LIFE IP CleanEST – addressing residual pollution from oil shale in Estonia

Project snapshot

Region: Estonia

Dates: 16 – 18 October 2023

Partners: ERM

Funding sources: Pro bono contributions

The NICOLE Foundation contributed technical expertise to a LIFE project in Estonia, supporting sustainable solutions for widespread residual pollution caused by the oil shale industry.

Why this work matters

Decades of oil shale production in Estonia have left behind vast, uncontrolled waste heaps that continue to pollute surface water and groundwater. This pollution poses serious risks to ecosystems and communities and requires innovative, risk-based solutions.

The Estonian Ministry of Environment secured a LIFE project to tackle this challenge. The NICOLE Foundation was invited to share expertise in risk-based management of widespread pollution to help shape future actions.

Our approach

Activities delivered

• Identified and facilitated expert technical support at the conference.

• Led discussions on applying a risk-based decision-making framework to guide sustainable remediation solutions.

Results and impact

Key achievements

• Provided technical support and expertise to set the project in the right direction for future actions.

• Strengthened the foundation for risk-based approaches to residual pollution management in Estonia.

Closing statement

The NICOLE Foundation’s contribution ensured that Estonia’s LIFE CleanEST project began with a solid technical foundation and a clear pathway toward sustainable solutions for oil shale pollution.

The NICOLE Foundation welcomes collaboration with partners and funders to advance projects like these.

Sustainable Development Goals supported (SDGs)