Investigation launched into contamination of sheep and fish near Heiðarfjall in Langanesbyggð, Iceland

Investigations are underway to determine whether lead, asbestos, or other toxic substances are present in sheep and fish near Heiðarfjall in Langanesbyggð, Iceland. These contaminants have been detected in the soil and are linked to a former U.S. military monitoring station that operated in the area from the 1950s until 1970. Warning signs have been placed at Heiðarfjall to alert the public about hazardous materials that have leached into the ground.

The Langanesbyggð municipal council is demanding more details about the harmful pollution found at Heiðarfjall and Eiðisvatn lakes. Samples have been collected from local fish and sheep to assess the situation more accurately. Concerns about pollution have lingered for years following the U.S. military’s presence in the area.

In previous studies, investigations revealed the presence of persistent pollutants such as PCB, lead, asbestos, and oil residues at levels significantly exceeding regulatory limits. The Environment Agency of Iceland has urged caution in the area.

Current research aims to understand the extent of the contamination, according to Kristín Kröyer, an expert from the agency. Initial results indicate certain localized areas with significant pollution, and efforts are being made to evaluate how widely these substances may have spread, including potentially contaminating water and aquatic life.

The agency considers the contamination a threat to both human and animal health but hopes it remains limited to this relatively remote location at Heiðarfjall. The municipal planning and environmental committee emphasizes the importance of clear communication regarding fishing and land use in the affected waters. The Environment Agency expects research findings to be available this fall, paving the way for potential remediation actions in the region.