<
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-07-01/abandoned-antarctica-wilkes-station-concerns-french/104037416>
'A French inspection team has raised concerns about an abandoned Australian
base in Antarctica, saying it poses a "clear risk" to the environment, with
reports of oil slicks in the vicinity.
Wilkes Station, located three kilometres from Casey Station, was originally
built by the United States in 1957, but its management was transferred to
Australia two years later.
The station operated for a further 10 years, before it was permanently closed
in 1969.
The 33-hectare site is littered with approximately 3,000 rusted drums, which
previously contained, or still contain, fuels and other hazardous substances.
There are also several asbestos-riddled buildings, as well as a range of waste,
including batteries, old cans of food and animal carcasses.
Much of it is buried beneath the ice and snow, although some is visible on the
surface, including near the coastline.
"The inspection team deemed the deteriorating state of the abandoned Wilkes
Station site concerning," the group's report stated.'
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
