APPEAL OF TARTU 2
To
The
Government of the Republic of Estonia
Parliament
Attorney General
Estonian
Parties
An Address
We, who have signed the present address, want to leave our children a wealthy, wise and well governed Estonian Republic with a clean environment. We find that the activities of the state in founding a wood refinement plant (“pulp mill”) according to a specific plan of the state is not consistent with those goals and we demand termination of the pulp mill.The foundation of the European democratic legal system is good governance. Good governance demands including citizens in a meaningful way and sharing sufficient information before reaching decisions. Ignoring the principle of good governance leads the state to defective decisions and will harm the trust of its citizens in their country, but a democratic state can develop based only on the trust of its citizens.
The process of initiating the special state plan to build a pulp mill and the course of events after that are evidence of repeated infringement of the principle of good governance.
· Including a private enterprise into the list of the state’s important objects is not in accordance with the spirit of the law of planning and will create a danger that such a pattern will be repeated.
· There is reason to doubt the transparency and justice in passing of the laws connected with the special plan of the pulp mill (Changing the Act on the Planning Act and the Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Management System Act adopted on 19.04.2017).
The bill has been criticized by the Auditor General and the President of the Estonian Republic. In her letter of May 2, 2017 she expressed her opinion that the law did not answer the demands of transparent, detailed, inclusive and good lawmaking.
· No previous discussion with the public has been held, the opinion of the interested parties has not been listened to.
· Based upon the demand of the investors, the choice of the location of the plant already has been confined to the vicinity of Tartu without performing preceding impact studies or weighing alternative locations.
· The researchers of the Tartu Appeal Group have been explaining the risks, excluding building of such a plant both to the Minister of Public Administration and the Minister of Environment, but in vain.
· After emerging of substantive and formal problems the demand of the Tartu City Council representing more than 100, 000 citizens and of seven Tartu County Municipalities to terminate the special plan of the pulp mill has been presented.
We feel worried that the state institutions have not in the course of several months managed to explain the flaws plan and serious problems of the special in sufficient manner.
Several remaining problems demonstrate that there has been too little discussion with the public and activities of the special plan have not been carefully thought over:
1. The planned pulp mill would need so much wood annually that sustainable forest management set as the main purpose of Estonian forest policy will remain questionable.
We, as so many people spoken up in the media, are worried because of what is happening in our forestry. In the recent years management of the Estonian forests has been intensified to such an extent that its correspondence to international agreements of climate and preservation of biodiversity has become problematic As the bulk of woodcutting in Estonia depends today above all on the market demand, founding a gigantic plant would cause an extensive cutting pressure on our forests.
In addition there is a plan to guarantee the need for wood with the state forest which is a common property of the Estonian nation.
We must stress that forest is also an important sector of our cultural identity, treating of which should be well-grounded for and well considered with the people.
With decisions made in a hurry the way to innovated technologies will be blocked. The investors of the plant have wished the state to ensure the mill a 15 year wood purveyance agreement. The Kraft method the plant is going to use enables it to refine only 40% of the wood (the remaining 60% will be burnt), but the more innovated technologies make it possible to refine wood up to 90%. Regarding climate policy, processing as big a portion of the present pulp wood as possible into more permanent products should be favoured.
Promising an important wood resource to one big plant for a long period of time will hamper usage of more innovated technologies because of the lack of resources. Such a decision is not in agreement with fair competition and is risky both from the macroeconomic and environmental aspect. This in turn is in conflict with the aim of the Estonian republic to develop research-intensive industry (Estonian Research, Development and Innovation Strategy 2014)
2. Ignoring of the development plan of the City of Tartu, University of Tartu and other institutions of higher education, which harms the work done until now. The Tartu city Government has written in its address to the Estonian Government (19.03.2018): „/.../ In addition planning the pulp mill into the Tartu County is in conflict with the development documents of the County and the City of Tartu and also with the investments made according to those documents by the private and public sectors. The development documents of the City of Tartu express a clear demand to maintain and improve the environment and to develop business activity which would exclude deterioration of environment. Founding a gigantic chemical plant in the nearest vicinity of Tartu will in addition to harming the environment, endanger the cultural and educational capital of Tartu which are of a strategic value to Tartu. Summing up, it is apparent that in the case of a construction against which there is no great interest in reality, it is not possible to reach a result through imposing a state plan which would not impinge disproportionally the right of self organizing of the local government. This principal wrongfulness cannot be eliminated otherwise than terminating the state special plan. “Kui see on kusagil inglise keeles juba olemas, siis peaks selle asendama, mina ei leidnud.
Founding the pulpmill supported by a state special plan should help to solve strategic problems of the state, but about 200 jobs in the Tartu region and a promised additional profit to the wood owners will solve none of them..
3. Consciously ignoring environmental problems and risks: endangered are the River Emajõgi, Lake Peipus, the environment of the Tartu and Tartu County citizens and natural values of European wide importance. According to the norms of the EU Framework Directive 2000/60/EÜ the situation of both River Emajõgi and Lake Peipus is poor. Estonia has several international multilateral agreements committing us to improve the situation of Estonian water bodies by 2027. Both the river and the lake have been studied for about 100 years – we have enough research, the results of which give reason to exclude founding a pulp mill in the region of Great Emajõgi. In addition, the Natura 2000 areas (Alam-Pedja, Peipsiveere, Kärevere, Ihaste-Ropka) remain within the influence range of the planned pulp mill and damaging these also must be excluded regarding the cautionary principle according to the EU law.
4. The further perspective of the effect of environmentally damaging production. Estonia introduces itself to the world as an innovative and environment friendly country – the state has invested much time and money to create and build this reputatoin. An industry founded violating the principle of good governance may cause damage to this reputation that would decrease not only the future opportunities of a nature friendly and innovative industry but also the wish of people to live in such a country or to visit it.
It is also unnerving that a year ago, in May 2017 , the governmental institution responsible for protection Estonian nature, the Ministry of Environment announced a state procurement to investigate what are the possibilities of applying for an exception to the European Water Directive.
Because of the circumstances listed above and exclusive risks the purpose of continuing of the special plan and investigations related to it are incomprehensible.
In relation to the above said:
1. We demand observing the principle of good governance from the parliament and the Government. Also transparency, openness, listening to all parties concerned and essential discussion, so that inclusion of the people would be real, not illusary.
The state special plan for the pulp mill must be terminated and with the light of experience, alternative possibilities of developing Estonian forestry and forest industry should be developed. In pondering these possibilities, the aims of sustainable management and research-intensive society, European legal order and traditions and caution principle must be regarded.
2. We will expect the public position of all parties by October 15, 2018.
With respect
Tartu Appeal Working Group:
Peeter Hõrak, Tiia Kõnnussaar, Asko Lõhmus, Ülo Mander, Raul Rosenvald, Kadri Siibak, Virve Sõber, Kristjan Zobel, Asko Tamme, Marju Unt.
18. May 2018
City Fights Against Pulp Mill Threatening Estonian Forests
Wilderness
March 12, 2018
In May last year, the Estonian government published a plan for a giant pulp mill to be located in Viljandi and Tartu counties. The company Est-For Invest would develop the pulp mill, which would become the biggest in the country. The cost of building the pulp mill would exceed 1 billion euros, and it would heavily threaten the Estonian forests and waters. However, the city council of Tartu demands that the government call off the plan. Tartu residents collected 8 000 signatures from persons opposing the construction. The council recognises that the potential for emission of pollutants is extremely high, endangering the city’s future itself. Additionally, the city council states that the whole process of evaluating the pulp mill project has not been transparent or inclusive enough.
“Due to the unlawful and questionable nature of current procedural steps, the implementation of a national special plan is forbidden and the procedure for the drawing up of a national special plan must be called off.”
according to the Tartu city council.
Please read also: Estonian forests are at stake
Environmental impact threatens Estonian forests
Estonia is in the top 4 of the most forested countries in Europe, trees supposedly cover almost half of the land. It includes Soomaa Wilderness, member of the European Wilderness Network, with 11 530 ha of strictly protected land without human intervention. According to the plans, the pulp mill would process 3 million cubic meters of wood per year. This is more than 25% of the entire country’s annual yield. According to Estonian environmental organisations and even competing investment companies, this demand is unsustainably high with respect to the logging rates and available commercial timber in Estonia. The logging rates are already high in Estonia. Satellite data indicates a gain of 90 000 ha tree cover, while losing 285 000, mainly to the forest industry. Hereby, Estonia is following the trend of dramatic deforestation in Romania.
‘Not signing an advance agreement is absurd’
There are questionable circumstances regarding the pulp mill plans. Internal documents revealed in February that the State Forest Management Centre (SFMC) and Set-For Invest prepared for prior arrangements. The arrangement included a guarantee for 50% of the State’s pulp wood for a 15-year period. This guarantee would be worth over 300 million euros, according to ERR News. Competitors and the general public raised questions about unlawful state aid and conflict of interest. The lawyer who prepared the agreement is supposedly representing Est-For, while counselling the SFMC. The same law firm also prepared documents for the government, regarding the pulp mill plans.
