News in Press-centre

Far East Federal University and the Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Science (FEB RAS) have begun to develop a program for the elimination of accumulated environmental damage in Golden Horn Bay, Vladivostok. Specialists conduct the first phase of the work, the comprehensive engineering surveys, the survey of the bottom, water area, and coastal zone of the bay. The customer is the All-Russian Scientific Research Institute for Environmental Protection (VNII Ecology) and the main executing agency is the FEFU School of Engineering.

According to Valery Petukhov, the Deputy Director of the FEFU School of Engineering, a multibeam echo sounder has been launched to survey the bottom of the water area. The device provides the most accurate image of the bottom topography to analyse its contamination. A layered mapping of the water area will also be carried out to ensure the proper quality of the bay cleaning. In total scientists will have to survey an area of 2 sq. miles (5.2 sq. km.) at depths of up to 28 meters.

“The exact location of submerged objects, the composition, concentrations, and volume of contaminated soils will be determined with the help of underwater robots, magnetic surveying, drilling, and soil sampling. At the same time, the team of specialists is conducting a reconnaissance survey of the quays, docks and coastline to identify the sources of negative impact. As a result, we will prepare a 3D model of the objects of accumulated environmental damage,” Valery Petukhov explained. “Engineering and environmental surveys are scheduled to be completed in early June, all data will be made publicly available.”

At the second stage, experts will analyse the modern treatment technologies and make recommendations for their implementation at sites that are now the main sources of pollution. There are three ports in the bay, an oil depot, this is an area of active shipping, including oil and natural gas transportation. Hydrotechnical and coastal construction is being carried out along the coastline, urban storm sewers and TPP thermal pollutants are discharged into the water area.

“Sewage is the main source of pollution. According to our estimates, there are now about 25 million cubic meters of contaminated soil in the bay, with at least five vessels flooded. The biologists believe that if the discharge of sewage is stopped, the bay would recover on its own in 6-7 years,” Valery Petukhov said.

The project to clean Golden Horn Bay is under personal control of Yuri Trutnev, the Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, Presidential Envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District.