Permission according to the Water Act

The Water Act regulates the licensing of water management projects. Examples of such projects include the construction of docks, bridges, dams, water pipes, and cables in water bodies, the utilization of hydropower, drainage, watercourse regulation, and water extraction. Matters related to water pollution are addressed under the Environmental Protection Act.

The need for a permit under the Water Act depends on whether the modification occurring in the water body, groundwater, or water environment infringes upon public or private interests. Additionally, a permit is required regardless of the impact in cases such as altering the water level, dredging exceeding 500 m3, or depositing dredged material in a water area.

The supervisory authorities for the Water Act are the Centres for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment (ELY Centres), and the municipal environmental protection authority. Upon request, the supervisory authority provides an opinion on the need for a permit under the Water Act. The permit is applied for from the Regional State Administrative Agency (AVI) operating in the area where the project will be implemented. Permit applications for the Rauma area are processed by the Regional State Administrative Agency of Southern Finland.

The need for a permit does not apply only to large-scale measures. Many projects that may seem small, such as those related to residential or cottage shorelines, may require a permit under the Water Act or need to be reported.

Research permit under the Water Act

If not otherwise agreed, the Environmental and Permit Board can grant a permit for soil, water quantity, or other studies conducted in another area, which are necessary for assessing the impacts, implementation possibilities, or groundwater resources of a project under the Water Act. The research permit is granted for a specified period. The permit is applied for through the Lupapiste service.