Officials from the SFMC proclaimed, however, that they followed the rules. According to the pulp mill developers, the main reason is to boost the Estonian economy by processing timber on own soil. Estonia already has one of the fastest-growing economies in Europe. They claim it would be absurd if Estonia’s largest wood producer does not sign an advance agreement with Estonia’s largest future wood processor. But the conflict of interest may run deeper.
Conflict of interest
Mr. Mati Polli, who was until recently a member of the supervisory council of the State Forest Management Centre, is one of the key investors in the new pulp mill project. Mr. Polli’s son is currently also a board member in the company Est-For Invest. The company was established 3 months before Polli sr. left the supervisory council of the Forest Centre. Only a month after he left, the government presented the plan to build the giant mill.
What is next?
According to the Environmental Agency 2010, Estonia holds 43% primary forests. About half of this is planted or modified over the recent decades, while less than 3% is natural forest. Currently, Estonia strictly protects 12% of the forests, while using 75% commercially. Environmentalists and NGOs, like Estonian Forest Aid continue to direct their efforts to the conservation and protection of these forests. In the meantime, Tartu city council gave the government until May 1st to provide an answer to their demand for calling off the pulp mill plans. The first response of the media claims that the Tartu city council is too emotional. The prime minister acknowledged that the State continues with studies to determine the pulp mill’s capacity. This happens despite the protest of Tart
http:// wilderness-society.org/city-fights-against-pulp-mill-threatening-estonian-forests/Public Appellation Concerning the Planned Wood Processing Plant
To Urmas Klaas, the Mayor of Tartu,
Aadu Must, the Chairman of Tartu City Council,
and all factions and committees of Tartu City Council
Honourable Mayor, honourable City Council!
As the citizens of this university town, people working in Tartu, and alumni of the University of Tartu, we feel deeply concerned about the gigantic cellulose plant planned for the nearest vicinity of Tartu, on the banks of River Emajõgi.
The idea of creating new jobs and boosting the economy is certainly commendable. Tartu as a university town with its educated workforce and concentrated knowledge is well suited for innovation. According to the words of the initiators of the plant, the representatives of EstFor Invest, the most modern and sparing solutions are being planned for the plant. We recognize the wish of the initiators to act openly and transparently.
However, there are a number of questionable points in the plan of state special planning and strategic estimating the environmental impact approved by the Government of the Republic that we would like to draw attention to.
Our worried question in connection with this is: is such an enterprise demanding in principle huge amounts of raw material and inevitably polluting the environment because of its high volume of production really the best for Tartu and Estonia? Even the most modern technological solutions do not necessarily guarantee the former quality of life and clean environment for the city people and their visitors, as world practice unfortunately demonstrates. It would be unthinkable to plan for such a plant in the nearest vicinity of Oxford and Cambridge. A clean environment and academic peace are the additional value to draw top scholars, professors and students to universities.
It is neither in the interests of Tartu as a university town nor in the interests of the state’s economy or culture, if the University of Tartu and the Estonian University of Life Sciences would lose their importance because of the decay of environment and become periphery. The general economic development of the city and the county may also become questionable. In a city with polluted air – and air pollution has not so far been avoided in the wood processing plant of Äänikoski, Finland, which EstFor Invest has given as an example – may lower real estate prices and reduce tourism, especially due to the unpleasant smell caused by sulphur compounds. Will the expected economic benefit and private interests outweigh common interests?
EstFor Invest has promised to use the best possible technology (BVT).The investors have, however, said that it would not be reasonable to use the most environment friendly closed water system for building the plant, since it would reduce profitability. As an explanation: using BVT (BAT or BATNEC – Best Available Technique Not Entailing Excessive Cost) is a statutory requirement that does not imply single technology, but sets a certain threshold to environmental sustainability. Unfortunately, this threshold is probably too low for Emajõgi and Peipsi. The choice of BAT depends on what exactly will be produced. Up to now, the initiators of the plant haven’t given a clear answer what will be produced and which technology will be used.
The forests and green areas around Tartu have a special value as recreational areas and basis of nature education. These areas have been historically actively used for recreation. The woods around Tartu are popular amongst berry and mushroom pickers. So far, the potential of the green areas around Tartu has not even been fully used as recreation areas. The Jänese hiking trail on the banks of Emajõgi can only be used in part, but the opportunities for providing nature education are almost unused.
As citizens of Tartu, we wish that the value and recreational opportunities in the vicinity of Emajõgi and the existing green areas would be increased. It is clear that founding a big factory complex would, on the contrary, reduce recreational opportunities due to the smell. Also, trucks carrying logs to Tartu from all over Estonia would increase traffic and noise.
Environmental associations have expressed their concern regarding building a Wood Processing Plant between two Natura areas and a nature park (game reserve?) It must not be forgotten that pure water is Estonia’s natural strategic resource. Will a river, small on a European scale, such as Emajõgi, the water level of which may be very low in summer, withstand a wasteful discharge of a plant with a high pollution load? How would the water coming from the plant affect the situation of the beaches of the river and the situation of the river during floods? How would building the plant affect the situation of Peipsi?
According to the EU Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC, Estonia has committed itself to improving the ecological status of River Emajõgi and Lake Peipsi by 2027. The state of water is already poor and founding the plant may jeopardize the purpose. “The plant will need large amounts of fresh water, which means, on the other hand, formation of large amounts of waste water. However, waste water is warmer than the water in the river for most of the year. Reaching of warmer water with heightened organic and nutrient content into the river will decrease the oxygen concentration and favor entrophication. / … / Cumulativele, lake Peipsi would suffer the most,” writes Kuno Kask, Researcher of Environmental Technology at the University of Tartu.
How will the probable worsening of the quality of water in Peipsi, decreasing of the abundance and species richness affect the lives and income of people living near Emajõgi and Peipsi? The Estonian Fishermen’s Society has also expressed its concern.
A serious question is, if in the case of a growing demand for raw material the species richness of our woods which is also a natural resource, will survive? Let us recall that in a world with a growing population, that is densely inhabited and has a warming climate, our clean and species rich environment is one of Estonia’s symbols and tourist magnets. Further refinement of round logs exported so far is very advisable and necessary in South Estonia. But because of the size of the planned plant its need for raw material would be so large that probably it will not be met at the current cutting capacity of conifer trees from Estonia and Latvia. Thus we can assume increased pressure for cutting conifer woods although the cutting of spruce is too much even now according to scientists. The growing cutting volume also influences the economy: the growing price of raw material will endanger local sawmills processing thin log and the further refinement chain.
The Estonian state should explore alternative wood chemistry options – in Estonia, cleaner technologies have been developed, the need for wood and water of which and so also the impact on the environment are much smaller.
About the construction of the plant and the lacking transparency of the process so far the round table of Tartu City Societies and ten Estonian Environmental Communities are concerned. Tartu scientists have asked critical questions about the potential nature of the plant and the harmful effects of it on the planned site.
A clearly negative attitude to the construction of the plant in the Emajõgi River basin has been expressed by Ülo Mander, the current most prominent scientist in the field of natural geography, landscape ecology and environment technology who leads the Commission formed by the Academy of Sciences to analyze the aspects of founding the plant. “Regarding above all the quality of water and Emajõgi and Peipsi as important fresh water bodies of Estonia, the Taru region is not fit for locating here the planned Wood processing plant. Pärnu river basin as a region with numerous Natura areas has already been vetoed by the signature of the former Minister of Environment.
Despite the public opinions of scientists, the process has been going forward. Alternative places have not even considered of if founding the plant in the planned form.
As a university town Tartu and also its two universities, the University of Tartu and the Estonian University of Life Sciences bear responsibility not only before the city and its citizens but also before Estonia as a whole.
Honourable Mayor, Honourable City Council!
Tartu is a town with a history of more than a thousand years. The University of Tartu was founded in 1632 when Academia Gustaviana was opened here. The University of Tartu as an Estonian Language University will be a hundred years old in the coming year.
And we ask, if a university town striving to become the European Cultural Capital in 2024, is ready to become the cellulose capital of the Baltics at the same time?
The state special plan has in principle been launched without the people of Tartu and without discussing it with Tartu scientists, discussing it mainly with the interested parties.
To avoid irreparable mistakes in the procedure which have already appeared in the process of planning Rail Baltic.
We demand that the city of Tartu would apply for the withdrawal of the order of the Government of the Republic “Initiation of a State Planning an Strategic Environmental Assessment for the Construction of a Timber refinery and the Construction of the Infrastructure necessary for its Operation”.
We propose that the city of Tartu should demand a correct restart of the whole process, so that at the first stage of planning, different possible locations of the plant would be discussed and in making decisions, all interested sides would be involved, including the City of Tartu.
Both the names of those who decide and of those who keep silent will be written on the pages of history.
Initiators of the appellation (in alphabetical order)
Peeter Hõrak, Tiia Kõnnussaar, Asko Lõhmus, Ülo Mander, Raul Rosenvald, Virve Sõber, Kristjan Zobel, Asko Tamme, Marju Unt.
January 2018
[1] http://aksa.fi/tehasta-pukkaa-jattimaisen-tehtaan-startti-ei-ole-nakymatonta-puuhaa-vaan-kuuluu-ja-haisee-kauas/.
