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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Radioactive dumping in the Arctic Ocean

Journal Article · · Oceanus; (United States)
OSTI ID:5534591

Recent revelations concerning the possible environmental hazards posed by the sunken Soviet nuclear submarine Komsomolets and the disposal of radioactive materials in the Arctic and North Atlantic oceans have generated much controversy and debate. Too often, however, the key scientific and policy issues that the dumping raises are treated as two solitudes. In reality, decisions taken by national governments and international agencies in connection with remediation, regulation, and even research must be based on both science and policy. Indeed, a sound approach to the dumping issue must integrate scientific evidence and policy considerations relating to legal, political, social, and economic matters. Radioactive waste disposal is an exceedingly difficult problem. Information detailing the Soviet Navy's past dumping practices, and increasing awareness of the problems that Russia and other states may encounter in the future disposal of radioactive waste, indicate that the global inventory of radioactive wastes requiring storage and disposal is large and growing.

OSTI ID:
5534591
Journal Information:
Oceanus; (United States), Journal Name: Oceanus; (United States) Vol. 36:3; ISSN 0029-8182; ISSN OCEAAK
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English