On Wednesday, a so-called investigation consultation was held, which begins the environmental review process for the remaining and final project for the restoration of Långåljusnan, the kilometer-long stretch Vitmälen – Mittåhån, where Mittån flows into the river.

The work has now been going on for over eight years with noticeable results in a positive direction. The focus is to create habitats for original fish species and other aquatic organisms by re-imagining conditions that applied before waterway cleaning and power extraction.

Under the chairmanship of Helge Jonsson, twelve people gathered for the link meeting, of which six people from the county administration in Östersund. Other participants were affected landowners, Fortum Sweden and the project management in Långåfisket.

Project description, maps and other documentation produced by the fisheries management association were the basis for the consultation. The project is supported from the land owner's side. However, the County Administrative Board requires detailed descriptions of various elements and inventories in addition to what has already been reported in the case. Only after that work has been carried out and reported will the county administrative board take a position on the project, which can then go to ground- and the Environmental Court of Appeal for review and decision.

– With all the details requested by the county administrative board, extensive work remains to be done in addition to what has already been done, says Helge Jonsson, who, as chairman of Långå FVOF, is the responsible project owner. He considers the level of detail in the bureaucratic process to be unreasonably high, intricate and in several respects inexplicable. For example, a summary of the history of the floating era is required.

This means many question marks as to whether the project can be implemented at all. The board of Långå FVOF will shortly decide on the matter.