The Question of Clean-Up of Radioactive Contamination in the Arctic Region

Abstract

This article considers the most significant sources of large-scale radioactive contamination in the Arctic from the middle of the last century: radioactive fallout from nuclear weapon tests, discharges of waste from the Sellafield (the United Kingdom) and Cap de la Hague (France) radiochemical plants, radioactivity carry-over by the northern rivers of Russia, nuclear Navy operation, radioisotope thermoelectric generators, and submerged and sunken radioactive objects. Their comparative contribution and associated radioecological risks are assessed. Special attention is focused on the analysis of the “nuclear legacy” of the Soviet/Russian nuclear Navy and the search for its solution. The content and results of the implementation of the Strategic Master Plan for the disposal of decommissioned nuclear Navy and radioecological rehabilitation of the service infrastructure, developed as part of broad international cooperation, is described. Attention is drawn to the remaining unsolved environmental problems in the Arctic associated with submerged and sunken objects containing spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste. Summary data on such objects and the risks of radioecological pollution of aquatic areas, estimated on the basis of simulation of the consequences of possible accidents, are presented.