Assessment results of sites impacted by accumulated environmental damage along the coastline of the Barents Sea (Eastern Murman)

The article discusses the findings from monitoring sites of accumulated environmental damage (AED) along the East Murman coastline. The area surveyed includes the mouth of the Kharlovka River estuary, which is near the Seven Islands Archipelago within the Kandalaksha State Nature Reserve. During a thorough engineering and environmental assessment of the region, an inventory of AED sites was conducted, along with an evaluation of the amount of accumulated waste and an analysis of pollutant levels in the soil. The survey revealed six unauthorized waste disposal sites, primarily consisting of fuel and lubricant containers and scrap metal. Soil testing at two locations within the Barents Sea’s water protection zone indicated significant contamination with oil products, while the levels of metals (Zn, Cd, Pb, Cu) were found to be acceptable. The analysis of soil conditions revealed that degradation within the Kharlovka River estuary began during the operation of a fuel and lubricants storage facility in the area. At the time of the assessment, over a third of the surveyed area lacked a fertile soil layer, and the remaining soil and vegetation were sparse. The degree of contamination by oil products requires the implementation of highly efficient soil remediation methods.