EXEL OYJ RELEASE 21.12.2005 at 14.45 1 (1)
EXEL RECEIVED AN ENVIRONMENTAL PERMISSION FOR THE CLEANING OF
CONTAMINATED SOIL
Exels Mäntyharju factory has since 2001 been using district heating
produced with wood chips. Oil heating is used as reserve power. A
fixed-term inspection of oil reservoirs was carried out in summer
2005. As a result a superterranean light oil reservoir installed in
1969 was decided to be demolished. It was discovered that over the
years oil had fallen into the ground during fill-ups. The reservoir
itself has not leaked. No fixed safety basin to prevent leakages had
been installed as one was not required by regulations at that time.
In connection with the demolition Mikkeli District Environmental
Services confirmed that oil had smeared ground around the reservoir.
According to preliminary estimates based on measurements, the extent
of soil containing oil is some 60 square metres and some 100-150 cubic
metres of contaminated soil is to be removed. Measurement results were
passed on to South Savo Regional Environment Centre which gave an
environmental permission for the cleaning of contaminated soil on 19
December 2005. The area will be cleaned and the contaminated soil will
be processed in a treatment plant specialized in the purification of
contaminated soil.
In accordance with its environmental policy Exel strives in all its
operations to protect the environment.
The cleaning operation does not have an effect on Exels
profitability.
Mäntyharju, 21 December 2005
EXEL OYJ
Ari Jokelainen
President
Further information:
Mr. Ari Jokelainen, President, Exel Oyj, tel. +358 50 590 6750
Exel Oyj is a Finnish company specialised in composite technology. The
Groups operations consist of sporting goods and industrial
applications. Exels most well known products include cross-country
and Alpine poles, Nordic Walking poles, surfboard masts, floorball
clubs and industrial profiles in general. The Groups seven factories
are located in Finland, Germany, Belgium, Austria and Spain. Over 80%
of production is exported. In 2004 the Groups net sales totalled EUR
83.9 million. Exel personnel numbers 470. Exels share is listed on
Helsinki Exchanges Main List.