Strategies to manage human impact in the tundra

Strategies to manage human impact in the tundra 7

7 Noril’sk Nickel Status of Clean-Up Activity According to company reports, Norilsk Nickel has worked consistently to reduce emissions of major air pollutants. In 2006, the company reported investment of more than US $5 m to maintain and overhaul its dust and gas recovery and removal systems. It asserts a commitment of nearly US $1. 4 m for its air pollution prevention plan. However, official statistics state that emissions remain extremely high. Norilsk Nickel has been amenable to Blacksmith Institute's efforts to investigate the plant and facilities. Blacksmith representatives visited the site in July of 2007 and confirmed that, indeed, the company was making significant efforts to address the level of emissions. Norilsk Nickel stated their intention to move the nickel plant inside the city to a plant just outside. They also aspire to reduce the volume of sulphur dioxide emissions to 400 thousand tons by 2015 (which would result in normal atmospheric air) but admit that goal deadline is an extremely ambitious one. Blacksmith staff also met with leading experts on environment and health while conducting this recent site assessment. These local experts confirmed extremely high levels of atmospheric contamination. They reported that although there have been some reductions in pollution levels, levels of SO 2, HS, phenol, formaldehyde, and dust had increased; levels of nickel and copper had increased by 50%. Morbidity rates are stable and death rates are decreasing. Their reports on children's health confirmed much higher rates of respiratory, digestive and nervous illnesses and more abortions and premature births than other cities in the region. Incidences of cancer (especially lung) have increased. Some estimates state that air pollution is responsible for 37% of children's morbidity rates and 21. 6% of adult morbidity.