Published 11.04.2025 Caseworker: Trygve Weidemann Moxness

NMF expresses deep concern about the environmental consequences of the planned land reclamation work in Kipervika in Ålesund. In connection with the County Governor of Møre og Romsdal's handling of the case (case no. 2024/1097), NMF has conducted an inspection of the area to assess the impacts on the marine environment and the vulnerable fjord.

Photo: Statens Vegvesen

A vunerable and rich fjordsystem

The land reclamation is being carried out by the Norwegian Public Roads Administration (Statens vegvesen) and Kipervika Eiendom, and is based on the use of silt curtains to limit the spread of sediments. In NMF's assessment, this is an insufficient solution that poses a significant risk of pollution. Experience shows that silt curtains in marine environments often fail, and leaks regularly occur beneath and around the installations. This has also been observed in Kipervika.

Borgundfjord is a vulnerable and rich marine area with high biological value. The area is known for its fish populations, particularly as a spawning ground for coastal cod. At the same time, there is a wide range of other marine life in the fjord, which requires stable and clean conditions throughout the year. It is therefore not sufficient to limit the work to periods outside of the cod's spawning season, as the marine life is also at risk during other times.

The materials used in the land reclamation – such as blasted rock and crushed silt – are poorly suited for interaction with marine life. The materials have sharp edges and can become lodged in the gills of fish and other marine animals, posing a risk of injury or death. Such pollution must be prevented from spreading into the fjord system.

The image above shows leaks through the silt curtains and reinforces the need for a more effective barrier. The current practice puts the marine environment at risk and does not meet the necessary requirements for the protection of nature and biodiversity.

Demand for better pollution prevention measures

Based on this, NMF requests that the County Governor instructs the Norwegian Public Roads Administration and Kipervika Eiendom to develop a new and improved plan for the project. Until June 15, 2025, time should be allocated to plan an execution without the use of silt curtains. NMF suggests that instead, a physical and impermeable installation, such as a sheet pile wall or another solid barrier, be established to effectively prevent the spread of particles and pollution in the sea.

It is crucial that such installations are also implemented in a way that does not cause further pollution during the work itself. The project must not be allowed to commence until a solution is in place that ensures the materials are completely contained and do not leak into the fjord.

Nature must be protected all year round

NMF emphasizes that it is entirely possible to carry out such projects with respect for nature – but this requires better planning and stronger environmental protection requirements. The marine life in Borgundfjord must be protected year-round, and the management must ensure that measures are implemented on nature's terms.