In Lestijärvi, Finland, the local municipality constructed energy wells on a crucial groundwater area in 2020 without acquiring the required water management permits. Despite consistent urging from the South Ostrobothnia Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment and the Western and Inland Finland Regional State Administrative Agency throughout the decade, the municipality failed to apply for any permits. Now, faced with a potential €20,000 fine, the local government is finally submitting a permit application despite having previously denied the necessity of such permits for its own wells while simultaneously demanding permits from residents wishing to construct energy wells.

The unusual saga began in 2020, coinciding with the construction of a new school in the area, when a resident inquired whether the municipality's energy wells required a permit. This query prompted the regional environmental authority to investigate the matter, leading to prolonged negotiations about the legalities surrounding the drilling. The revealed negotiation minutes indicate that from early 2021 onward, discussions between the municipality and the various authorities regarding the drilling permits took place, highlighting a disconnect between the local government's operational decisions and the regulations intended to protect local water resources.

The case underscores the significant discrepancies between the regulations governing the municipality’s actions and those imposed on its citizens, raising serious questions about governance, environmental accountability, and the roles local authorities play in safeguarding natural resources. As Lestijärvi moves forward with its permit application to avoid financial penalties, this incident may serve as a critical lesson in the importance of adhering to environmental regulations and the ethical implications of local government practices.