THE CLEAN BALTIC SEA JOHN NURMINEN FOUNDATION Photo: Jukka Nurminen The Baltic Sea Environment JUHA NURMINEN

THE CLEAN BALTIC SEA JOHN NURMINEN FOUNDATION

The Baltic Sea The largest brackish water basin in the world. Catchment over km2. 90 million people, in 14 states (9 coastal states). Shallow sea: average depth 55m and only 450m at deepest (e.g. the Mediterranean Sea is over 1000m deep). Young sea: The Baltic Sea became a brackish water sea less than years ago. Ecologically unique combination of marine and fresh water flora and fauna. PSSA (Particularly sensitive Sea Area, IMO) status since 2004.

THE CLEAN BALTIC SEA JOHN NURMINEN FOUNDATION The most severe environmental problem facing the Baltic Sea: Eutrophication The Baltic Sea is the most polluted sea in the world. The Gulf of Finland is the most severely eutrophicated basin in the Baltic Sea. –decrease in water transparency –mass occurrences of harmful algae –build-up of slime on shores –oxygen-depleted, dead bottom –areas releasing nutrients → ecological impasse

THE CLEAN BALTIC SEA JOHN NURMINEN FOUNDATION The Baltic Sea: Environmental Challenge Surrounding states at various stages of development have different objectives Political consensus and will of cooperation Numerous actors with various objectives Maritime safety and clean Baltic Sea environment is of everyone’s benefit

THE CLEAN BALTIC SEA JOHN NURMINEN FOUNDATION Cornerstones of the strategy: Concrete actions Measurable impacts Rapid action and effects Cost-effective measures Restricted target area Cross-border cooperation → ”Business-like approach” Background of the Clean Sea Project In spring 2004 the John Nurminen Foundation decided to start a concrete project for the protection of the Baltic Sea. In autumn 2004 the Board defined its strategy for the protection of the Baltic Sea by consulting leading experts of the issue.

THE CLEAN BALTIC SEA JOHN NURMINEN FOUNDATION Chemical phosphorus removal In Finland and Sweden used in all treatment plants for already years. Precipitation chemical ferrous sulphate (a waste product of titanium dioxide production). By far the fastest and most cost- efficient means to reduce eutrophication in the Gulf of Finland. Implemented at all wastewater treatment plants around the Baltic Sea, would reduce the phosphorus load to the whole sea by 30%. Phosphorus is the limiting nutrient for blue –green algae.

THE CLEAN BALTIC SEA JOHN NURMINEN FOUNDATION The Clean Sea Project Chemical phosphorus removal to the three biggest wastewater treatment plants in St. Petersburg, which is the biggest point source of phosphorus of the Gulf of Finland. John Nurminen Foundation acts as a catalyst and in close cooperation with the Vodokanal of St. Petersburg. Vodokanal will take the financial and operational responsibility of the process after an initial testing period. Duration of the entire project: Jun/2005–Jun/2008. The opening of the chemical phosphorus removal system at the Central WWTP October 1st After the process has been commenced at the Central WWTP, chemical phosphorus removal at the Northern and South-western WWTPs. As a result, phosphorus load to the Gulf of Finland will diminish by 26%. Also the mass occurrences of blue-green algae in the Gulf of Finland will diminish remarkably within 5 years.

THE CLEAN BALTIC SEA JOHN NURMINEN FOUNDATION John Nurminen Foundation will continue working for the Clean Baltic Sea through next projects. Everyone can make their best within their own field of activities. Good example of action: initiative for obligatory piloting in the sea area of the Baltic Sea.

THE CLEAN BALTIC SEA JOHN NURMINEN FOUNDATION Thank You Photo: Jukka Nurminen