The Environmental Board decided that the Kauksi wastewater treatment system can operate with a smaller load. It cost nearly five million euros. Only the local spa can connect to the sewage system, not the residents. It may be that the subsidies will have to be repaid.
The wastewater from the northern Peipsi region is discharged into the Kauksi stream. This stream flows into Lake Peipsi. The Environmental Board allows less wastewater to be discharged than requested. Nearly two-thirds less is discharged per day.
Triin Mägi, the head of the Environmental Board, said that the stream has a low flow. If too many pollutants enter it, it could be harmful to the flora and fauna. The Environmental Board will monitor the sewage system for four years. The first results will be obtained a year after the system is launched.
The Alutaguse municipality believes that the Environmental Board should have allowed more wastewater to be discharged. Then residents could also connect to the sewage system. Now residents have to look for other solutions.
The Emajõe Waterworks said that the capacity limits came unexpectedly. Margus Sinimäe, the project manager, said that the problems should have appeared during the project's coordination.
Liina Talistu, a member of the Alutaguse municipality, said that an environmental impact assessment was done before the construction permit was issued. The pipelines had not yet been built nor had funding been applied for. Now the pipelines are ready, but the situation is different.
The project cost 4.7 million euros. It was funded by subsidies. If residents cannot connect to the sewage system, it may be that the subsidies will have to be repaid.
Locals fear that the wastewater will endanger the Kauksi stream, the Peipsi shoreline, and groundwater. They want to dispute the permit.
Local resident Tõnis Rohtma said that the soil in the area is porous and sandy. Wastewater is absorbed quickly, affecting groundwater. Tiia Pukk asked why wastewater is discharged directly into the tourist area.
The Environmental Board offers an alternative: redirecting the wastewater to the Rannapungerja River. It is located further from the Kauksi stream and would be more expensive.
The Environmental Board and the water company will meet next week to find a solution.