May 2008 Archives
From the “you just can’t make this stuff up” file ...
Ukrainian police have detained several people who were attempting to transport the remains of an Mi-8 “Hip” helicopter out of the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. A statement issued by Ukraine’s security service (SBU) indicated the criminals “tried to take an Mi-8 helicopter out of the exclusion zone to use it as an original coffee shop is one of Ukraine’s cities.” At the time the thieves were captured, the helicopter was emitting up to 30 times the legal level of radiation.
Below are 2 photos of Mi-8 helicopters.
For some reason, I just don’t see myself wanting to eat in something like that!
The criminal gang involved in this incident is also responsible for stealing radioactive scrap metal and timber from the Zone. The metal items were melted down for scrap, while the timber was usually reprocessed at underground plants and later sold as construction materials.
Photo Credits:
Mi-8 Chernobyl: Phil Coomes
Mi-8 Ukraine: Максим Брянский
Ukrainian police have detained several people who were attempting to transport the remains of an Mi-8 “Hip” helicopter out of the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. A statement issued by Ukraine’s security service (SBU) indicated the criminals “tried to take an Mi-8 helicopter out of the exclusion zone to use it as an original coffee shop is one of Ukraine’s cities.” At the time the thieves were captured, the helicopter was emitting up to 30 times the legal level of radiation.
Below are 2 photos of Mi-8 helicopters.
Ukrainian Military Mi-8
Mi-8 remains in the Chernobyl Exlcusion Zone
For some reason, I just don’t see myself wanting to eat in something like that!
The criminal gang involved in this incident is also responsible for stealing radioactive scrap metal and timber from the Zone. The metal items were melted down for scrap, while the timber was usually reprocessed at underground plants and later sold as construction materials.
Photo Credits:
Mi-8 Chernobyl: Phil Coomes
Mi-8 Ukraine: Максим Брянский
Here is a short video shot during a recent trip to Pripyat in Spring 2008. You can here my friend Lyubov Sirota talking in the background.
Look at the amount of vegetation lining the street. This is Lenin Boulevard, the city's main street. It ran from the city entrance to the main square. Believe it or not, there are high-rise apartment buildings all along the road (you can see parts of a few buildings in the video).
This 2.5 minute video really shows you how much nature has taken over this city.
Look at the amount of vegetation lining the street. This is Lenin Boulevard, the city's main street. It ran from the city entrance to the main square. Believe it or not, there are high-rise apartment buildings all along the road (you can see parts of a few buildings in the video).
This 2.5 minute video really shows you how much nature has taken over this city.
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin is meeting today with French President, Nicolas Sarkozy to discuss European Union (EU) trade negotiations. In the past, G8 leaders only dealt with Russia at the presidential level. This seems to acknowledge that Putin remains the focus of power in Russia, not President Dmitry Medvedev.Under Russia's Constitution, the President is responsible for setting foreign and domestic policy, while the Prime Minister is in charge of implementing presidential policies. Putin seems to have shifted the balance of power, taking the lead in setting the country's policy agenda. Putin appointees continue to dominate senior government positions, including the presidential staff. Only two of Medvedev's close allies hold senior positions - Konstantin Chuichenko is an aide and Alexander Konovalov is Justice Minister.
Putin has increased his policy-making authority by consulting with an inner circle of ministers instead of holding weekly Cabinet sessions. This group, called the presidium, includes the ministers of defense and interior and foreign affairs. Under the Constitution, these ministers are supposed to report directly to the President.
Since taking office, Medvedev's role has mostly been reiterating existing policy. It seems clear that Putin is still in control of the country. As President, Medvedev may not be acting as Putin's "puppet," but he has yet to exert any influence on Russian policy either. To be fair, Medvedev has only been in power for three weeks and is still getting acclimated to his new office. It will be interesting to see how Medvedev works with the government in the coming months. Will he begin setting policy on his own, or will he simply allow his mentor to continue with the status quo?
Kyiv's incumbent mayor Leonid Chernovetsky has apparently won another term in office. With approximately 80% of votes counted, Chernovetsky has almost twice as many votes as his closest competitor, First Deputy Prime Minister Oleksandr Turchynov.According to the Kyiv City Electoral Commission, 53.39% of eligible voters turned out for the May 25 election at 1,026 polling stations located throughout the city. Seventy candidates participated in the election, producing a ballot measuring one meter in length.
