Less contamination

The recently issued first report of the SINTEF studies show that the Coke Factory site produces less contamination than the scientists believed.

In autumn 1993, concentrations of PAH and most other types of contaminant in the water that runs out into the Rana Fjord were lower than they had been in a survey carried out in 1990. Nevertheless, Eli Ringdalen warns against drawing conclusions too rapidly on the basis of this initial report.

"Our studies were carried out during a period during which the groundwater level was unusually low, as a result of a particularly dry period. Under more normal circumstances the situation might well be different", she points out.

The most positive aspect of the results so far is the relatively low concentrations of the tarry substances known as PAHs. Our ecotoxicological tests also show lower levels of toxicity than anticipated. All the same, there is no doubt that the Coke Factory site is heavily contaminated. Higher than permissible levels of, for example, mercury, several heavy metals and a number of other substances, have been found.

The final "judgement" of the Coke Factory site will be made on May 5 1995, when the final report is due to be handed over to Rana Municipality.