Excavation-drier method of energy-peat production reduces detrimental effects of this process on watercourses

In Finland, peat is used for energy production, its share being ca.7% of the total primary energy source in 2006.However, with the increasing use of energy peat, also the detrimental effects on watercourses have received increasing attention.Consequently, to reduce the detrimental effects on watercourses and to minimize the weather risks, Vapo Ltd. started the development of a new excavation-drier peat production method (EDM), in which vegetation cover can be kept intact in the area until the extraction starts, and there is no need for effective drainage of the area.Runoff and water quality were monitored in the study sites located from southern to northern Finland in 2006-2007.The nutrient, suspended solids and DOC loads were greatly reduced using the EDM method, and in some cases the loads were < 1% of corresponding to the milling method when calculated per energy unit produced.The main reason why the EDM method is more "watercourse friendly" is the small extraction area open at one time; usually under 5% of the area of the milling method, when the same amount of energy is produced.