The problem

Northern Sakhalin has several onshore oil and gas fields developed by the Russian company Rosneft-Sakhalinmorneftegaz (SMNG) since the 1920's. Oil leaks/spills are common here due to the obsolete equipment, primitive drilling technologies and corroded oil pipelines. Two of the oldest oil fields are Katangly and Okhinskiy that still operates as it did about 75 years ago. These onshore Soviet-era oil companies cause massive pollution and environmental damage.

Health Impact

According to a local NGO Sakhalin Environment Watch the incidence of cancer is markedly higher in the northern part of the island where the oil-fields are located than elsewhere.

Current Activity

Decades of oil drilling and refining has led to devastating pollution throughout this region. Blacksmith Institute is funding project work to clean up all of the petrochemicals that have contaminated the water and soil.