ASSESSMENT OF THE RADIATION RISK CONNECTED TO THE CONTAMINATION OF THE PINE FOREST LOCATED NEAR TO THE SEMIPALATINSK NUCLEAR TEST SITE

This environmental assessment and management plan for the Forest Protection and Reforestation Project for Kazakhstan, which improves reforestation, forest fire management, and planting on the dry Aral seabed, and rangelands management, anticipates environmental risks and proposes measures to mitigate them. Likely impacts and compensating measures include restricting traffic to avoid erosion and formation of tracks; using seeds from nearby regions and selecting species based on botanical and soil scientific research, and correctly using fertilizers and watering, and removing dead trees to prevent pest damage; conserving the nutrient capital of sandy soils to maintain productivity; supporting natural regeneration over artificial regeneration, especially in ecological and recreational zones where possible; using hand tools and light machinery in wintertime, and generally minimizing soil disturbance to lessen damage to the topsoil; siting fire prevention lookout towers and access roads, and mapping river habitats and protected areas to preserve ecologically valuable habitats; wearing face masks in dusty works to protect against radionuclide contamination; applying fire breaks to newly constructed roads; stopping excessive cutting for fuelwood, locating tree plantations close to inhabited areas and restore and enhance control of natural forests where possible; avoiding places where water or wind action may cause erosion and ban off-road traffic; preserving the most valuable habitats as nature reserves; locating wells to prevent overgrazing; and transporting, storing and using chemicals following natural regulations.