The process of stepwise decision making in Finland: past and future of the decision in principle

The municipality of Eurajoki is located on the west coast of Finland 15 km from Rauma to the north. The two Olkiluoto Nuclear Power Plant Units are located on the isle of Olkiluoto from where the distances to the centre of both Eurajoki and Rauma are roughly the same. The role of the municipality is very important according to the Finnish law. According to the Nuclear Energy Act, the acceptance of the site municipality for a nuclear project is a precondition before the national government can accept it and before Parliament can ratify it. Numerous investigations were undertaken. Above all economical impacts of the project in the municipality were investigated, as well as the health and social impacts. The environmental impact process created a discussion platform in which all interested inhabitants could participate, express their opinion about the project and receive answers to their questions. Results of research and investigations have been presented in open EIA-seminars. All statements concerning the application for the Decision in Principle were presented to the decision makers of Eurajoki. The statements were in general in favour of the project. Some of the neighbour communities criticized the project. (authors)