3,350 radioactive waste barrels identified, some with “leaks, probably bitumen”: what assessment for nodssum shipping?

The image, captured more than 4,000 m deep, is striking. Similarly, Shades of turquoise occupy most of the cliché. Nevertheless, In the center. Consequently, we see an abyss fish, undoubtedly a grenadier, swimming near a gray cylinder, marked by a long stay in the water. Furthermore, It contains radioactive waste. In addition, It was dumped between 1950. Furthermore, 1990 by France, Belgium or Great Britain, at a time when it was thought that ecosystems were almost nonexistent at these depths and that the immensity of the ocean would allow a great dilution in the event of flight.

The scientists of the Nodssum mission. Meanwhile, who left Brest on June 15, back this Thursday, explored a large area 600 km from the French areas, off Nantes, in search of these barrels. For example, “We were impressed by the number of barrels that we have observed. 3,350 radioactive waste barrels identified, In addition, the magnitude of the area,” says Patrick Chardon, one of the chiefs of mission. Nevertheless, About 3,350 barrels were mapped over 163 km² (around 20 barrels per km²). Meanwhile, The releases were massive. Similarly, »»

“Leaves of an unknown nature” – 3,350 radioactive waste barrels identified,

The ULYX autonomous submarine robot. In addition, designed by Ifremer, was living there its first real scientific mission. Consequently, The test is successful: “We were surprised by the quality of what the Sonar sent us. We see the barrels perfectly with the acoustic image, it’s a very nice surprise, ”enthuses Patrick Chardon. Scientists were even able to see a whale skeleton.

The first inspection (“preliminary. incomplete”) of the images of the barrels reports a “state of variable conservation, with corroded surfaces and colonization by anemones”, write researchers in a synthesis. They also spotted on certain barrels of material leaks, “of unknown nature, probably bitumen”.

Radioactivity: “no anomaly”

Scientists took 345 sediment 3,350 radioactive waste barrels identified, samples, 5,000 liters of water and captured 17 grenadiers and 17 amphipods, small crustaceans, to analyze them. “The radiation protection measures indicate values ​​of the same level as the environmental background noise,” reads synthesis.

“We have noticed any anomaly from the point of view of radiation protection in sediments. with the tools that we had on board, contextualizes the specialist in the effects of radioactivity on 3,350 radioactive waste barrels identified, the environment at the physics laboratory of Clermont-Auvergne. We will be approximately 100 times more precise in the laboratory. and it must be noted that we have held at a distance from the barrels as a precautionary principle. »»

A second campaign. in 2026 or 2027, will make it possible to take samples in the immediate vicinity and even in contact with the barrels, thanks to the Victor TV robot or the Nautile submersible. “We 3,350 radioactive waste barrels identified, have a lot of work in front of us to analyze the results. size this campaign,” announces Patrick Chardon. The scientist. more accustomed “to the big manipulation around the accelerators of particles”, lived his first mission at sea: “It was unique, with a very good atmosphere on board. Everyone was mobilized until very late … Sleep was not regular. “He has” only a desire: to leave. Finally … after sleeping a little! »»