This report is based on available reports, published case studies and peer reviewed research articles from Arctic and Antarctic sites. Descriptions of contaminated sites in Svalbard are based on available reports, the Norwegian Environment Agency’s database on contaminated ground sites in Norway, peer reviewed research articles and personal communication with the pollution advisers at the Governor of Svalbard.
This report should be considered as a starting point for further investigations into local pollution issues in Svalbard. The report also provides initial guidance on how to approach remediation of polluted sites in Svalbard.