[2] http://biorefinery.ee/puidurafineerimistehase-investorid-ei-rahasta-loodust-saastava-tehase-rajamist/.
[3] http://eippcb.jrc.ec.europa.eu/reference/BREF/PP_revised_BREF_2015.pdf.
[4] http://elfond.ee/uudised/kumne-keskkonnauhenduse-avalik-poordumine-puidurafineerimistehase-rajamisega-kaasnevad-markimisvaar.
[5] https://tartu.postimees.ee/4030031/kuno-kasak-puidutehas-tartu-kulje-alla-kas-emajoge-ja-peipsit-saab-kaitsta.
[6] http://www.kalale.ee/blogi/eesti-kalastajate- seltsi-blogi/1F4.
[7]http://www.akadeemia.ee/_repository/file/TEGEVUS/YRITUSED%202017/Puidukeemia_2017.pdf и http://www.akadeemia.ee/et/tegevus/uudised/uritused/20170615040056/.
[8]http://www.akadeemia.ee/_repository/file/TEGEVUS/YRITUSED%202017/Puidukeemia%20seminar%20II/Pitk_slaidid.pdf.
[9] www.tartlane.ee, https://tartu.postimees.ee/4335545/linnaosaseltsid-nouavad-tselluloositehase-kohta-rohkem-infot.
[10] https://novaator.err.ee/604429/teadlased-ei-nae-emajoe-tselluloositehase-plaane-loodussaastlikena.
[11] http://biorefinery.ee/wp-content/uploads/eesti-teaduste-akadeemia-puidukeemia-2017.pdf.
Undersigned (1728 persons):
Peeter Hõrak, Tiia Kõnnussaar, Asko Lõhmus, Ülo Mander, Raul Rosenvald, Virve Sõber, Kristjan Zobel, Asko Tamme, Marju Unt, Jaanus Remme, Tiina Zobel, Marju Lepajõe, Imat Suumann, Mihkel Kunnus, Juhan Javois, Mihhail Lotman, Jaan Kaplinski, Aare Pilv, Liina Remm, Timo Maran, Kalevi Kull, Mart Viikmaa, Andrus Rootsmäe/ InBoil, Mari Moora, Mart Moora, Mihkel Rünkla, Sven Kullerkupp, Märt Läänemets, Martti Ruus, Urmas Saarma, Lehte Sööt-Hainsalu, Indrek Ude, Mart Kivastik, Jüri Talvet, Andres Koppel, Mehis Heinsaar, Michael Gallagher, Meelis Pärtel, Tullio Ilomets, Ülo Niinemets, Krista Lõhmus, Jaan Liira, Anne Luik, Karin Hellat, Pärt Peterson, Ülo Valk, Arnold Kristjuhan, Renata Sõukand, Ülo Vilimaa, Tiiu Vilimaa, Peeter Tenjes, Jaak Valge, Toomas Kiho, Kaspar Kokk, Anu Lamp, Arne Merilai, Lea Tooming, Martin Zobel, Immar Puun, Uku Lilleväli, Talis Bachmann, Mika Arto Juhani Keränen, Juhan Sedman, Marko Kaasik, Kadri Runnel, Kuno Kasak, Hasso Krull, Ülo Väli, Art Leete, Kaarin Parts, Mari-Anne Philips, Helika Mäekivi, Indrek Hiiesalu, Kärt Kalve, Rein Ahas, Kristiina Ehin, Silver Sepp, Toomas Trapido, Iris Reinula, Indrek Kõnnussaar, Valdur Mikita,Tiina-Erika Friendethal, Meelis Friedenthal, Meiki Jõgiste, Triin Vihalemm, Mario Saare, Mari-Liis Viljur, Kristel Vilbaste, Mikk Sarv, Aet Annist, Elise Poolma, Helen Sooväli-Sepping, Inga Vendelin, Tõnu Runnel, Tiina Rebane, Carolina Pihelgas, Terje Puudersell, Peeter Laurits, Maris Teder-Laving, Ain Laving
Eve Möls, Kaspar Nummert, Kai Pata, Aveliina Helm, Rainer Kuuba, Age Salo, Sven Salo, Tiina Georg, Urmas Tartes, Mart Velsker, Anneli Palo, Anne Maasik, Hannes Maasik, Tõnis Mägi, Aleksander Pulver, Kristina Ude, Ave Lillemäe, Tuul Sepp, Andres Möls, Taive Särg, Aivo All, Allan Maloi, Kadri Koorem, Ivika Ostonen, Jana Tamm, Jaan Sepp, Anne Roolaht, Harvi Varkki, Eva-Helvi Miller, Ugo Miller, Heiki Valk, Antti Parve, Kalev Kase, Raini Tuberg, Mari Jõgiste, Heikki Leis, Jelena Raudson, Valentina Feklistova, Anatoli Feklistov, Jaak Torp, Peep Mardiste, Gunnar Nurk, Priit Alasoo, Terje Pärg, Marek Joost, Tamara All, Ants All, Merike Kärner, Kaie Puur, Inga Külmoja, Tanel Paglant, Jüri Metssalu, Mari Kahi, Eha Valge, Kalle Pilt, Silver Valli, Martin Sirm, Tiiu-Liia Knaps, Madis Rennu, Aivar Arand, Kristjan Joost, Teele Sikka, Maiken Austin, Kersti Lust, Liina Lõhmus, Mart Meriste, Jane Urb, Kerli Moora, Eva Reinmaa, Andrus Okas, Peeter Piik, Ele Süvalep, Toomas Jüriado, Alo Lõhmus, Carmen Karabeinik, Andro Truuverk, Pirgit Adok, Kaie Lokk, Jaak Jaagus, Piret Klesment, Margo Möls, Rita Hõrak, Helle Sova, Jaan Tamm, Rain Jõgi, Indrek Kivi, Indrek Einasto, Markus Pau, Joanna Ellmann, Sille Talvet-Unt, Gerda Johanna Raidaru, Rein Karus, Aivo Saar, Kersti Kirik, Aet Sarv, Tiina Rebane, Eve Sarapuu, Kaspar Nurk, Triin Reilson, Evelyn Uuemaa
Vahur Nikopensius, Rein Lepik, Robert Lepik, Aare Kasemets, Kaupo Põlluäär, Olga Žilina, Allan Aint, Roveena Kapp, Küllike Tint, Peeter Paasmäe, Lauri Laanisto, Liana Martin, Jüri Liiv, Linda-Liisa Veromann-Jürgenson, Eve Veromann, Tiit Teder, Peeter Paris, Leno Laks, Reedik Sõber, Anu Remm, Malle Leht, Linda Rusalepp, Sven Anton, Kaie Kriiska, Kadri Leetmaa, Anneli Kährik, Aivar Ilves, Avo Rosenvald, Gert Reimets, Kristin Kägu, Gea Melin, Ronald Laarmaa, Marko Mägi, Marek Sammul, Epp Tohver, Roy Strider, Mart Möls, Toomas Armulik, Tarmo Talvis, Inga Hiiesalu, Maris Hindrikson, Raivo Raid, Grete Alt, Ants Kaasik, Anti Kivi, Siiri Raid, Mario Pulver, Ragne Pulver, Uku Haljasorg, Anu Albert, Jaanus Kivaste, Ly Lestberg, Liisa Mahlapuu, Urmas Soots, Reen Liivat-Oorschot, Valdur Tiit, Gea Kangilaski, Andres Tummeleht, Raik-Hiio Mikelsaar, Juri Karjagin, Jelena Karjagin, Katre Talviste, Atko Remmel, Jürgen Beyer, Maive Mürk, Andres Kalamees, Ave Auser, Anu Tamm, Paul Hagu, Svetlana Nikolajeva, Merili Metsvahi, Kadri Tüür, Floor Vodde, Sven Vabar, Peep Männil, Tiiu Kull, Andrei Baikov, Birgit Aasmäe, Lea Hallik, Kalle Kalda, Kadri Kullman, Olaf Mertelsmann, Maidu Silm, Mehis Rohtla, Kadi Paju, Kaari Reimus, Elin Soomets, Maarja Kivi, Kristina Libe, Toomas Kukk, Eret Luik, Anni-Helena-Elisabeth Asso, Jüri Marran, Jaak-Albert Metsoja, Margit Kõiv-Vainik, Tsipe Aavik, Elise Nigul, Ergo-Hart Västrik, Maret Olvet, Velda Lauringson, Reet Tens, Madis Reimann, Sulev Reinpuu, Vivian Unt, Elle Roosaluste, Leen Rahnu, Anni Haavakats
