Development of measures for limiting negative impacts of the «Atomic» lake on population and environment

In arid climate, economic activities at the territory of the “Atomic” lake is one of the topical issues for the Semipalatinsk test site (STS). Hence, the boundaries of areas with radionuclides contamination, which correspond to the level of radioactive wastes at the territory adjacent to the “Atomic” lake of STS, are to be determined. The territory around the lake is used for cattle breeding and the water of the “Atomic” lake that is the one large water source is used for livestock watering. It is important to develop measures that will limit possible negative impact on population and environment. In results of the conducted research were developed measures consisting of remediation and access limitation to the stockpile of soils with contamination level corresponding to the level of radioactive waste (RW). •The paper shows results of complex radioecological research of “Atomic” lake territory .•The map of radioactive contamination of the territory was created.•Zones with ∑(AiMSSAi)≥1A137CsMSSA137Cs≥1, A241AmMSSA241Am≥1 were determined.•Measures for limiting negative impacts of the «Atomic» lake on population and environment were developed.