History, Current Status, and Prospects for Radioecological Remediation of the Arctic

The main problems of the contamination of the Arctic seas by technogenic radionuclides are reviewed. The sources of contamination and assessments of their contribution to the current radiation conditions are examined. Attention is focused on the potential sources of contamination: ships decommissioned from the naval and ice-breaking fleets and nuclear vessels as well as the objects of their maintenance infrastructure (nuclear technological servicing vessels and shore-based technical facilities). The main results of the development and implementation of a strategic master plan for the comprehensive salvaging of objects of the nuclear fleet in the North-West region of the country are described. Sunken nuclear and radiation hazardous objects in the Arctic seas are examined separately. Assessments of their radiation characteristics are presented. Possible radioecological consequences of accidents and the prospects for making these objects safe are examined.