The task of this newly founded working group is to prepare initial research specifications for the geological surveys to be conducted on the Nabala limestone deposits. The aim is to determine the size and depth of the karst area as precisely as possible, to measure the exact flow rates and directions of groundwater, and to identify any links with the Tuhala Witch’s Well and the rivers of Pirita and Vääna. “It is a complicated natural area, which requires utilisation of several methods for hydrogeological and geological surveys,” said Tarmo All, head of the working group, acting chair of the Earth’s Crust Department, Ministry of the Environment. “The planned surveys certainly have to include drilling, electrometric and georadar works.” It will be an extensive surveying project and its envisaged cost will be clarified in the course of drafting the initial research specifications. When the working group finishes the initial research specifications, an application for the required funding will be submitted to the Environmental Investment Centre (EIC). If the EIC agrees to finance the project, the contractor for carrying out the survey will be selected through a public procurement. The working group includes Andres Marandi and Leo Vallner, senior researchers of the Institute of Geology at the Tallinn University of Technology, representing the rural municipalities of Kose, Saku, Kohila and Kiili, as well as Professor Rein Einasto from the Tallinn University of Applied Sciences. In addition to Tarmo All, chair of the Earth’s Crust Department, the Ministry of the Environment is represented by Professor Emeritus Enn-Aavo Pirrus from the Tallinn University of Technology and Rein Raudsep, adviser to the Ministry of the Environment. Additional surveys and establishment of a respective working group was considered necessary both by the rural municipality leaders of the Nabala region and by the Minister of the Environment Jaanus Tamkivi. The Environmental Board has also commissioned an expert assessment of the population diversity in Nabala. No extraction permits may be issued for the Nabala deposits until completion of the planned surveys. Additional information: (13.08.2010) |