Marek Laimets, Inge Annom, Tanel-Enn Reiman, Este Leidmaa, Karin Veski, Kalev Kriis, Erki Pisuke, Kornelika Egers-Pisuke, Jaak Laineste, Peeter Pihelgas, Kerttu Kruusla, Anu Kuura, Tiia Masso, Kai Tätte, Piret Laidre, Urmas Raag, Anu Hellenurme, Marja-Liisa Plats, Maris Alver, Anne Linnamägi, Elge Kütt, Mari-Liis Posti, Jüri Rajando, Margit Rajando, Jane Lehtmäe, Siret Saarsalu, Argo Juske, Raido Kont, Stella Soomlais, Neeme Kahusk, Lemme Haldre, Janno Kuldkepp, Terje Toomistu, Kadri Org, Sulev Haldre, Anni Haldre, Janno Simm, Tiina Koplik, Jaan Malin, Elde Siibek, Lea Saar, Katrin Eino, Ave Teesalu, Lea Viita, Triin Tekko, Kaidi Hunt, Märt Männik, Karmen Linnamägi, Eve Rikaste, Lili Pilt, Tiiu Zibo, Jane Ude, Marianne Männi, Anna Hints, Virve Sarapik, Marian Hiire, Ave Ungro, Malle Roomeldi, Risto Järv, Teet Toome, Madis Reimann, Sulev Reinpuu, Lauri Meriloo, Urmas Taniloo, Tõnu Ploompuu, Meelis Toom, Anu Adermann, Elis Lilo, Rivo Mehilane, Kalev K. Vapper, Õnne Nummert, Katrin Soon, Maere Reidla, Epp Margna, Toomas Kalve, Maria Reimus, Kaari Susi, Harri Ints, Silvia Pihu, Tatjana Oja, Lea Tui, Jarmo Jaanus, Tiina Kummik, Kristel Rõss, Kaidi Saarnits, Monika Karmin, Ene Metspalu, Kristiina Aasvee, Laura Lilles-Heinsar, Kati Kuuse, Siim Randveer, Lea Tummeleht, Peeter Unt, Ene-Reet Soovik, Mariliis Haljasorg, Eve Palumaa, Kalev Sepp, Paul Lääne, Kalle Kisand
Galina Orlova, MirjaVilismäe, Anneli Tann, Maie Noorkõiv, Marko Vilu, Priit Bernotas, Greta Reisalu, Heikki-Rein Veromann, Killu Timm, Elfe Urm, Harri Valdmann, Mariliina von Uexküll, Anu Solnik, Pille Kond, Irma Pilk, Kristiina Kübarsepp, Aiki Järviste, Marek Järvik, Margit Järvik, Aaro Kaasik, Anna Agejeva, Siiri Rootsi, Mari Kalkun, Indrek Peterson, Juhani Juurik, Sulev Kuuse, Siiri-Lii Sandre, Brit Wiederhold, Pille Taniloo, Martin Kärner, Eneli Saar, Anne Aland, Liina Jakobson, Kersti Niglas, Katri Rannastu, Joosep Mattius, Kalev Järvik, Ave Anniste, Triin Ploom-Niitra, Piret Kullerkupp, Kristi Kuuse, Ene Kapp, Merili Tamson, Annely Soots, Ruth Tammeorg, Kristel Leesmend, Joonas Laks, Elina Aro, Terje Anderson, Anna Hõrak, Riho Põldma, Mari-Liis Põlme, Aino-Maria Helm, Robert Hansen, Lauri Saag, Salle Kajak, Argo Vals, Lea Jakobson, Valmar Puistaja, Mai Kaivo, Moonika Siimets, Hesi Siimets-Gross, Eevi Laurits, Eliisa Pass, Katrin Silla, Sirje Soosaar, Helene Alavere, Silja Kuusk, Tiit Meren, Urmas Pappel, Margus Konnula, Sille Tamm, Hedi Päär, Reedik Mägi, Kaupo Teesalu, Maarika Kokk, Kalle Uuemäe, Triinu Bertelsone-Uuemäe, Gudrun Veldre, Meeli Mesipuu, Ülle Liiber, Triin Peitel, Age Rosenberg, Riinu Lepa, Liina Adov, Riinu Rannap, Kadri Kermes, Priit Vask, Maris Laanemets, Kreete Lüll, Niina Tamm, Ulvi Karu, Ene Nagelmaa, Villy Lopman, Toomas Karuks, Anu Sikut, Iiris Tuvi, Jaanika Kronberg-Guzman, Triin Eller, Imbi Kaine, Kudrun Tamm, Lauri Saks, Laura Kallaste, Anne Ingver, Sirje Kokassaar, Eda-Ann Värimäe, Elli Pärna, Kalev Pärna, Lea Metsis, Lembit Metsis, Richard Meitern, Ene Mölder, Mari Alavere, Merit Kreitsberg
Evelyn Kiive, Kaja Riiberg, Ulvi Leinus, Kaia-Kaire Hunt, Õie Miilberg, Lee Põllumaa, Anne Luik, Kai Taba, Aili Pärg, Riina Laam, Evelin Kivisaar, Juta Valli, Matjas Mäestu, Heldi Kostin, Virve Karelson, Egle Heinsar, Gabriela Liivamägi, Janii Malki, Aarne Liping, Margit Olle, Karol Ansip, Elle Mägi, Inge Peterson, Heidi Rajamäe-Volmer, Maret Arrak, Meriliis Kasemets, Riina Georg, Martin Polikarpus, Kadri Jürimaa, Leidi Veskis, Iiris Taal, Silver Nittim, Anita Priks, Arnold Priks, Raini Stamm, Kadriann Kibus, Mati Lauer, Tiiu Säde, Avo Aunap, Jane Oidsalu, Kristiina Haan, Mari-Ann Remmel, Merle Valdmann, Siim Teder, Leno Mätas, Annika Meitern, Malle Ranne, Valdo Ranne, Krista Pisuke, Andres Heinvere, Tarmo Tamm, Külli Hiiesaar, Silvia Soots, Merike Küünal, Vello Havakats, Inger Tammela, Kadri Parmakson, Rait Saar, Raivo Valk, Paula Ann Kivistik, Annela Ribelus, Jana Lass, Mahta Kooga, Anneli Ehlvest, Maia Kivisaar, Eve Valper, Sirje Laansoo, Tiina Sedman, Kaarel Kurm, Tõnis Tasane, Karel Kasak, Anne Menert, Sirli Kivisaar, Stella-Mary Pahmar, Hanna Ainelo, Heiko Rämma, Indrek Teino, Maie Arjukese, Maarja Poska, Helje Soon, Rasmus Palm, Juhan Saharov, Krista Fischer, Kaupo Järviste, Mariann Joa, Tarmo Annilo, Mariann Rikka, Auli Ristmägi, Remo Savisaar, Merle Tootsi, Andras Metsa, Martin Mäesalu, Anneli Jõgi, Laila Kaasik, Erik Perlin, Tarmo Tiido, Tiina Siimets, Ülo Siimets, Kadi Vürst, Leeni Uba, Jane Peda, Peeter Laurson, Kärt Kokk-Jakin, Ilmar Kokk, Jana Nurmetu, Janek Pant, Aare Pärg, Piret Annus, Epp Veski, Triin Kurrikoff
Einike Pilli, Pille Rajasaar, Merle Truupõld, Villu Truupõld, Urmas Heinaste, Leelo Laurits, Kaarel Veskis, Leelo Viita, Mariann Joonas-Tõnumaa, Erkki Liba, Arvo Kreegipuu, Peeter Rehema, Margit Rehema, Eve Rungi, Ülle Leilop, Mart Zirk, Sirje Meos, Marell Rõss, Aalo Suurmets, Tiina Telling, Annika Strutinskaja, Jüri Laurson, Eliise Kapp, Andres Valdmann, Ergo Tiisler, Reelika Rätsep, Uko Bleive, Genadi Toomiste, Kadri Tamm, Merle Mandel, Merike Sarapuu, Silver Sarapuu, Viivika Väli, Marika Paaver, Kärt Metsoja, Roman Normann, Mari Kaisel, Jaanus Konsa, Triinu Laan, Anu Kallavus, Maare-Marika Heinsoo-Kiiver, Marika Tiirik, Kadi Alatalu, Raivo Markov, Janika Ramler, Teele Eensaar, Roland Burtšuladze, Eva Kouhia, Tiit Tamme, Kai Kisand, Kairit Kaur, Üle Pahurin, Taavi Koha, Indrek Salk, Riina Kasterpalu, Taavo Vaher, Pilvi Ilves, Rille Roomeldi Larsen, Kadri Rehema, Rait Saar, Raivo Valk, Urmo Mets, Anne Daniel-Karlsen, Olivia Olmo, Allan Gulli, Anniki Meister, Jüri Rajandu, Margit Rajandu, Tullio Ilomets, Anu Kuusik, Heidi Reimann, Kairi Kivirähk, Marit Mesipuu, Lea Malin, Leo-Henn Humal, Kaie Humal, Taavi Tulev, Aleksei Zamosnikov, Galina Zamosnikova, Aarne Vaik, Triin Saks, Enn Uiga, Hans-Peter Isand, Sveta Bogomolova, Siiri Konist, Priit Herja, Jaan Undrits, Reet Undrits, Juhan Undrits, Peeter Olesk, Priit Humal, Maarja Roosi, Aija Kala, Aire Raidvee, Mallory Strider Ellison Roberts, Lauri Kõrgvee, Valdo Valper, Heiki Vilep, Triin Tulev, Mihkel Vaigla
