Construction of the Rail Baltic route is already underway in Northern Pärnumaa, but has not yet begun in Southern Pärnumaa. Six years ago, the Supreme Court terminated the 45-kilometer route planning for Pärnu-Kabli. The reason was that the impact on forests was not sufficiently assessed.
Last spring, the planning was updated and the environmental impact assessment began. Now the assessment report is ready and will be on public display until the end of April.
Rail Baltic Estonia's chief project manager Janis Erilaid says the aim of the assessment is to find the best solution for the railway. The solution should take into account the damage to the natural environment and people and minimize it.
Environmental impact assessment expert Katrin Lalli says that great attention was paid to protecting animals. Wildlife crossings and tunnels will help animals move across the railway. Riparian corridors are planned near water bodies to allow animals to move.
In addition, the impact of the railway on people was assessed. Computer modeling was done to mitigate noise levels. Noise barriers are planned to be built.
The report can be viewed electronically until the end of April. A public discussion will take place in Kilingi-Nõmme in May. Janis Erilaid says construction could start in autumn if the environmental impact assessment is approved in July and construction permits are obtained.