16.10.2025
Europe's largest railway construction project is not just about laying tracks, but also about a new approach to how infrastructure construction should follow what happens in nature. To this end, we have developed an environmental monitoring system that ranges from on-site inspections to the use of drones and expert consultations. Acting quickly, effectively monitoring and supervising the environment can mean avoiding disturbing even one black stork's nest and thus stopping the multi-million euro construction project.
In connection with the construction of Rail Baltica, the scope of work and budget are often discussed, but another, less visible line of work is equally important – environmental monitoring. Its purpose is to ensure that construction progresses responsibly and in harmony with nature. All activities are guided by a detailed environmental monitoring plan, which provides for regular inspections and rapid response to possible deviations. In addition to the supervision of environmental experts, the owner's supervision also checks that the requirements are met at the site.
Construction site visits take place at least once a month, but may be more frequent depending on the nature of the work and seasonal factors. In addition to general environmental requirements, the basis for supervision is specific restrictions established as a result of the environmental impact assessment.
What requirements are monitored?
The areas of environmental monitoring vary depending on the location and stage of the construction section. In densely populated areas, the focus is more on noise and dust control, for example, while in naturally sensitive locations, the focus is more on specific measures aimed at protecting endangered species or their habitats.
Controlled restrictions may be related, for example, to sensitive periods in nature, such as the spawning period of fish. In order to protect fish populations, construction projects are strictly prohibited from hindering fish migration or directing sediments into water bodies that would harm the development of the berry. If, for example, the installation of a culvert falls during the spawning period, the work is planned in such a way as to avoid any possible negative impact. In addition, in the case of measures related to water bodies, the effectiveness of sediment screens is checked, among other things. We constantly monitor whether the sediment screens according to the design function as intended, or whether there is a need to adjust them, move them to a better location or find other solutions.
However, monitoring is not limited to planned visits or checking solutions. In the case of the Rail Baltica project, there is also a readiness to respond quickly in so-called “SOS” situations. For example, the breeding season of protected birds requires constant vigilance. If birds arrive to nest near the route, careful monitoring is carried out, if possible, to ensure that noise or activities related to the works do not disturb their nesting and, if necessary, alternative solutions are found for construction works.
An important part of monitoring is also cooperation with various experts. The Estonian Eagle Club informed us that there is a feeding area for black storks near one of the Rail Baltica sections. We checked the available information, consulted with the Eagle Club experts, and then immediately made the decision to wait with deforestation until the birds have raised their young.
Technology in the service of environmental monitoring
We use modern tools to ensure a quick and effective response. In some cases, we even conduct surveillance using a wildlife camera. This is how we discovered, based on information received from the Eagle Club, that noise could be heard from the black stork's nest camera. An on-site inspection revealed that the additional noise was caused by the removal of logging waste. We decided to temporarily stop the removal on site to ensure the nesting peace of the bird and its chicks.
However, monitoring is not limited to on-site visits. To increase efficiency and accuracy, we are also using drones within the Rail Baltica project. This allows us to get a quick and comprehensive overview of even large and difficult-to-reach areas. This significantly reduces the amount of on-site work and helps speed up decision-making.
We are currently using drones primarily to inspect deforestation areas. The orthophotos taken with the drone provide an accurate and detailed overview of the entire extent of the deforestation area. This allows us to easily check whether the work has been carried out according to the project and within the boundaries of the deforestation area. Drone photos also help identify possible violations, for example, if work has been carried out in water protection zones or ignoring the boundaries of protected areas.
Why is all this important?
For a large-scale infrastructure project like Rail Baltica, environmental monitoring plays a crucial role in preventing potential damage. Continuous monitoring and rapid response help protect sensitive water bodies, endangered species, and nature reserves.
There have been situations where construction work has been temporarily suspended for environmental reasons. Although this may affect the schedule, such decisions are inevitable to prevent irreversible damage to nature.
Environmental monitoring is not just a control mechanism, but part of Rail Baltica's broader culture of responsible construction. We have already experienced that through our environmental monitoring activities, we can increase the environmental awareness of contractors and introduce new, more environmentally friendly construction methods, which we hope will shape the entire infrastructure construction in the future.
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