The old Metsos premises in Ersmark, where Bilfrakt plans to establish a chemical intermediate storage facility.
Metso vacated the 22,000 square meter property in 2019. Bilfrakt took over as tenants earlier this year and now plans to store chemicals "mainly needed in the production of batteries," according to their consultation document.
The sheer volume of chemicals planned for storage - 35,000 tons at any given time and a total of 500,000 tons annually - is a major worry for residents. Transportation of these chemicals via Jörnsvägen is another cause for alarm.
– They've talked about 30 tons per truck and 10,000 trucks in the first year, says Christer Larsson, who lives near the property with his wife Laila.
Residents also criticize the limited information dissemination. Consultation documents were only sent to those within a 500-meter radius, and the consultation meeting reportedly had a low turnout.
Jennie Grönlund, the mother of small children, also lives on Jörnsvägen.
– Our biggest concerns are the existing heavy traffic and the lack of a safe path for pedestrians and cyclists. Additionally, the responsibility for transporting these chemicals remains unclear.
– Many people around here haven't even heard anything about it, says Grönlund.
– Everyone should have been invited. Only 25-30 people attended the meeting, and not many questions were asked, adds Larsson.
Traffic isn't the only concern. Residents are worried about the safety of storing such a large quantity of chemicals and the potential impact on property values.
– A real estate agent I spoke to said it could have a noticeable effect, says Larsson.
– We also wonder what happens in case of an accident, fire, or if chemicals leak into the Kåge River.
Bilfrakt CEO Nicklas Hermansson addressed resident concerns via email to Norran. Regarding traffic, Hermansson acknowledges the existing burden on Jörnsvägen but emphasizes that transported chemicals are "well packaged and subject to regulations." He also mentions potential measures such as speed limits to minimize disruption.
While the facility currently accommodates 10 trucks, Bilfrakt estimates full operation to involve around 20. However, their application will plan for handling 250,000 tons per year, which translates to roughly 45 trucks daily based on a 22-ton capacity.
Bilfrakt claims to have been in contact with the Swedish Transport Administration (Traffikverket) to discuss collaboration on measures such as speed limits.
When asked about transportation responsibility, Hermansson stated that the purchaser will contract out the transport. However, if Bilfrakt handles the deliveries, they aim to utilize a higher proportion of electric trucks.
Nicklas Hermansson, CEO Bilfrakt.
Regarding the consultation meeting, Hermansson explains that while an open invitation was published in Norran, an additional mailing was sent to residents within 500 meters to ensure inclusivity.
He acknowledges concerns about traffic and safety, and assures residents that all questions and their responses will be included in a consultation report submitted with the application.
The application is expected to be submitted in mid-June.
When asked about the adequacy of safety measures, Hermansson emphasized their commitment to safety culture.
Do you feel confident that the safety measures you present in the consultation document are sufficient?
– Safety and routines for a good safety culture are the focus of our operations. The consultation document presents an overview of how the operation is intended to be conducted. The operation will consist of storage and transportation of packaged chemicals. The packaging is never broken during transportation or storage. Before full-scale operation begins, we will have developed measures and routines to be prepared for an unforeseen event. It is a systematic improvement process that forms the basis for safe and secure work.