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Russia (Bolshoi Balchug) – Riverbank of Nuclear Waste

Project Overview

Closed
Country
Russia
Pollutant(s)
Plutonium-239, cesium-136, and strontium-90, Radioactivity Waste
Funder(s)
Internal Funding
Partner(s)
Citizens’ Center for Nuclear Non Proliferation
Regional Public Charity Organizations
Population affected
64,000
Children Affected
10,240
Cost of project
$9,870
Industry
Chemical Manufacturing, Mining
Pathway

Water

Source
Discharge of radioactive cooling water into river

During its 30 years of operation, the mining and chemical company Combine at Zheleznogorsk discharged its cooling water contaminated with radioactive wastes directly into the Yenisei River. At least 64,000 people living in the town of Bolshoi Balchug, located immediately downstream from the plant, were at risk of exposure to radionuclides, including plutonium-239, cesium-136, and strontium-90.

The main goal of the project was to improve radiation situation in the riverbank zone located near Bolshoi Balchug. Specialists from Blacksmith and the Citizens` Center on Nuclear Non-Proliferation conducted an independent radiological survey of the river bank (1300 m) in Bolshoi Balchug community and mapped radioactive hotspots. “Hot” locations were plotted on a topographic map.

The project informed the population and authorities of Krasnoyarsk region about radiation pollution of the territory in Bolshoi Balchug. The survey results were brought to the attention of local authorities and appropriate controlling units. 300 kms along the river were found to be declared an environmental disaster zone, after soil and sediment samples collected from the area showed radiation levels hundreds of times higher than permissible levels.

As a result, the company conducted remediation of the polluted areas. All “hot” particles found together with surrounding soil were taken from the soil and placed into a lead container. In November 2006, the contaminated material was handed over to a specialized organization Quant Ltd for proper disposal.

Last Updated: 08/08/23
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