President of Kazakhstan K.-Zh. Tokayev signed the laws “On the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Safety Zone” and “On Amendments and Additions to Some Legislative Acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan on the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Safety Zone, Ecology and Electricity”.
In accordance with them, it is planned to create a Semipalatinsk nuclear safety zone at the former Semipalatinsk nuclear test site. It is formed in order to ensure nuclear and radiation safety, as well as to rehabilitate the territory of the former nuclear test site in order to create the possibility of a gradual return of its lands to economic circulation.
A specialized zone is planned to be created on contaminated sites, determined by the results of a comprehensive environmental survey and state environmental expertise.
The law provides:
1. Creation of a special zone - the "Semipalatinsk nuclear safety zone" on the lands of the former Semipalatinsk test site and adjacent territories exposed to excess radioactive contamination;
2. Limiting the spread of radioactive contamination;
3. Rehabilitation of the territory of the Semipalatinsk nuclear safety zone through the collection, placement and disposal of radioactive waste on the territory of the test site;
4. Continuous monitoring of the level of radioactive contamination in the territory of the Semipalatinsk nuclear safety zone.
The Semipalatinsk nuclear test site was the largest nuclear test site during Soviet times, where the main weapons tests were carried out.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
July 7, 2023