Arctic cleanup program

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In 2010 the Russian Geographical Society has taken on obligations for full scale cleaning of the Arctic. Under the auspices of the government program the Society has launched the large scale cleaning operation of the Polar region. Estimation of pollution level in the Arctic started in 2011.

Estimation includes:

  • Air and ground survey of territories and objects;
  • Selected geodesic survey;
  • Buildings, constructions, stores and dumps measuring;
  • Environment survey, collectionof soil, water, plants, bottom deposits etc. samples.

Alexandra Land Island has been entirely cleaned in 2012. 47.5 thousands of steel barrels weighing 1892 tons were collected, cleaned and pressed. 1744 tons of combustible and lubricating material was decanted and transferred to the temporary housing are (THA). 4119 tons of old metal of different sorts and 4797 tons of solid waste was collected and handled.

The cleanup program continued on Graham Bell, the Alexandra Land and the Hooker Islands, the Franz Josef Land Islands in 2013. Near-term plans include cleaning of other islands of Franz Josef Land Archipelago – Heiss Island, Rudolf Island, and Hofmann Island.

Main works of 2013 were performed on the Graham Bell Island where up to 5000 tons of combustible and lubricating material, 12500 tons of steel waste including up to 300000 steel barrels, and more than 5000 tons of other waste is located.

More than 100 peoples of contingent and more than 30 units of equipment took part in the operation

Results:

  • More than 52000 steel barrels weighing about 2000 tons were collected, cleaned and pressed;
  • 2500 tons of combustible and lubricating material were decanted and transferred to the THA;
  • 5000 tons of old metal of different sorts was collected, handled and transferred;
  • 1800 tons of solid waste was collected, handled and transferred;
  • About 50 ha of polluted land were reclaimed.

Total cost of the works in 2012-2013 estimated 1.3 billion rubles.

Works will be continued in 2013-2014.