Kristina Vaigla, Aimar Sild, Aili Paju, Terje Vellemaa, Liis Riikoja, Tõnu Jürjen, Eha Liiv, Urmas Vadi, Helje Lomp, Tanel Visnapuu, Evelyn Reemann, Kersti Unt, Eva Piirimäe, Liina Raus, Esko-Timo Tullus, Maris Hellrand, Kristiina Metsanurk, Camilla Meister, Margus Kosarev, Martin Tooming, Ingrid Kampus, Kristiina Kivest, Liivi Sõerunurk, Rustam Ojukas, Janika Oras, Hendrik Kuusik, Veiko Saago, Manus Olesk, Riina Veedler, Raul Kokassaar, Elo-Mai Mikelsaar, Tiina Urm, Andrus Mäll, Elle Ott, Hardo Lilleväli, Lea Reinojaan, Helle Pärnamaa, Hebo Rahman, Aino Kartul-Najar, Katrin Lõhmus, Eveliis Padar, Kati Orru, Andrus Normann, Helle Kalliste, Riho Reinojaan, Hille Roots, Tiiu Põlts, Jana Mölder, Merle Reinojaan, Svetlana Zaikova, Kersti Lilleväli, Mairi Kaasik, Kadri Matt, Andres Ainelo, Elise Metsanurk, Hildegard Reimann, Katriin Fisch, Kaie Lappmaa, Mari Sats, Kärt Normann, Maili Jakobson, Mart Eller, Tiina Tamm, Ailar Anton, Kalle Kipper, Arne Sellin, Olga Karhu, Terje Arak, Ada Tamme, Thea Kull, Tuuli Laeneste, Erkki Juronen, Edgar Tedresaar, Andres Adamson, Birgit Vahing, Liisi Kasuk, Tiiu Rootslane, Ilmar Särg, Tõnu Veiram, Tiia Toomet, Helen Hiiemaa, Signe Noppel, Tiit Merenäkk, Liis Merenäkk, Indrek Heinla, Kaie Humal, Marge Teder, Ireen Bruus, Margit Lenk-Adusoo, Heli Noor, Tiina Tosens, Uno Roots, Tiia Reimand, Kaja Kruus, Ave Goršič, Sulev Ingerpuu, Tiia Pind, Annika Räim, Karin Kangur, Reet Sepp, Liis Siimon, Tiit Paasik, Kersti Veske, Andres Männik, Siret Saks, Eeva Heinaru, Uno Kuusik, Rosemary Pree, Katrin Ilison, Katrina Tulev, Triin Pisuke-Roos, Mari Sitska, Leena Kurvet-Käosaar, Inga Sapunjan, Eliise Nurmetu, Anett Pullerits, Janek Heim, Ulvi Lõhmus, Kadri Karu
Maie Loorits, Kairi Puur, Vallo Hansen, Erkki Raudsepp, Mare Pikkel, Karmen Pent, Toivo Pent, Jüri Pilm, Berk Vaher, Tõnis Vilu, Lo Järvekülg, Erika Tamm, Katrin Rosenvald, Allan Kasuk, Silvi Salupere, Agne Pilvisto, Maarja Ojamaa, Kristiina Pernits, Külli Kangur, Külvi Noor, Maarja Kasemets-Nahkur, Piret Ladva, Mait Märtin, Janika Päll, Annika Teder, Margit Korotkova, Anu Saag, Eeva Kirsipuu-Vadi, Peep Uba, Argo Soon, Heli Luik, Aili Bernotas, Piret Ehin, Veljo Runnel, Paul Indrek Rajamäe-Volmer, Ahto Okas, Toomas Erikson, Liisi Tõnisson, Ruth Randoja, Tiiu Okas, Ester Antsov, Kersti Kristjuhan, Joosep Järve, Ranno Sammpere, Kadri Kuusk, Kadri-Liis Eskla, Kaspar Kolk, Kristian Kuppart, Priit Tamm, Kristel Mäeots, Merike Hints, Tõnis Õrd, Tiina Kalda, Elin Sütiste, Meeli Lokk, Kadri Pahla, Linda Palts, Asta Niinemets, Silvi Tenjes, Aivar Viljamaa, Antti Roose, Sulvi Põlluäär, Liina Raju, Maarja Pärtna, Laura Kuusk, Mare Ivandi, Anneli Hellat, Tarmo Vahtra, Raivo Alla, Peeter Vihma, Andri Ots, Riho Sirge, Küllike Reimaa, Kristi Sarapuu, Kaido Sarapuu, Kärt Põldsam, Eva-Lena Sepp, Viire Reigo, Rein Järlik, Hedvig Priimägi, Endla Lõhkivi, Peeter Volkonski, Maarika Traat, Jüri Kolk, Urmas Kõljalg, Silver Rattasepp, Laura Suur, Krõõt Kaljusto-Munck, Margus Ots, Liis Keerberg, Kaupo Teesalu, Ivar Univer, Kaja Tarto, Mare Kõiva, Klaarika Kaldjärv, Moonika Kaev, Ene-Margit Tiit, Asti Kuuse, Märt-Matis Lill, Kaia Nurk, Uku Paal
Jörgen Kuuskne, Tiit Riismaa, Mihkel Aavik, Ingrit Aarens, Kersti Sööt, Aivar Sööt, Mikk Sööt, Elle-Mari Talivee, Karli Lambot, Urve Jaago, Alo Malt, Kadri Tammur, Grete Tõnisalu, Tanel Pern, Martin Tamm, Indrek Särg, Anne Ostrak, Airi Hallik-Konnula, Merle Kliss, Ülle Jagomägi, Raivo Paltser, Marta Putrinš, Sirgi Saar, Jaanus Jaeger, Eero Saks, Tanar Kirs, Peeter Tõnismäe, Kadri Aua, Krista Ojasaar, Indrek Ibrus, Ülle Püttsepp, Avo Ots, Maret Olvet, Ly Lobjakas, Tõnu Tamme, Karin Reinberg, Liisi Rünkla, Alo Murutar, Ants Johanson, Asta Kuha, Johanna Ross, Aleksandra Sooniste, Margarita Mürk, Liisa Kübarsepp, Ragnar Raidma, Aivar Kond, Jorma Toots, Roman Leimus, Jako Kull, Pille Meinson, Kaja Oras, Joonas Jakobson, Riin Magnus, Age Sild, Ragna Jõesaar, Sigrid Ots, Piret Põldver, Maris Mägi, Kerli Ilves, Reigo Reppo, Jaan Tamm, Kaia Kask, Karin Allik, Aster Tooma, Vahur Kala, Varje Sootak, Enn Tarto, Tiiu Kasak, Krista Roosi, Tiiu Kuurme, Merike Kalmet, Kristiina Praakli, Hanna Marii Ilves, Arvo Järvet, Sirje Pettai, Vivian Puusepp, Tarmo Tüür, Ene Kõresaar, Laura Kiiroja, Riina Klais, Katrin Kello, Katri Hellat, Tiia Kurvits, Rinaldo Anni, Lea Kivi, Ann Marvet, Kirke Kangro, Maret Vaher, Maie Kärner, Tarmo Palm, Margus Keerme, Aivar Georg, Aili Saluveer, Heli Illipe-Sootak, Kerttu Kuslap, Miina-Liisa Kuusemaa, Kadri Riives, Karin Sibul, Terje Oden
Jüri Karja, Kaire Nurk, Angela Uibu, Tavo Uibu, Kadi Kutser, Maisi Lillemets, Toomas Lillemets, Leho Luigujõe, Mari-Liis Leis, Kadri Raudsepp, Külle Kordemets, Marko Kohv, Aivar Urboja, Anu Kõiv, Janek Ruus, Annika Pakk, Katrin Heinsoo, Piret Vaher, Kairi Kliimand, Kaarina Rein, Maarja Kangro, Kersti Elm Malmqvist, Mart Roos, Kaja Kleimann, Silver-Endrik Rüütli, Diana Kahre, Kai Künnis-Beres, Rein Einasto, Indrek Tammemägi, Jane Suvi, Pille Rückenberg, Piret Orav, Valdo Kuusemets, Rünno Vissak, Riste Keskpaik, Peeter Veedler, Katrin Kaldma, Anne Arus, Mati Hint, Mari Visnapuu, Kaarel Vanamölder, Urmas Aunin, Pille Pruks, Margo Tannik, Rasmus Toompere, Vivian Levin, Kairi Güsson, Vahur Põldsam, Tiiu Liimets, Kait Oden, Kristi Henno, Robert Tiismus, Külli Lokko, Kristiina Tiideberg, Elke Unt, Marina Liinar, Nele Katvel, Mairi Leppmets, Martin Luiga, Margus Ott, Marju Vahter, Tiina Pai, Urmas Sellis, Lili Milani, Ingmar Šuman, Kristel Weidebaum, Helju Kommer, Liis Ellert, Kaspar Jassa, Kaisa Reimand, Monika Piirimäe, Maie Sirkel, Miina Norvik, Riho Puusepp, Helena Pass, Tiina Tihamets, Helin Lääniste, Liis Ring, Marge Nelk, Anni Arukask, Hendrik Kangro, Rauni Lillemets, Merike Mägi, Krista Piir, Helena Kisand, Tuuli Triin Truusalu, Tarmo Loderaud, Marit Kiljako, Marek Väli, Aile Sumberg, Hedi Kaldmäe, Peeter Tani, Silve Tani
