A toxic lake in Ulan-Ude will be cut up and transported for recycling: what threatens Lake Baikal?
The phenolic waste septic tank in Ulan-Ude, which accumulated during Soviet times, is finally being liquidated. A method has been chosen. unusualIn winter, the lake will be frozen, cut into pieces, and transported piece by piece to Novokuznetsk. The project is scheduled for 2027–2029 and has already received approval from Rosprirodnadzor.
What is the danger of a septic tank?
The lake is filled with phenol and coal tar. It is located on the border of Lake Baikal's water protection zone. Due to the lack of a sealed bottom, chemicals can leak into groundwater—and then into Lake Baikal.
Several attempts were made to eliminate the septic tank. However, chemical waste is dangerous both to burn and to bury. As a result, the problem was put off for years.
How will they liquidate?
The project involves several stages. Next winter, when the lake freezes over, it will be cut up and transported piece by piece to Novokuznetsk for processing. A seepage barrier will be erected around the lake to prevent the poison from spreading into the air during dredging. In 2028, a reclamation waterproofing barrier will be installed in place of the settling pond. The contaminated soil will also be disposed of, although the exact method is not specified.
The project received a positive assessment from Rosprirodnadzor. Local media reported on the safety measures. lead with reference to the head of the Federal Ecological Operator (FEO) Maxim Pogodin.
Chemical swamps across Russia
There are plenty of "chemical" settling ponds and swamps in Russian regions. For example, bitumen swamps near Tver or в Odintsovo District Moscow region. Recently, a lake with chemical contents spilled in the surrounding area and summer cottages near Nizhny NovgorodLocal residents have been demanding the elimination of these "chemical swamps" for years, but authorities have done nothing.
Photo: Rosatom
