Nuclear Wastes in the Arctic: An Analysis of Arctic and Other

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Regional Impacts From Soviet Nuclear Contamination

244

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U.S. Congress, Office of Technology Assessment

1996

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1 Summary, Findings, and Policy Options 1

Key Findings of Study 14

Policy Issues and Options 18

References 25

2 Contamination from Nuclear Wastes in the Arctic and North Pacific 27

Background and Overview 27

Arctic Contamination from Non-dumping Sources 33

Radioactive Contamination from Soviet Nuclear Waste Dumping 45

Research and Monitoring of Radioactive Contamination in the Arctic, the North Pacific, and Alaska

50

Research and Monitoring: Data Gaps and Future Needs 60

Remediation Options 63

Conclusions 71

References 72

3 Environmental and Health Effects of Nuclear Waste Dumping in the Arctic 79

Human Health Effects from Radiation 80

Sources of Ionizing Radiation 85

Potential Health Effects from Nuclear Contamination in the Arctic and North Pacific 86

Ecological Effects of Radiation in the Arctic and North Pacific Regions 106

Conclusions 108

References 110

4 Sources and Risks of Potential Future Contamination 115

The Russian Nuclear Fleet 117

Managing Spent Fuel from the Russian Fleet: Issues and Opportunities for Cooperation 133

Russian Nuclear Power Plants—Safety Concerns and Risk Reduction Efforts 149

Conclusions 163

References 166

5 Institutional Framework and Policies 171

U.S. Initiatives and Programs Supporting Research on Radioactive Contamination in the Arctic 173

Monitoring and Early Warning Initiatives Designed to Address Radioactive Contamination in the

Arctic 194

Institutional Initiatives and Programs Designed to Prevent Future Arctic Radioactive Contamination

202

Current Russian Institutional Structure 215

References 221

Appendix A: Reviewers 231

Appendix B: Acronyms and Glossary 233

Appendix C: Excerpts from DoD Appropriations Acts for FY1993, 1994 & 1995 Providing Funding

and Authority for the Arctic Nuclear Waste

Assessment Program (ANWAP) 237