Uranium Legacy Sites of the Former Soviet Union in Tajikistan: Problems and the Way Forward

During the second half of 20th century, Tajikistan was one of the uranium raw material suppliers in the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (former USSR). More than 20% of produced uranium in the former USSR was delivered from Tajikistan. Altogether, 10 uranium mining tailing dumps covering 170 hectares and containing more than 55 million t of waste were accumulated, with an activity of more than 6.5 kCi, from the beginning of the uranium industry in Tajikistan on the territory of six districts in the Soghd region. An essential limitation on carrying out the required remediation measures is a lack of relevant infrastructure. In this regard, the regulatory authority of Tajikistan faces many challenges, such as: (a) Development of legislative basis; (b) Assessment of radiological consequences on uranium industry sites; (c) Assessment of the condition of remediation measures; (d) Analysis of compliance with international standards and recommendations; (e) Development of an action plan on minimizing the impact of uranium industry sites on public and environment; (f) Having sufficient and suitable analytical equipment for monitoring. It is necessary to mention that implementation of international projects with the active participation of the IAEA has facilitated expanding cooperation and mutual understanding among Central Asian countries in issues concerning environmental protection. Re-establishment of radiation control systems on former uranium industry sites in Tajikistan is the first step to their full remediation. (author)