Increasing ecosystem services at an industrial area : A study applied to Rönnskärsverken

Abstract: What are ecosystem services, what are the possibilities to use them as a solution to remediate environmental problems, and how can they be increased in an industrial area such as Rönnskärsverken? The aim of this master thesis was to investigate the potential and the incentive for increasing ecosystem services in Rönnskärsverken’s industrial area through green areas and nature based stormwater management solutions on the site.  Ecosystem services is a concept that was put on the political agenda in the UN in 2005 in order to create a common definition and valuation to raise awareness of the values that nature provides to human beings. In recent years it has become an important part when it comes to environmental work and sustainable development in many parts of the world. As cities grow and more areas are exploited it is important to acknowledge what's lost in its place, and find out how we can minimise our impact on the environment and help the ecosystems and biodiversity. The mining company Boliden AB has a smelter located outside Skellefteå in north of Sweden, on an island called Rönnskär. The industrial area has been expanded with artificial means since its inception in 1930 where the focus has then been on industrial function. This has led to few green areas and many impervious surfaces on the site, which in turn has led to problems with stormwater flows, diffuse dusting, noises from the industry, unfavourable wind conditions and a generally less pleasant environment. Boliden AB wants to investigate the possibilities of developing and benefiting ecosystem services of  the industrial site of Rönnskär, and wants knowledge about potential values and benefits. Information has been gathered and compilations and conclusions have been made through literature studies, a survey, a field visit and conversations with employees and expert staff. A digital GIS modelling was planned but not implemented, which is why there is a good basis with criteria in a table in the appendix for further investigation of placement of proposed solutions. In the report, 7 different environmental challenges are identified and addressed; stormwater management, diffuse dusting, noise, biodiversity, lack of green areas, outdoor environment and ground pollution. They have then been linked to 6 different measures using ecosystem services, whereupon stormwater management is further explored in a separate chapter (7). All proposals presented in the report are nature based to demonstrate the use of ecosystem services as tools and aids for the purpose.  The conclusion is that it is possible to use nature based solutions that benefit ecosystem services to remediate the environmental challenges Rönnskär is facing and at the same time also increase other aspects such as well-being, health and environment. For specific implementation further investigations need to be made. Close cooperation with the environmental department on Rönnskär is needed to investigate which measures are most important and to invest in first. Measures need to be taken, and it can clearly be seen that it would benefit the industrial site to invest in maintenance and expansion of green areas to reduce the environmental challenges they face.