Monitoring and Research:
Environmental Monitoring: In some cases, monitoring programs are established to measure levels of hazardous materials in the surrounding water and sediments. If leaks occur, these programs can detect increased levels of toxins or chemical agents.
Research Studies: Scientists study the long-term stability of the munitions and chemical agents in deep-sea environments. They look at how these materials degrade over time and under specific conditions like pressure, temperature, and seawater chemistry.
Historical Data and Inspections:
Inspections of Known Sites: Occasionally, underwater inspections are conducted using remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) or divers. These inspections aim to assess the condition of the munitions and check for signs of leakage.
Historical Incidents: Past incidents where munitions or chemical weapons have leaked provide data on what might happen at other sites. This data can guide preventive measures and help assess current risks.
Regulations and Safeguards:
International Agreements: After operations like CHASE, international agreements and national laws were supposedly developed to prevent future dumping and manage the risks associated with existing sites.
Safeguards: The U.S. military and other organizations may implement safeguards, such as mapping the locations of sunken munitions to avoid disturbances from activities like fishing, drilling, or deep-sea mining.
Challenges in Detection:
Deep-Sea Environment: Many CHASE operations took place in deep water, making it difficult to detect or monitor leaks. The depth and remoteness of these sites limit regular inspection.
Unknown Factors: The exact condition of the munitions and their containers after decades underwater is often unknown, leading to uncertainty about the potential for leaks.
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