A large monitoring organisation involving many institutions was set up with a prime need of standardisation of measurements and the institution of additional monitoring.
A mathematical model was set up involving many different specialists which enabled the storage of a massive amount of data, including detailed hydrological, biological and geographical information. This provided a real time display and was of great value.
There were considerable problems in localizing radioactive contamination especially in relation to the very large number of vehicle movements. Fully automated vehicle monitoring equipment was set up. Much attention was given rendering activity immobile. The clear weather over the nuclear site "guaranteed by the State Hydro-meteorological Commission for a whole month" was a good thing but conversely it increased the resuspension of activity. This was countered by spraying inexpensive, non-toxic substances over thousands of square metres every day, firstly roads, then soil and crops where wind erosion was substantial.
Increased precautions were taken in forested areas to prevent fires which would have redistributed activity on the leaves and forest litter.
In the first few days after the accident measures were taken to provide alternative water supplies. In Kiev 400 wells were bored to replace the supply normally taken from the Dnieper. Water purification techniciques were introduced including the use of absorbents which reduced activity 100 fold.
Other major civil engineering works were undertaken and these were particularly substantial in the near neighbourhood of the nuclear site. In the near future the capability of natural purification processes will be assessed. So far they had little data on ground water contamination. He concluded by stressing that the situation both inside and outside the 30 km exclusion zone was now 'calm'.
In May and June urban decontamination of Kiev was effected and it is now the "cleanest city in the world".
16
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.