Mariliis Mulla, Marika Loderaud, Piret Voolaid, Ardo Aednik, Kristin Hansen, Reet Mauring , Kaarel Kiidron, Õnne Uus, Marju Järvpõld, Juhan Tammistu, Grete Tamm, Kadri Rood, Marika Saar, Daima Örd, Sirje Mägi, Küllike Hallik, Rein Hallik, Ene Leppik, Teet Raudsepp, Sirje Reinoja, Andres Iila, Mihkel Langebraun, Tiina Kedder, Annaliisa Abramova, Annika Aas, Reet Viigimaa, Mari Lauk, Liis Sipsaka, Anastasia Pertsjonok, Neeme Praks, Tea Tuulberg, Tiiu Tali, Indrek Hirv, Marika Meos, Reeli Reinaus, Irene Sargla, Madis Meos, Marite Punapart, Jane Kängsepp, Arne Ader, Mihkel Oviir, Markus Mekk, Triin Isak, Maret Saar, Udo Knaps, Laura Lisete Roosaar, Karin Ruus, Jaana Daniel, Riin Kullasepp, Kalli Kukk, Getter Laur, Jaanus Kriisk, Anne Lill, Tuuli Ruus, Pille Vahtmäe, Eve Viidalepp, Relika Laan, Laura Tammiste, Helen Lokke, Lia Murs, Eve Jõgi, Jorma Ratas, Ruudo Annus, Monika Kaldalu, Kalev Luup, Eva Loskit, Kadri Ligi, Indrek Koff, Maret Olvet, Kristiina Hommik, Andres Männik, Radi Tegova, Margit Helimets, Andres Kuura, Saara Lotta Linno, Peeter Mägi, Marri Amon, Kersti Kihno, Andreas Ventsel, Siiri Oden, Joosep Elias Tani, Toomas Mölder, Arno Undrits, Ere Hindreus, Marika Sillandi, Peeter Vetka, Maris Kaskmann, Alice Liblik, Anna-Grete Rebane, Iige Maalmann, Tormi Sõber, Silvia Sokk, Ülo Maiväli, Janar Lind, Madis Jakobson, Aide Lättemägi, Külli Pann, Mari Mustjõgi, Jaak Kikas, Ülle Meos
Annabel Runnel, Kadri Vider, Kaja Pira, Toomas Väli, Karin Valdmaa-Kurvits, Kadi- Maarija Maripuu, Triinu Visnapuu, Andre Raud, Külli Kressa, Andrus Randmaa, Piret Lõhmus, Marge Pärn, Rea Sepping, Triin Kukk, Aire Seene, Andres Seene, Marek Riivik, Maigi Marjamägi, Tanel Soosaar, Janek Kahro, Siret Pukk, Paul Tammo, Arvi-Enno Õigus, Dagmar Miil, Elle Ehand, Jaanus Kaasik, Anneli Rein, Valeria Ränik, Ly Linamaa, Tõnis Teppand, Argo Raid, Eve Raid, Ilmar Nisu, Virve Nisu, Rein Endrekson, Juhan Kari, Marili Järv, Olavi Ruitlane, Teet Velling, Fideelia-Signe Roots, Tõnu Möls, Maarja Pild, Maire Koppel, Krista Vahter, Anneli Kurm, Elo Vilks, Tiina Paesalu, Otto Paesalu, Tim Kolk, Heidy Andersson, Andri Harkmann, Kadri Okas, Kati Orru, Siim Salmar, Siret Saks, Roland Seer, Kristiina Abel, Mari Usin, Piret Lai-Neubacher, Martiina Viil, Mare Raus, Toivo Pilli, Anne Lilleorg, Mihkel Soon, Pille Hallast, Tõnis Örd, Mait Raag, Uku-Markus Simmermann, Tiiu Kadajas, Priit Salumaa, Sander Kalda, Aleksander Sven Esse, Malle Ermel, Margus Sarap, Martin Uudevald, Piret Pungas-Kohv, Urmas Abel, Karin Varik, Jakob Mass, Inga Mäemets, Triin Lepp, Maarja Koort, Margit Kolmer, Kaisa Berg, Inga Kõivastik, Kaja Veddel, Ilona Piirimägi, Vivika Daniel, Aet Rebane, Eve Mander, Ode Alt, Janika Ramler, Egon Ramler, Robert Ramler, Õie Praggi, Mare Riis, Tiiu Jürgenson, Levo Tohva, Kadri Raav, Ülle Pahurin, Paula Reemann, Pille Roomeldi Larsen
Oliver Meikar, Kaido-Erkki Must, Aune Tamm, Mairi Peiponen, Andres Parmas, Gennadi Skromnov, Katriin Fisch-Uibopuu, Kairi Aia, Helle Laas, Anu Treikelder, Urmas Reimus, Katrin Kermes, Vahur Aabrams, Katri Ling, Mati Sepp, Immanuel Volkonski, Toomas Tomikas, Kadri Sügis, Mariann Volkonski, Hanno Kattai, Urmas Jürgenson, Andres Sell, Anneli Sell, Anna-Magdaleena Kangro, Kadri Artma, Stefan Groote, Epp Rattasep, Tarmo Tabas, Katrin Kaldre, Kersti Kollom, Edith Groote, Esper Thompson, Egne Kahro, Kaljo Mitt, Merje Kala, Liis Käosaar, Monika Prede, Kalmer Prost, Piret Prost, Mari Kaisel, Indrek Talpsep, Eliise Künnis, Astrid Helberg, Janek Jõgisaar, Kersti Tambets, Aire Leppik, Jolan Henriette Koduvere, Merit Raju, Erko Jakobson, Sirje Rämmel, Helju Kommer, Siivi Raju, Margit Kolmer, Christelle Tohva, Siiri Kolka, Gerta Sarv, Aivar Kaur, Riina Värs, Katrin Kahre, Kätrin Karu, Eve Kokkota, Eva Jakovits, Veinika Västrik, Margus Kiis, Ago-Erik Riet, Ilmar Peeter Part, Ilkka Nousiainen, Epp Haabsaar, Mariliin Kindsiko-Singh, Andreas Kalkun, Andrei Miljutin, Pille Lill, Toomas Muru, Eevi Metsaots, Rasmus Rajando, Ragne Tamm, Robert Jürjendal, Omar Sõmer, Rein Kilk, Liisi Jakobson, Kaie Raig, Kertu Rajando, Ivar Ilves, Raul Pihu, Maria Taimre-Varres, Pärt Loskit, Tanel Rander, Klari Noormets, Aimar Säärits, Ene Möldre, Anna-Liisa Lutsar, Airi Purge, Siim Sutt, Laura Mäemets, Karlo Tamme, Rutt Piir, Ave Mets, Anna-Liisa Liiskmaa, Indrek Vainu, Arno Ratas, Piret Tarto, Kalev Raudsepp, Kärt Johanson
Jaak Rand, Ants Kippasto, Laura Valli, Allan Hallik, Helle Mäemets, Karin Ploom, Taavi Tiirik, Eno Menov, Heiki Rebas, Joel Arula, Ada Konsa, Toomas Esperk, Ruth-Helene Melioranski, Merike Mitt, Helve Liiv, Kärt Summatavet, Kristiina Tambets, Meinart Möls, Agu Trolla, Andres Tõnissoo, Leene Korp, Klaus-Eduard Runnel, Alice Podelsky, Kadri Novikov, Küllike Silling, Maris Annus, Mare Albri, Meelis Tumanov, Ulvi Lõhmus, Inger Kraav, Karoliina Hussar, Kaarel Lott, Laura Maria Kull, Miia Aavik, Mare Laur, Toivo Arthur Unt, Enn Martmaa, Aavo Vahur, Heldur Lumi, Imbi Ruber, Tiiu Adamson, Signe Müller, Siiri Tarrikas, Kaisa-Johanna Kaldma, Margit Kuusk, Arne Hall.
18. 01.2018 Tartus
Allkirjad, mis on saabunud 18.01.2018 alates kella 00. 30st:
Marika Sokk, Erle Unt, Jaak Laving, Lille Reissaar, Ireen Jõe, Oliver Ülenurm, Tuuli Jõesaar, Jüri Lumiste, Ülle Pehk, Miina Oras, Jüri Kurm, Katrin Kask, Raili Kokk, Helle-Viivi Tolk, Olev Must, Kersti Püssa, Jaanus Paal, Mari Kerge, Riina Sirge, Toomas Kruustük, Heino Mardiste, Kristel Kiisla, Andres Valdmann, Tanel Kirsika, Tiit Koemets, Madli Zobel, Eha Metsallik, Inge Tael, Aasa Must, Lii Haugasmägi, Urmas Assor, Riinu Lepa, Age Rosenberg, Mihkel Soon, Helina Kärgenberg, Simo Santeri Virtanen, Aet Mikita, Guido Valge, Juhan Vakker, Magda Kõljalg, Kadri Aller, Kaarin Koosa, Nigul Ilves, Kaarel Kilk, Pire Sipria, Siiri Puks, Helle Kalliste, Diana Daniel, Epp Ints, Taimi Laur, Karoliina Vilimaa-Pennarun, Hele Ellermaa, Laura Aurora Vahtra, Raivo Luik, Triinu Riis, Ebe Müntel, Maie Mäeotsa, Elen Eigo-Aunbaum, Toomas Aunbaum, Tiiu Arro, Terje Markus, Tanel Kõivupuu, Hindrek Vou, Ain Kalda, Maarja Haugas, Helena Pruul, Liina Remmelg, Liis Pohla, Imbi Tehver, Sten Mander, Norman Ilves, Maarja Pärnpuu, Pille Lilleleht, Maris Tuuling, Janika Hango, Eveli Kuuse, Tiina Tarik, Tiiu Tomberg, Silja Reemet, Katrin Hallik, Mare-Ann Jaeger, Mari Lokk, Jaak Lokk, Leida Mälgi, Maris Lees, Triinu Rooni, Maarja Jakobson, Tiiu Kuurme, Mari Lokk, Margret Sisask, Eda Merisalu, Paul Lehto, Mari-Anne Knaps, Johannes Kaldalu, Juhan Kärner, Tiit Timmerman, Jaan Vaiksaar, Gerli Silm, Raul Pirbe, Made Kalev
Indrek Must, Priit Mägi, Allan Kaasik, Piibe Muda, Ingrid Lehtsalu-Paju, Seidi Mutso, Madis Mutso, Sigrid Mutso, Marta Mutso, Maria Mutso, Merike Üprus, Meelis Jaanimägi, Tõnu Põder, Evi Täkker, Laur Vallikivi, Reet Linkberg, Janek Joost, Tiit Põldmaa, Heidi Kadarik, Lauri Randveer, Katrin Kokk, Andri Annus, Eimar Prommik, Teofilus Tõnnisson, Kaire Varrik, Tiit Varrik, Karin Kiplok, Andres Jaeger, Siiri-Liisi Kraav, Tiiu Ritari, Sirje Sepalaan, Mall Vahtre, Alo Unt, Mart Orav, Kätlin Jansons, Merle Aruoja, Algis Astmäe, Janno Vään, Kristiina Põllu, Tiina Kaalep, Mario Peiponen, Maiu-Maret Taidre, Theodor Taimla, Kristiina Viin, Jaan Kivistik, Ott Puumeister, Ervin Nõmme, Eha Kirsberg, Margit Oissar, Irina Guljavina, Tiina Arike, Vardo Aruoja, Tiina Heliste, Viljar Pihl, Anu Nurk, Inna Turu, Maie Kreegipuu, Tiia Ojasalu, Hans Hõrak, Kajar Pruul, Piia Kaasik, Villu Talsi, Are Kont, Jane Sepp, Mati Sepp, Vilma Veldre, Mare Must, Rainer Mere, Lea Lopp, Janika Ruusmaa, Robert Sults, Ade Vaade, Reet Mölder, Eik Mölder, Eerik Leibak, Jaak Tomberg, Alice Kirsipuu, Ergo Menov, Enn Lillemets, Ester Kangur, Ketter Kreet Maihe Kattai, Antti Rosin, Lea Ellert, Liina Seinberg, Hannes Heinsar, Kennart Saaremäe, Aiki Saaremäe, Piret Kerem, Anneli Adler, Reet Karro, Mari Arold, Liis Kuresoo, Taavi Kolk, Kersti Paenurm, Mare Nõu, Janika Berting, Taisto Uuslail, Ann Reimann, Ingrid Ojala, Kaie Olmre
Viktoria Hõpemägi, Aita Erik, Sirje Lest, Tiit Kirsipuu, Ain Kuningas, Andres Sats, Tõnu Arrak, Merike Lumi, Erik Anderson, Liisa Lang, Anu Rebane, Eva Toulouze, Monika Ambre, Kristine Kuiv, Sirje Jõgiaas, Leili Parhomenko, Valeri Parhomenko, Madis Tilga, Toomas Helstein, Indrek Paide, Tõnu Valdur, Mats-Joonas Kulla, Kaja Tõemets, Silva Kuusmik, Vilja Püll, Üllar Püll, Erika Makrjakov, Anna-Liisa Peterson, Kadri Karula, Madis Metsamart, Galina Kuningas, Siim Kuningas, Irja Laanemets, Raul-Erik Ronk, Lea Mustimets, Nils Joonas Kristian Saar, Lia Murumägi, Kristi Viiding, Raivo Varik, Ivo Kedus, Reet Hiiemäe, Rauno Lõiv, Rein Zirk, Ilmar Koppel, Tiia Tamm, Maret Murde, Seidi Preitof, Airi Vaga, Karin Prommik, Pärt Prommik, Kadri Sirk, Rain Sirk, Heiki Kõivupuu, Reet Kõivupuu, Anu-Laura Tuttelberg, Annika Laur, Merike Preismann, Jaanus Väljaots, Merike Väljaots, Isabella Viršila, Kaire Nurk, Merike Lumi, Aare Tamm, Kaido-Erkki Must, Ruth-Helene Melioranski, Tauri Tampuu, Kristen Suokass, Madis Palm.
28.01.2018AN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST RAISES CONCERNS ABOUT THE PROPOSED PULP MILL FOR TARTU
FEBRUARY 19, 2018 MALLAGHER LEAVE A COMMENTVice Rector Erik Puura of Tartu University is an environmental scientist. He recently published an article in the Estonian daily newspaper “Postimees” about his concerns over the proposed Cellulose Factory that might be built just upriver from the city. It is part of a rather intense debate that is taking place about this project — and about how the Estonian authorities are proceeding on such a matter.
Below is an English language translation.https://tartu.postimees.ee/4402861/keskkonnateadlane-kas-tartut-ja-tartumaad-ootab-aanekoski-saatus#cxrecs_s
Environmental scientist: are Tartu and Tartu County facing the same fate as Äänekoski? Right of Reply by Margus Kohava included
Tartu Postimees daily, 8 February 2018, 16:23
In an attempt to dispel fears about building a large pulp mill in the River Emajõgi region, some highlight as a positive example a bioproduct mill in Äänekoski, Finland, claimed to be odour-free and environmentally friendly. However, according to environmental scientist Erik Puura, there are posts on the internet, revealing that every now and then people living in the area have serious complaints about the mill. The scientist wonders whether Tartu faces the same fate.
Until now, I haven’t signed any documents in favour or against the pulp mill. My goal has been to carefully consider all arguments from a scientific viewpoint and, I have to admit, my previous addresses include certain statements which could have been formulated much better. Still, life goes on and currently I am on a one-week leave. My original plan was simply to relax, but my brain urged me on to continue searching the expanse of the internet for additional bits and pieces for my background assessment.
In my mind’s eye, I picture the day when, for the first time, we notice the smell, be it in the city of Tartu or when fishing or hiking in its surrounding region. And then, looking ourselves in the eye, we will be thinking whether this is really the best we were able to come up with in Tartu – and Estonia.
Due to my current position, my loyalties are divided. On the one hand, being responsible for the entrepreneurial relations of the University (the author is Vice Rector of Development at the University of Tartu – ed.), my job is to strengthen such connections because the University should contribute to entrepreneurship development. On the other hand, in this position my goal is also to ensure that Tartu will become an ever better place to study and to do research. Lately, together with the City Government of Tartu, we have made a real effort in the latter direction.
However, I present this opinion not as a member of the University’s upper management, but as a citizen of Tartu and an environmental scientist. It is here that my family lives, and the families of my friends and colleagues live. It is our only home on this planet.
Although I haven’t done any research with quotations for quite some time, I always examine various problems in the light of my educational background and earlier research experience – I hold degrees in geology, environmental protection as well as chemical engineering. This is one more reason why I tend to avoid joining any cause right away. Instead, I internally struggle to work out conflicts arising where the need for industrial development generating wealth for the whole society meets with our desire to protect and preserve the natural environment.
A few years back, on a completely voluntary basis, I worked with Kalle Pilt to solve an odour issue at Lähte Secondary School. We were able to prove that while measuring instruments demonstrate that certain values have not been exceeded, it is better to err on the side of caution, accepting that people vary in their sensitivity and thus an unpleasant odour can cause adverse health effects. And after it was decided that flooring in the entire schoolhouse will be replaced, it was discovered that under the flooring there was a smelly adhesive that had not dried, discharging harmful compounds into the air – exactly in amounts that triggered health problems in more sensitive ones. So, the best solutions is always to fix the cause, not the consequences. Especially when children may suffer. We managed to find examples of analogous situations elsewhere in the world, in which the releasing of compounds could have continued for over a decade. These analogies turned out to be the factor that tipped the scales as it was realised that the problem will not work itself out. I gave this example to explain later on how wise decisions are often based on analogies.
At the moment I see hundreds, even thousands of people who are frightened by the idea that soon a huge pulp mill might be erected in the region of Tartu. They hold long meetings, prepare addresses and petitions, try to understand in which stages it is legally possible to file questions and objections. Of course, planned studies are still to be carried out, but I asked myself whether it would be possible to foresee future scenarios using analogies.
