Over 800 tons of scrap metal collected on Bely Island over four years
The Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Area summarized the 10th environmental expedition to Bely Island, which ended on December 29, 2015, according to a statement on the official website of the regional authorities. In December, over 25 tons of scrap metal and 50 cubic meters of waste-wood were collected and stockpiled, and dilapidated temporary structures were dismantled.
"The 10th expedition to Bely Island is a landmark event not only for our region but for Russia as a whole. It confirms our growing activity in the Arctic. We are able to preserve the region's nature by solving and preventing environmental problems," Director of the Russian Center for Arctic Development Vladimir Pushkaryov said.
In total, over 800 tons of scrap metal were collected and over 500 tons were prepared for removal as part of the environmental activities on Bely Island. Work on cleaning the island launched in 2012 upon the initiative of Governor of the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Area Dmitry Kobylkin based on the autonomous area's environmental strategy as an Arctic region of Russia.
Fifty-two hectares of land on Bely Island have been cleared, including the territory of the Popov polar sea hydrometeorological station and the adjacent territories of the former military unit and the geological explorers' station.