Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Canada #248: Long range transport of radionuclides and heavy metals into the Arctic from worldwide industrial activities.  

Outline
Past radiological monitoring activities have revealed the vulnerability of fragile Arctic ecosystems and populations to radioactive contamination from events in distant parts of the earth, e.g., fallout from nuclear weapons testing, the Chernobyl reactor accident, the re-entry of Soviet satellite Cosmos-954 over northern Canada. Aging reactors and derelict nuclear vessels in the former Soviet Union pose an additional threat from a major accident at one of these facilities. Health Canada currently operates a radiological monitoring network throughout Canada, including the north in support of the Federal Nuclear Emergency Plan (FNEP) and the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT). This network routinely detects radionuclides released from nuclear fuel cycle activities throughout the northern hemisphere. The measured radionuclide concentrations are being combined with meteorological back-tracking calculations to identify the origin of the material. This will serve to characterize the dominant pathways by which radioactive material from a major nuclear accident might enter Arctic ecosystems. The information will aid emergency preparedness and response activities to protect northern populations. Methodology is currently under development to measure the long-lived radionuclides, e.g., krypton-85, iodine-129, isotopes of uranium and plutonium, that enter the global environment from nuclear fuel reprocessing activities. The measurement capabilities are also being extended to include stable heavy metals collected on Arctic air filters and to trace their movement from distant industrial sources, e.g., mining and smelting activities, coal-burning power stations, automobile emissions, etc. This information will aid in establishing international controls on the sources of pollution reaching the Arctic and will empower northern communities to make wise decisions on health issues such as the continued use of traditional foods. The above can be accomplished with existing resources. Additional funding of $400K/year would provide the following: • the capability to collect and analyze soil, water, ice, flora, and fauna samples from regions throughout the Arctic • extension of the analytical capabilities to include persistent organic pollutants, e.g., pesticide residues, in Arctic ecosystems. • scientific expertise to evaluate this information and assess the impacts on Arctic ecosystems and human health. • communications expertise to present the study results in a format that will benefit northern communities and other primary stakeholders. The result of these additional activities would be a more comprehensive assessment of the impact on indigenous populations of long range transport of pollutants into northern regions. It would also provide a more effective communication strategy to bring this information directly to the northern communities most in need of it.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
Observations, trends, and forecasting change in polar environments, climate and society.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) Organization: Canada has access to all radionuclide data from the International Monitoring System for verification under the Treaty. Also, bi-lateral arrangements for data sharing with other northern countries, e.g., Finland, Germany, USA, etc. Linkages with World Health Organization and World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Terrestrial environment throughout northern Canada and, through partnerships with other circumpolar countries, throughout the entire North Polar Region

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 04/2005 – 03/2008            
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Utilizing measurements of radionuclides and heavy metals from existing and planned radiological monitoring stations (CRMN, CTBT Networks), exchange of data with international partners. Infrastructure already exists.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
Components of the infrastructure are already in place and the remainder will be installed before 2007. This infrastructure will remain in place as a legacy after the International Polar Year.

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?

The logistics are already in place and are supported through Health Canada as well as other sources.

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
No

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?
Yes

This project is one component of an existing programme. However, the work is being re-focused to meet IPY objectives.

How will the project be organised and managed?
The project will be organized and managed by a principal investigator and scientific team at Health Canada, employing accepted project management practices. Outside partners will be included in the planning and operating activities.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Training component through the employment of students (undergraduate and graduate) and postdoctoral fellows. Development of educational packages for curricula in northern schools. Publication of significant findings in scientific journals.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
The plan is to make all of the monitoring data available on the Health Canada website. In addition, pre-publication copies of scientific papers will be posted on the website and copies made available for distribution. Presentations of results will be given at appropriate opportunities during visits to northern communities.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
Data collection funded by A-base and CTBT: $1000K O&M, $700K salary in 2004/2005. Additional $400K/year would be needed to complete all aspects of the plan.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
Northern involvement through local station operators and collections of samples.

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr. / Head, Radiological Impact Section Bliss Tracy
Radiation Protection Bureau, HECSB, Health Canada
Address Locator 6302D1
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 1C1
Canada

Tel: (613) 954-6678
Mobile: no
Fax: (613) 957-1089
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation