MP calls for funded cleanup of contaminated Heiðarfjall

People’s Party MP Sigurður Helgi Pálmason has called for a funded, time-bound plan to clean up contamination at Heiðarfjall, a mountain on Langanes. He described it as one of the most serious and oldest pollution cases in Iceland’s history, mbl.is reported.

The US military operated a radar and communications station there until 1970. More than 50 years after it closed, the area has still not been cleaned up. Tests have found PCBs, lead, asbestos and oil-related substances in the soil at levels far above limits, Pálmason told parliament.

He said the contamination extends beyond the former station, moving south through groundwater and surface water and posing a risk to people and animals. Research has been conducted, reports written and warning signs put up, but the pollutants remain. Cleanup would be extremely expensive, according to the report.

Pálmason said parliament should work across party lines on the issue. He called for the contaminated area to be cleaned up safely or, until that happens, securely closed off to people and livestock. He also proposed keeping it closed while cleanup is under way.

“Warning signs do not remove PCBs, lead or asbestos,” he said, adding that signs do not stop pollution carried by water or adequately protect people, livestock or nature.