At the time of this posting, data from 830 polling stations reveals the following results:
- Leonid Chernovetsky (36.89%)
- Oleksandr Turchynov (18.71%)
- Vitaliy Klitschko (17.66%)
- Victor Pylypyshyn (6.62%)
- Mykola Katerynchuk (4.34%)
- Oleksandr Omelchenko (2.49%)
- Vassyl Horbal (2.4%)
- Oleh Tyahnybok (1.36%)
- Oleksandr Pabat (1.31%)
- Chernovetsky Bloc (30.02%)
- Yulia Tymoshenko Bloc - BYuT (22.59%)
- Klitschko Bloc (10.46%)
- Lytvyn Block (8.12%)
- Civil Activists of Kyiv (5.83%)
- Party of Regions (3.93%)
- Katerynchuk Bloc (3.41%)
Tymoshenko refused to cooperate with other Democratic political groups to back a single mayoral candidate. This stubbornness gave voters too many options on the ballot. The result was Tymoshenko suffering her first political defeat in what can only be viewed as a failure of monumental proportions.
Many experts viewed this election as a preview of Ukraine's 2010 Presidential election in which Tymoshenko is expected to have a successful run against incumbent President Viktor Yushchenko. If this city election was indeed a Presidential preview, Tymoshenko could be in a lot of trouble. On the other hand, I'm sure Yushchenko is overjoyed at this outcome.
Tymoshenko clearly overestimated her popularity and influence. Obviously, she does not have nearly the same amount of influence over voters as Vladimir Putin did earlier this year, helping Dmitry Medvedev get elected as President of Russia in a landslide.
On May 16, 2008, Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada passed a new law limiting the government's authority. This law restores the President's right to review Cabinet appointments and increases presidential control over defense and foreign policy. The bill was supported by 245 members of Parliament.Due to political deals made during the 2004 protests over election fraud, Yushchenko agreed to a reduction of presidential powers. Two years later, Parliament passed legislation further decreasing his powers. Ever since taking office, Yushchenko has wanted to overhaul the country's Constitution in an effort to restore the balance of power between the President and the government.
Yushchenko saw his opportunity to change the law following the democratic coalition's narrow victory in the September 2007 pre-term parliamentary election. What he did not foresee was Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko's desire to change Ukraine's form of government to a parliamentary republic. If this occurred, it would further decrease presidential powers, essentially making the President little more than a ceremonial figurehead.
While the new law is not exactly what Yushchenko wanted, it is nonetheless a small victory. Due to the unpredictable nature of Ukrainian politics, any victory is worthy of a celebration. It may have been a baby step, but at least for Yushchenko, it was a step in the right direction.
Photo courtesy of the official website of the President of Ukraine
According to a May 19 press release, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has agreed to donate 135 million Euros in support of clean up efforts at the Chernobyl Nuclear Facility in northern Ukraine.
The funds appear to be earmarked for support of two key contracts:
The New Safe Confinement is being funded through the Chernobyl Shelter Fund. Contributing countries include: Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, European Community, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Donations have been made by Iceland, Israel, Korea, Portugal, the Slovak Republic and Slovenia.
The Interim Storage Facility-2 project is financed by the Nuclear Safety Account. Belgium, Canada, Denmark, European Community, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States have all contributed to this fund.
Even with the EBRD grant, there is not enough money to complete these projects. It is hoped that the EBRD grant will be a catalyst for additional financing from donor countries.
Information obtained from May 19, 2008 EBRD Press Release
The funds appear to be earmarked for support of two key contracts:
- Construction of the New Safe Confinement
- Completion of the Interim Storage Facility-2
The New Safe Confinement is being funded through the Chernobyl Shelter Fund. Contributing countries include: Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, European Community, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Donations have been made by Iceland, Israel, Korea, Portugal, the Slovak Republic and Slovenia.
The Interim Storage Facility-2 project is financed by the Nuclear Safety Account. Belgium, Canada, Denmark, European Community, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States have all contributed to this fund.
Even with the EBRD grant, there is not enough money to complete these projects. It is hoped that the EBRD grant will be a catalyst for additional financing from donor countries.
