The Environmental Administration recommends an assessment of sustainability for all PIMA projects that identify a need for remediation.
The sustainability assessment compares the environmental and health impacts as well as economic and social impacts of different remediation methods. Assessment guides the selection of a remediation method(s). The aim is to select a remediation method that is technically and economically feasible and adequately takes environmental and health issues into account to ensure that the area can be used free of risk.

After the sustainability assessment, the actual remediation method is selected, for which a remediation plan is drawn up. After this, an application for a remediation permit (PIMA decision) is submitted to Soil Protection Group of the Finnish Supervisory Agency (in Helsinki and Turku, from the city), after which the remediation can be conducted.

At the end of the investigation stage, a sustainability assessment will be conducted at all sites organised by the Clean Soil Programme and provided with support by the Finnish Supervisory Agency if the risk assessment shows that the site must be remediated. The sustainability assessment model (KESY) tailored for the programme is freely available to everyone. The model consists of an Excel-based selection tool and separate instructions for authorities and consultants.