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Indicator: AATH-14 Survey of impacts of hazardous material on heritage sites

Data

No data is available.

What the data mean

A number of the historically significant expeditions left hazardous material behind, including explosives and dangerous chemicals. These now pose a threat to the cultural and natural environment. No comprehensive data is available on hazardous material and their impact on heritage sites other than anecdotal observations. For example:

• Hughes and Lazer (2000) note in relation to Heard Island that ‘there are many rusty Australian National Antarctic Research Expedition (ANARE) fuel drums at Atlas Cove, several of which were found to contain oil during the ANARE visit by Hughes. Leakage was evident where some drums had stood. Other chemicals included anaesthetic (among numerous medical items in the old surgery) and some fibrous lagging material which may contain asbestos.’
• Hayman et. al. (1999) noted that some material, such as, explosives used by Mawson’s 1911-14 expedition to Cape Denison were destroyed in the mid 1990s
• Lazer also notes in the Antarctic heritage State of the Environment commentary that there is provision in the Antarctic Heritage Register (Antarctic Artefacts ) to flag hazardous material so that priority can be given to its management.
• Lazer also notes that strategies are being developed to remove contaminants at historic sites, such as Atlas Cove and Wilkes, without compromising heritage values.

References

Source: Hayman, S, Hughes, J. and Lazer, E. 1999, Deterioration Monitoring and Tourism Management at Cape Denison (Mawsons Huts), Australian Antarctic Territory, Department of Architectural and Design Science, University of Sydney, Sydney.

Source: Hughes, J and Lazer, E, 2000, Importance of Historic Sites on Heard Island for Protection of Scientific Resources and Environmental Management of a World Heritage Site.

Data Limitations

More heritage/archaeological surveys are required for a more complete understanding of the impact of hazardous materials on heritage sites and collections.

Issues for which this is an indicator and why

Australian Antarctic Territory — Cultural heritage aspects - Pressures and risks on heritage sites and collections 

This indicator examines the level of and impact of hazardous waste on the condition of Antarctic heritage sites.

Other indicators for this issue:

• AATH-09 Surveys of impacts of isolation on heritage sites 
• AATH-10 Surveys of impacts of tourism on heritage sites 
• AATH-11 Survey of impacts of uncontrolled visits on heritage sites 
• AATH-12 Survey of impacts of weather on heritage sites 
• AATH-15 Survey of impacts of flora and fauna on heritage sites