A previously underestimated risk lurks in the Arctic’s frozen soil. When permafrost thaws and becomes unstable it can lead to collapse of industrial infrastructure and increased release of pollutants. Contaminations already present can more easily spread. There are at least 13,000 to 20,000 contaminated sites in the Arctic that could pose a serious risk. Industrial expansion years ago led to micro-dumps full of toxic sludge from oil and gas exploration, stockpiles of mining debris, abandoned military installations, and lakes in which pollutants were intentionally poured. Increased thawing seems likely. When the ground collapses, it can damage pipelines, chemical stockpiles and depots, causing further contamination. Making matters worse, the interest in pursuing commercial activities in the Arctic is growing. Thus, more and more industrial facilities are being constructed which could also release toxic substances into nearby ecosystems.
www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/04/230404114242.htm