Information obtained from May 19, 2008 EBRD Press Release
At the Chernobyl Nulcear Plant, personnel of the contractor UTEM recently participated in a two-day training program designed to teach them appropriate skills for repairing part of the Sarcophagus' roof. The training, conducted by Yuri Pasechnikova and Oleg Mihnevicha (from ChAES), involved 20 contractors. The employees were taught how to improve the consistency of fastening the new roofing material and how to use special power tools. Techniques for using personal protective equipment was also discussed.Physical work on the actual roof is scheduled to begin May 20 and be completed within two months. These roofing repairs are designed to:
- Reduce the amount of rainfall currently entering the Sarcophagus' interior
- Decrease the potential outflow of radioactive aerosols into the environment
Photo - courtesy of ChAES
I just stumbled upon a new video/news report by Tessa Parry-Wingfield (Al Jazeera) about Chernobyl-affected areas.
What makes this video unique is that it features Karpavichi, an abandoned village in the contaminated areas of southern Belarus, approximately 60 km from the Chernobyl Nuclear Plant. Karpavichi used to have 62 houses and was home to approximately 190 people.
The video also features samosel Adam Nikidich, who has returned to his home in the village of Belli Bara. Adam survives on food from passing trucks, fishing and vegetables he grows himself.
What makes this video unique is that it features Karpavichi, an abandoned village in the contaminated areas of southern Belarus, approximately 60 km from the Chernobyl Nuclear Plant. Karpavichi used to have 62 houses and was home to approximately 190 people.
The video also features samosel Adam Nikidich, who has returned to his home in the village of Belli Bara. Adam survives on food from passing trucks, fishing and vegetables he grows himself.
A two-day seminar is scheduled for May 21 and 22 at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. The theme of the presentation is "International and national project enhancing nuclear and radiation safety of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant and the Exclusion Zone and unconditional Zone (compulsory) resettlement, condition and experience of problems, prospects."
In other words , the purpose of the seminar presentations is the analysis of the state, experiences and prospects of implementation of international and national projects to improve nuclear and radiation safety at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant and the Exclusion Zone. They will also discuss problems and ways to create modern automated systems for radiological controls as well as systems for monitoring non-proliferation of radioactive substances and nuclear materials. Additional topics include how to ensure the safety of radioactive waste management, radiation safety personnel, the public and the environment.
The seminar organizers include the Chernobyl Nuclear Plant administration, Institute for Security AES NASU, State Research and Production Enterprise "Chernobyl Radioecological Center (GSNPP "Ekotsentr"), and the corporation Ukratomprilad (Ukrainian nuclear devices and the system).
This seminar apparently is not open to the public, though members of the media are invited to the event. Since the seminar is at the Chernobyl Plant, journalists cannot just show up at the checkpoint. Prior arrangements must be made through the Information and Analysis Unit of the Chernobyl Plant - May 19 is the deadline for accreditation.
It sounds like an interesting seminar, but I'm sure it would only be worthwhile to attend if you can understand Russian at close to an expert level.
In other words , the purpose of the seminar presentations is the analysis of the state, experiences and prospects of implementation of international and national projects to improve nuclear and radiation safety at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant and the Exclusion Zone. They will also discuss problems and ways to create modern automated systems for radiological controls as well as systems for monitoring non-proliferation of radioactive substances and nuclear materials. Additional topics include how to ensure the safety of radioactive waste management, radiation safety personnel, the public and the environment.
The seminar organizers include the Chernobyl Nuclear Plant administration, Institute for Security AES NASU, State Research and Production Enterprise "Chernobyl Radioecological Center (GSNPP "Ekotsentr"), and the corporation Ukratomprilad (Ukrainian nuclear devices and the system).
This seminar apparently is not open to the public, though members of the media are invited to the event. Since the seminar is at the Chernobyl Plant, journalists cannot just show up at the checkpoint. Prior arrangements must be made through the Information and Analysis Unit of the Chernobyl Plant - May 19 is the deadline for accreditation.
It sounds like an interesting seminar, but I'm sure it would only be worthwhile to attend if you can understand Russian at close to an expert level.
This morning, my friend Sasha at Pripyat.com posted a series of photos taken at night in Pripyat, prior to the Chernobyl accident. Even though these pictures are not the best of quality (as you can see above), they are still interesting from a historical perspective and a rare find indeed.These photos were found in the archives of Misha Nazarenko. Since they are newly posted at Pripyat.com, I am not posting them directly in this blog, but will provide links to the actual photos:
Cultural Center DK Energetik
http://forum.pripyat.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=7923&d=1210574756
Cultural Center and Hotel Polissia
http://forum.pripyat.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=7924&d=1210574756
Cultural Center DK Energetik
http://forum.pripyat.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=7925&d=1210574756
Prometheus Cinema
http://forum.pripyat.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=7926&d=1210574765
Unknown Shop
This could be the shop “Rainbow” on the ground floor of the “White House” located at the corner of Kurchatov Street and Lenin Boulevard. The shop sold dry goods, auto parts and radio supplies.