Everybody agrees that we should not export timber products without adding extra value. It is more than clear that this is a very large area where there is much room for cooperation between entrepreneurs and researchers. Also, I understand that entrepreneurs don’t want to postpone these plans because testing out and applying new technologies might take decades, and it’s not good news to any of us when others worldwide make a profit using our raw materials. In this respect I disapprove of reproachful comments addressed at professor Urmas Varblane who has spent countless hours on preparing the Estonian timber industry assessment and who, at last, is able to point out a project that in economic terms would benefit the entire country. But he is not an environmental scientist, and in his opinion, his area of expertise should not be used to support or oppose the opinion of environmental scientists.
Let’s take a look at the bigger picture instead of focusing solely on the planning of developments according to the legal framework. Tartu, home to the University by the same name, continues to progress quickly. In recent years, cooperation between the city administration, universities, the University Hospital and entrepreneurs has intensified, giving rise to a novel environment which will soon create hundreds – and if it continues to develop at the same pace, thousands – of new, well-paying jobs with high added value. Top-level international events bring to the city ever more guests who enjoy the cultural and environmental value of its academic setting and who unanimously say that they would wish to come back here. The city’s ongoing internationalisation, primarily driven by the smart city concept, opens up new, fast connections with the rest of the world. Tartu’s unemployment rate is among the lowest in Estonia.
I guess I’m not wrong to say that the development model of Tartu and its surrounding region relies heavily on a clean natural environment. We would all like to be sure that fishing and swimming in the River Emajõgi is absolutely safe in terms of potential pollution and it is a widely known fact that the danger of Lake Peipus becoming eutrophic can be resolved only by cleaning up the waters of the River Emajõgi.
In addition to that, air quality in the city needs to be improved, the main risks being chemical pollution in heavy-traffic junctions in the valley of the River Emajõgi and in residential areas using wood-burning stoves, formed due to atmospheric inversion. Pro-environmental behaviour needs to be encouraged because the prevailing smell is a clear indicator that people are burning packaging, which means that the air we breathe in contains very harmful chemicals. Some of you who live in Tartu know the stench well of the one-time Tartu meat processing plant, permeating the entire city and creating much distress. Any factor of that kind would be simply too much while we are trying to change our community for the better.
Now, against such a background, locals in Tartu have been informed with a national special plan that the only possible location for a gigantic mill releasing its wastewater into the river is near the River Emajõgi and, due to the need for easy access, not only near the river, but also near Tartu.
I really want to believe entrepreneurs who say that if studies reveal that building the mill is not permissible due to major environmental effects, plans will be cancelled. Yet, what I foresee is endless disputes about what exactly counts as major environmental effects and what doesn’t. Because it is one thing to follow only laws and standards, but quite another to be guided by influences that bother people and to take into account the bigger picture of environmental impact. I would like to be assured that at the moment the best course of action is simply to wait and see.
But in the light of some new evidence I’m battling serious doubts about whether, after all, we will be able to build a brighter future when strictly adhering to laws. What led me to these thoughts is some pointing to an analogous enterprise in Äänekoski, namely, a new bio-product mill which is claimed to be completely odour-free.
When looking for information to back up this claim, I found an internet forum for the locals of Äänekoski region and on 3 September, a discussion under the title «Why does the new mill smell every day?» was opened.
Being fluent in Finnish, I’m going to quote some excerpts from the above discussion.
[5.9.2017] That’s for sure that we need to keep our cars under a shelter for a few years (a reference to the frequent discharge of Glauber’s salt during failures). In emergency situations large, smelly clouds are released and locals might be in danger. Has the mill informed us what to do in these kind of situations? Once we had frequent safety drills, organised in cooperation with the mill and the town, to know how to behave in emergency situations. The impact of sewage will be evident up to Päijänne, it will take a few years, if the mill will keep working at full capacity, it’s sure there will be accidents at wastewater discharge points. No doubt that lakeside real estate prices in the immediate vicinity of the mill will be dropping.
[6.9.2017] Äänekoski town newspaper informed us that there will be dust in the air next weekend. While before laundry hanging outside only smelled, now it becomes dirty as well. Thank you so much, our mill!
[12.9.2017] (Expletive), what a rumble was heard in the evening of 11 September! I’m sure this rumble is not lawful, because children were hysterically crying out and asking what’s going on.
[25.9.2017] We are told all the time that when the new mill will start operating properly, the smell and rumble of the launch period will end. How long does this setting up take? There has been this smell for two months already. Asthma sufferers should not go outside at all, even those of us who are healthy don’t feel well. Also, there is this awful rumble from time to time, children and dogs are afraid of it.
[2.10.2017] Before, when the air was clean (quite often), we could have babies sleep outside. That’s unthinkable now because of this unbearable stench, who knows what else we are breathing in!
[4.10.2017] Once again there was (another swearword) in the air on 2 and 3 October. Who knows what kind of pollution and toxins are falling down on us!
[5.10.2017] There is nobody from the top management, managers or superiors in the mill any more.
[17.11.2017] (Swearword) it smelled like cat pee when I was running errands today in the area of Äänekoski. I feel so sorry for the locals.
[19.11.2017] That’s what they told about the previous mill, that it would be smell-free, but it stank for 30 years.
[30.11.2017] This “bio” mill should be shut down. There is (swearword) in the air. What is more, nearby bodies of water have been almost destroyed. No point to go fishing any more.
Etc.
All this could be taken with a grain of salt, after all, it’s just an internet forum, but on its homepage the mill is constantly publishing notices on new failures.
[25.12.2017] Tonight there was a fire in the heating unit of Äänekoski bio-products mill. It was put out by the firefighters of the Emergency Rescue Unit for Central Finland and the mill’s workers.
[27.12.2017] Follow-up extinguishing work is still being carried out in the heating unit.
[9.1.2018] There was a failure in the collection system of odorous gases between 17:00 and 18:00 o’clock. We are sorry for any inconvenience caused by the smell.
[12.1.2018] In the morning of 12.1.2018, an exceptionally large amount of dust was released into the atmosphere due to a process failure. It contains Glauber’s salt which is not harmful, but is staining. Normal levels have been restored by now.
[4.2.2018] This morning, there was a failure in the collection system of odorous gases. We are sorry for any inconvenience caused by the smell.
Please forgive me, entrepreneurs – after all, it’s my job to develop and promote good relations – but deep down I’m first of all an environmental scientist and I can’t keep silent about what I’ve found out. What is going on with launching Äänekoski bio-products mill represents a highly significant and serious adverse environmental impact – and let’s not forget that Finland has decades of experience in this area.
Why am I writing about all this? Because no environmental impact assessment, even when using the best available technology, is able to adequately evaluate continuous malfunctions occurring in technological processes. In this case all we can rely on is analogies and if the facility in Äänekoski is indeed a fitting analogy, using the newest, most modern technology, as has been claimed, then can we reasonably expect that was has been going on in Äänekoski for the last six months will be our future as well. That’s how we resolved the odour problem in Lähte, although now we have a reverse problem on our hands and the wisest course of action would be to follow analogies.
In my mind’s eye, I picture the day when, for the first time, we notice the smell, be it in the city of Tartu or when fishing or hiking in its surrounding region. And then, looking ourselves in the eye, we will be thinking whether this is really the best we were able to come up with in Tartu – and Estonia. And I will be thinking, recalling this day, why didn’t I write this piece? This piece came about spontaneously, it simply surfaced within me, and I’m sure that it is well worth half a day of my leave. Anyway, sharing these thoughts has given me some peace of mind.
Right of Reply (published in its original form) by Margus Kohava, forest industrialist
Thank you, Erik, for your straightforward opinion piece in which you give voice to concerns that are on the mind of many people. I completely understand you. I can’t protect the mill in Äänekoski from the people running it. I visited the mill on 30 January. Since 15 August the mill has been in the launching stage and doesn’t operate normally yet. During the six hours I was in the mill’s territory, I noticed no unpleasant odour.
We managed to come to an agreement with the mill’s representatives that a delegation including representatives of Tartu County and environmental authorities can visit the mill in March or April. It would be great if you could join the delegation as one of the visitors.
According to the mill’s representatives, drinking water for the city of Helsinki comes from the same lake system into which the timber processing mill in Äänekoski releases its cleaned wastewater. Locals go trout fishing right by the mill, in the same lake system. Trout can survive in clean water only.
However, I can understand the concerns of people living nearby Äänekoski mill. Malfunctions may occur in the launching phase while setting the mill up for proper operation. Evidently, there have been such incidents in Äänekoski. Of course, we could debate over whether the launching stage has been long-drawn-out or not. It is no doubt that it is in the interests of locals that this period be as short as possible.
The only thing we are asking from everybody while we examine the possibility of building the mill is to exercise patience until study results will be known. All potential technology providers we have contacted up to now have assured us that with modern technology, it is possible to eliminate air, water and noise pollution. I would like to repeat once more what I have previously said on more than one occasion – there is absolutely no way that Estonian entrepreneurs currently exploring the possibility of building the mill will decide in favour of one that pollutes the environment. Our priority is – and will be – a clean environment. Tartu must stay the Tartu we know and love. The future of this city is important for us.