The problem

This project brought together the NGO and local government communities of the area of Chelyabinsk near the Mayak nuclear complex, enabling a fractious relationship to transform into one of mutual cooperation. The intent was to encourage both parties to focus on implementing solutions to radioactive and environmental problems together.

Current Activity

Blacksmith donated research-quality equipment to the NGOs to measure local radioactivity. The NGOs and two government groups met at a specific village and checked the calibration of their equipment. They then each took a series of sample measurements of various soils, foodstuffs, milk, etc. throughout the village, and compared readings. Differences were discussed and reconciled. The results of the calibration test project and future plans to reduce local radioactive waste were written up into a report which will eventually be published in an international scientific journal.