If I have correctly identified this photo, you have probably seen pictures of this location - at the corner of the building is a phone booth. The “White House” is located across the street from the city’s main square, cultural center and hotel.
http://forum.pripyat.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=7927&d=1210574765
Today, Dmitry Medvedev officially became the President of Russia. Medvedev took the oath of office in the Kremlin’s Andreyevsky Hall and vowed to promote freedom and the rule of law. Medvedev also promised to combat corruption and enhance civil and economic liberties.
Following the inauguration, Medvedev accepted the government’s resignation and nominated Vladimir Putin for the office of Prime Minister. The nomination is expected to be approved by Parliament tomorrow.
Here is a 6 minute section of Medvedev’s acceptance speech:
As his last presidential act, Vladimir Putin also spoke at the ceremony, saying that he kept his promise to safeguard Russia’s interests, and called for support for the new President and the continuation of his policies.
“It is extremely important that we continue the course that has been taken and has justified itself, while prioritizing the interests of citizens ... Over the past eight years we have accomplished a breakthrough that enables us today to map out tasks and plans, not for the next month, but for 20-30 years ahead. We have set ambitious goals and I am absolutely confident that we can achieve them.”
Here is a 5 minute portion of Putin’s speech:
Following the inauguration, Medvedev accepted the government’s resignation and nominated Vladimir Putin for the office of Prime Minister. The nomination is expected to be approved by Parliament tomorrow.
Here is a 6 minute section of Medvedev’s acceptance speech:
As his last presidential act, Vladimir Putin also spoke at the ceremony, saying that he kept his promise to safeguard Russia’s interests, and called for support for the new President and the continuation of his policies.
“It is extremely important that we continue the course that has been taken and has justified itself, while prioritizing the interests of citizens ... Over the past eight years we have accomplished a breakthrough that enables us today to map out tasks and plans, not for the next month, but for 20-30 years ahead. We have set ambitious goals and I am absolutely confident that we can achieve them.”
Here is a 5 minute portion of Putin’s speech:
Greenfield Project Management Ltd., a Dublin-based investment and project management company specializing in energy, wants to grow feed crops in the Chernobyl-contaminated lands in Belarus for use in generating ethanol fuel.Greenfield already has a joint venture agreement in place with state-owned Belbiopharm for the construction of bio-ethanol production facilities in Belarus. The first facility is planned to be built on the Pripyat River in Mozyr and is scheduled for completion before the end of 2010. This plant would generate 550-650 million liters of bio-ethanol annually, targeted for the European market.
I had many doubts when I first heard about this plan. My first thought was, great - let’s do this and use our cars to spread Chernobyl’s radioactive fallout around the world! However, after researching this issue further, I have found some potential benefits.
Currently, scientists estimate that the contaminated lands in Belarus will not be safe for cultivation of food for 300-600 years. Greenfield feels that through repeated harvests of specific types of grain for ethanol feedstock, the land could become safe for food production in as little as 60 years. Prime crops candidates are wheat and sugar beet.
How is this possible? Vegetation has the ability to absorb radioactive isotopes from the soil and incorporates it into the plants themselves. Theoretically, repeat harvests could remove contamination from the land quicker than if the land remains fallow. If this were to work, it is great news for Belarus and the government’s plans to repopulate the contaminated lands.
The remaining question is how to prevent dangerous levels of radioactivity from remaining in the resultant fuel. The International Atomic Energy Association (IAEA) says radioactivity can remain in the final fuel production, but only at acceptable background levels that are present worldwide. Didier Louvat, head of the IAEA Waste and Environmental Safety Section has said, “After the oil processing, the remaining radioactivity doesn’t make a big difference.”
Apparently, Danish and Swedish technology already exists to remove radioactivity from feedstock. Greenfield plans to move slowly by first testing the process using uncontaminated feedstock.
While this is exciting news, I will remain skeptical until I can read more about the actual process of generating this ethanol product, and how the radiation will be removed and safely stored. I am also concerned that the IAEA says the “remaining radioactivity doesn’t make a difference.” What are the precise levels of “doesn’t make a difference?” I would also feel better if the IAEA wanted to see less radiation in the final product that current worldwide background levels.
This situation will need to be monitored on an on-going basis to determine if the plan truly is a good thing and a positive step forward, or an extremely dangerous mistake.
