Among other things, the building of wetlands is affected by various acts and planning regulations, such as:
- the Water Act
- the Forest Act
- the Nature Conservation Act
It’s a good idea to enquire from your local Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment whether there are any obstacles or restrictions, arising from land use or the protection of nature conservation targets, which may affect the building of a wetland. Supervising authorities should also comment on whether a water permit by the Regional State Administrative Agencies is required for the project.
The most common restrictive factors in wetland projects include the following features of the land:
- protected area
- known habitats or natural sites for threatened species
- protected habitat types in accordance with Section 29 of the Nature Conservation Act
- the habitats of special importance described in Section 10 of the Forest Act
- direct obstacles resulting from the Water Act or the required permit procedure.
The project may be subject to licence based on its effects as decreed by the Water Act: the harmful environmental impacts of the project on waterbodies; for example, the project endangers the natural state of a streambed. Certain kinds of projects are always subject to licence as decreed by the Water Act: for example, the water level of the waterbody is changed permanently, or the quantity of the material dredged from a water area exceeds 500 cubic metres.
Municipalities provide information about zoning and municipal engineering, etc. Zoning has an impact on land use. Building a wetland in an area that is covered by a detailed plan may require a permit relating to the landscape. The locations of municipal water and sewer lines should be carefully explored to avoid damage caused by excavation work.
To enquire about the locations of electric, telephone and data-communication cables, please contact the Johtotieto service, which will provide you with information about almost any cables. Cables may be found in surprising places.