An emergency warning remains in effect in Kemi, Finland, after a 10,000-litre sulphuric acid leak at the Nevel plant in the Veitsiluoto industrial area contaminated part of the site’s drainage system and allowed acidic water to reach the sea. While the leak has now been stopped, authorities say the response is far from over, with environmental monitoring and cleanup operations continuing through the weekend.
The Lapland Rescue Department is still urging residents and visitors to avoid swimming or entering the water between Petsamontie and Kaartotie. Officials say restrictions will remain until water testing confirms the area is safe.
How the Kemi Sulphuric Acid Leak Unfolded
The emergency began shortly after 6 p.m. on Friday when the Lapland Rescue Department was called to the Nevel plant in Veitsiluoto. Emergency crews discovered that approximately 10,000 litres of sulphuric acid had leaked within the industrial facility.
Investigators later confirmed that acidic water escaped into the plant’s drainage basin before travelling through pipelines and eventually reaching the sea. According to Nevel’s Director of Communications and Sustainability, Hanna Viita, it is possible that some acid had been leaking before the incident was detected.
Authorities are therefore investigating not only the original leak but also how much acidic water reached the surrounding marine environment. Rescue officials continue to monitor conditions beyond the industrial area as the response enters its next phase.
Why the Emergency Warning Remains Active
Although Nevel says the leak itself has been stopped, officials have decided to keep the emergency warning in place because environmental work is still underway. The warning applies to the water area between Petsamontie and Kaartotie, where people are advised not to swim, enter the water or remain near the shoreline until further notice.
According to Hanna Viita, there is no longer any sulphuric acid leaking from the facility and the incident does not present a general danger to the public. However, authorities stress that restrictions remain necessary while seawater testing and cleanup continue.
Neutralisation Work Focuses on Preventing Further Runoff
One of the first priorities after containing the leak was preventing additional acidic runoff from reaching the sea. During the night, rescue crews slowed the movement of contaminated water and began neutralising water collected in the mill’s pools using lime.
Lime is commonly used during acid spill responses because it raises the pH of acidic water. Officials said the treated water will only be released into the environment once testing confirms it has returned to a sufficiently neutral level.
This controlled approach is designed to minimise any further environmental impact while recovery work continues.
Environmental Monitoring Continues
The Lapland Rescue Department is continuing to measure seawater pH levels and monitor whether the leak has caused any effects outside the industrial area. At this stage, authorities have not released a final assessment of environmental damage.
Officials say their priority is to understand how far the acidic water travelled, protect nearby marine ecosystems and ensure no additional contaminated water reaches the sea.
Nevel Intensifies Cleanup and Security
Nevel has increased security around the affected facility and is leading cleanup and repair operations. The company says it cannot yet estimate how long the work will take because environmental testing remains ongoing.
Viita said the immediate priority is ensuring safety around the site while preventing any further runoff into the sea. The company also confirmed that the incident has not disrupted its energy and heat production.
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Timeline of the Incident
Friday after 6 p.m.: The Lapland Rescue Department was alerted to the Nevel plant in Veitsiluoto.
Friday evening: Officials confirmed a 10,000-litre sulphuric acid leak and later determined that acidic water had entered the sea through the drainage system.
Overnight: Emergency crews slowed runoff into the sea and began neutralising contaminated water with lime.
Saturday morning: The emergency warning remained in force, with people continuing to be advised to avoid the affected water area between Petsamontie and Kaartotie.
What Residents Should Know
Residents and visitors should continue following official instructions and avoid swimming, boating or allowing pets into the restricted water area until authorities announce that the emergency warning has been lifted.
Further information on chemical safety and environmental protection is available from the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).
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