ARCTIC NUCLEAR WASTE

The objective of this program is to inspect several nuclear waste dumps that had not been inspected in the late 1970s and 1980s. The project was designed to determine the release rates of radionuclides and the long-term viability of materials used to store the waste. In addition, studies on the effects of radionuclides on humans and investigations of other potential contamination sources will be conducted.[1] Initiated by Alaskan Senator Ted Stevens, the program received congressional support through Public Law 102-396, in which it was allocated $10 million. Through FY 1995, the program had received $20 million more from Congress. The formal objectives of the program are threefold. First, the program is to develop a numerical modeling system that can be used to study past and future contamination of the Artic and its surrounding seas. Second, the modeling system is to be checked against known data. Finally, the program will investigate the "performance enhancements possible through the application of finer scale wind forcing." The end goal of the project is to develop ways to minimize the effects of nuclear contamination on the Alaskan shore, population, and fishing industry. These efforts have thus far been unilateral initiatives of the United States as Russia has not expressed overwhelming interest in the project. While Russian involvement is considered highly desirable, and perhaps even necessary, no formal bilateral agreements are in place or planned for the foreseeable future.[2] (For information on radioactive waste and Russian submarine decommissioning please see the Naval Nuclear Reactors Radioactive Waste section of the Profiles Database.)
Sources:
[1] "No Significant Health Effects From Arctic Nuclear Waste Dumping," Post-Soviet Nuclear & Defense Monitor, 31 October 1995, p. 7.
[2] "Background Document: The Cooperative Threat Reduction Assistance to Russia", Stimson Center's Nuclear Roundtable Website, http://www.stimson.org/rd-table/ctr-russ.htm, 16 January 1997.
{Updated 4/2/98 PBI}

Page last updated 22 March 1999
Comments or questions? Contact Cristina Chuen at MIIS CNS: Cristina.Chuen@miis.edu

This material is produced independently for NTI by the Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of and has not been independently verified by NTI or its directors, officers, employees, agents. Copyright © 2003 by MIIS.

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