Published 27.03.2025 Written by: Ruben Oddekalv

NMF has on several occasions inspected Arefjordpollen following reports of concern from members and local residents. These reports have pointed out significant 'clouding' of the seawater far beyond the areas that have been attempted shielded with floating silt curtains. During our three inspections, we have consistently observed that the measures to limit the spread of fine sediments are not functioning satisfactorily

Inadequate measures and lack of accountability threaten life in Arefjordpollen

After repeated requests from members and informants, NMF has conducted several inspections in Arefjordpollen. The reports of concern we have received refer to 'clouding' of the seawater far beyond the areas that have been attempted shielded with floating silt curtains and traditional methods for limiting particle dispersion. In none of the three inspections we have conducted has the condition outside the barriers been satisfactory. NMF is well aware that both manual and automated turbidity measurements are being carried out, and that there is an upper threshold value, in addition to the statement that necessary measures shall be implemented if the threshold values are exceeded."

The problem here is that either the turbidity measurements are being taken in the wrong locations, the instruments are being used incorrectly, or disturbances are not being followed up in a satisfactory manner. When, during three consecutive inspections and in photos sent by informants, we can clearly see clouding of the seawater far beyond Arefjordpollen without exception, it is very clear that something is not functioning as it should.

In correspondence with the County's representatives, Sotra Link, and based on what we have been able to read in the media, there is a long list of excuses presented every time someone points out that not everything is as it should be in Arefjordpollen.

As we see it, the only way to address the major deviations is to establish a permanent barrier beneath each of the bridges in Arefjordpollen, as silt curtains are a highly inadequate method for preventing the spread of fine sediments in seawater affected by tidal movements.

Deliberate pollution cannot be accepted – the County must intervene

NMF understands that it may be challenging for the County Governor to take a firm stance against such a large project as the new Highway 555. However, taking environmental considerations into account in a construction project of this scale should be a given in 2025. We find it absolutely necessary to remind the County Governor that the spread of such large amounts of fine sediments, as is currently occurring from the project, is dramatic. It not only suffocates life on the seabed by simply covering and smothering it, but also because the stone dust is so fine that it clogs the gills of fish, shellfish, and all other marine life in and around Arefjordpollen. In the worst case, this leads to suffocation and death in the same way as a human exposed to extremely dusty environments, where the lungs eventually lose the ability to absorb oxygen, resulting in suffocation and death.

The fact that an entrepreneur chooses to 'fill an entire bay' with this sludge is nothing but deliberate pollution, as no serious entrepreneur can claim to be unaware of the harmful effects that stone slurry of this type has on organisms that breathe through gills. This may have been a problem whose extent was not fully understood 30 years ago, but today's entrepreneurs have well-established guidelines they are obligated to follow, both regarding the environment and all other aspects of their operations. Therefore, choosing to take shortcuts like this cannot be attributed to human error but must be considered a very deliberate action. Whether it is to save time and money or for mere convenience. The construction industry has seen rapid development in recent years, and many positive advances have been made, particularly in environmental matters. Repeated discharges like this must therefore be curtailed to prevent this positive trend from reversing

Environmental responsibility must come before convenience

In short, NMF cannot understand how the County has allowed the discharge of such large amounts of fine sediments as we are now seeing spread beyond the 'barriers,' and strongly urges the County Governor to fulfill their role as the overarching environmental authority and stop the project until a satisfactory and truly effective solution is in place.

As previously mentioned, NMF believes that the only acceptable solution is to physically close the outlet to the particularly inner part of Arefjordpollen, under the existing Highway 555, in order to create a barrier that actually works even when the tides fluctuate. This type of installation is not difficult to install in a satisfactory manner, and there are solutions that allow for 'ventilation' and the passage of boats, etc.

With this, NMF demands that the discharge of fine sediments be taken seriously and that the County Governor of Vestland is aware of their responsibility and halts all activities that cause runoff and stirring in Arefjordpollen until satisfactory solutions are in place.