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๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ Iceland /Environment & Climate

Veitur Halts Drilling in Skammadal Amid Environmental Concerns

From Morgunblaรฐiรฐ · () Icelandic

Translated from Icelandic, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement New plan
  • Veitur has halted drilling operations in Skammadal to implement further mitigation measures for the local ecosystem.
  • Independent experts will assess the impact of past drilling on the river and its estuary.
  • Veitur is working with environmental authorities and consultants to develop a revised action and monitoring plan, including increased water and drilling fluid sampling.

Veitur, the energy company, has stopped drilling in Skammadal, citing a commitment to protect the local ecosystem. The company announced it will bring in independent experts to evaluate the effects of past drilling activities on the river and its estuary. This decision comes amid public concern over the state of the Varmรก river and its surroundings.

"We fully understand that the appearance of Varmรก and the discussion in recent days raise concerns among residents and those with strong ties to the area. We take this very seriously," Veitur stated in a press release. The company emphasized its close collaboration with regulatory bodies and specialists to assess environmental impacts and ensure the ecosystem's protection. Veitur also noted that a revised action and monitoring plan is being established, which will include more frequent sampling of water, drilling fluid, and the river's ecosystem.

We fully understand that the appearance of Varmรก and the discussion in recent days raise concerns among residents and those with strong ties to the area. We take this very seriously.

โ€” VeiturIn a press release addressing public concerns about the Varmรก river.

Veitur has been working with the Icelandic Environment and Energy Institute, relevant health authorities, and consultants from VSร“, an engineering firm specializing in monitoring and research of the Varmรก river's ecosystem. The company pledged to provide regular updates on the situation via its website.

We are working closely with regulatory bodies and specialists to assess environmental impacts and ensure the ecosystem's protection.

โ€” VeiturIn a press release detailing the company's response to environmental concerns.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Morgunblaรฐiรฐ in Icelandic. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.