In Russia, it is necessary to adopt a law on permafrost in order to reduce the damage from its degradation. This was stated in an interview with RBC by the head of the Ministry of Natural Resources Alexander Kozlov.
According to him, it was previously believed that permafrost will always be, but it begins to change and disappear. In this regard, a comprehensive state monitoring system is being created on the basis of Roshydromet, with the help of which scientists will be able to predict the consequences and learn how to prevent accidents, such as in Norilsk.
“In the autumn session [of the State Duma], it is imperative to pass a law on permafrost, which will give Roshydromet the authority to do this,” the minister stressed.
Kozlov added that in three years the authorities intend to create a network of 140 stations – wells up to 30 m deep with sensors. The Ministry of Natural Resources will propose to the Ministry of Finance to include in the budget the costs for these purposes from January 2022. According to preliminary estimates, the required amount will be 1.7 billion rubles. for three years.
In early June, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the country felt the risks and threats of global environmental problems. Thus, the head of state pointed out that in the Arctic part of Russia, cities have been built on permafrost, and they are threatened with the consequences of melting ice.
In Norilsk, on May 29, 2020, an accident occurred at CHPP-3, owned by Norilsk Nickel's subsidiary NTEK. More than 21 thousand tons of diesel fuel spilled out of the storage facility and got into the nearby rivers and Lake Pyasino. In February 2021, the court ordered Norilsk Nickel to pay 146 billion rubles. as compensation for the damage to the environment, the company has already paid it.
The reason for the fuel spill at Norilsk Nickel was called the subsidence of the foundation and supports due to the thawing of frozen ground due to abnormally mild temperatures. Nevertheless, according to Rostekhnadzor, the accident in Norilsk occurred due to technical and organizational violations during the construction and operation of the emergency tank. As indicated by the service, no signs of “permafrost degradation” were found under the foundation and the adjacent territory.
