Preserving Underwater WWII Wrecks: Balancing Pollution Concerns and Cultural Heritage - Lessons from Sydney's Chemical Munitions Sea Dumping Study

PRESERVING UNDERWATER WWII WRECKS: BALANCING POLLUTION CONCERNS AND CULTURAL HERITAGE - LESSONS FROM SYDNEY'S CHEMICAL MUNITIONS SEA DUMPING STUDY

Mrs. Emilia Zambri, MSoc Sci Tangible Heritage Conservation.

PREFACE

Welcome to this series of techniques for managing change and assessing the condition of architectural heritage structures and historic heritage fabric. This newsletter aims to provide professionals, including Heritage Consultants, Architects, Archaeologists, and Conservators, with practical and effective methods to determine the most appropriate approaches to management, conservation, and restoration.

Inspired by the challenges encountered in safeguarding historic heritage, especially in under-resourced areas, particularly in Africa, this series has been developed to assist colleagues globally. The goal is to present simple and easy-to-use frameworks, case studies, and tests that can be employed to evaluate the preservation, conservation, and restoration needs of historic heritage, ensuring their safeguarding for future generations.

By utilising these techniques, the objective is to empower heritage professionals with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed decisions about the preservation of our shared cultural heritage. Join us as we embark on a journey to protect and preserve the historical structures that define our shared identity.

1. INTRODUCTION

During World War II, the Pacific theater was the site of numerous naval battles and campaigns, resulting in the sinking of many vessels, including warships and merchant ships. As a result, there are a significant number of underwater wrecks in the Pacific, many of which have cultural and historical significance. However, these wrecks also pose potential environmental hazards due to the presence of pollutants, such as oil and chemicals, on board.

One such case study is the Sydney's Chemical Munitions Sea Dumping, which involves the intentional sinking of a large number of chemical munitions off the coast of Sydney, Australia, in the aftermath of World War II. The decision to sink these munitions was made in order to dispose of them quickly and efficiently, without considering the long-term environmental impact. This case study provides valuable insights into the challenges of balancing pollution concerns and cultural heritage preservation in the Pacific.

2. THE IMPORTANCE OF UNDERWATER CULTURAL HERITAGE

Underwater cultural heritage, including shipwrecks, holds great historical, cultural, and educational value. These wrecks can provide valuable insights into past events, technology, and social structures. They can also serve as memorials to those who lost their lives during war or in other maritime disasters.

The Pacific is home to numerous underwater cultural heritage sites, including warships, submarines, and merchant vessels. These sites provide a tangible link to the region's past and offer valuable opportunities for research and education. However, they are also at risk of being damaged or destroyed by natural processes, human activity, and environmental factors.

3. POLLUTION CONCERNS

One of the major challenges of preserving underwater cultural heritage is the potential for environmental pollution. Many ships that sank during World War II were carrying hazardous materials, such as oil, fuel, and chemicals. Over time, these pollutants can leak into the surrounding marine environment, causing damage to ecosystems and marine life.

The Sydney's Chemical Munitions Sea Dumping case study is a stark example of the potential environmental hazards posed by underwater wrecks. Between 1946 and 1970, over 140,000 tons of chemical munitions were intentionally sunk off the coast of Sydney, resulting in the release of a significant amount of toxic chemicals, including mustard gas, into the surrounding marine environment. This dumping was done without regard for the long-term impact on the environment or public health.

4. THE IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT

The environmental impact of the Sydney's Chemical Munitions Sea Dumping is still being felt today. The munitions continue to release toxic chemicals into the surrounding marine environment, resulting in damage to marine ecosystems and potentially impacting human health.

In addition to the chemical pollution, the wrecks themselves can also pose physical hazards to the marine environment. The corroding metal of the wrecks can release heavy metals and other pollutants into the water, further exacerbating the pollution problem.

5. ANALYTICAL APPLICATIONS USED ON THE SS IRON CROWN AN UNDERWATER WWII WRECKS

Preserving underwater WWII wrecks requires a multi-disciplinary approach that involves the use of various analytical applications. These applications enable researchers, archaeologists, and other professionals to identify and analyze the wrecks, assess their condition, and determine the best course of action for their preservation. One analytical application that can be discussed is the use of environmental impact assessments (EIAs) in the preservation of underwater cultural heritage sites. EIAs are a critical tool for identifying potential environmental impacts associated with proposed activities, such as salvage or exploration of shipwrecks, and developing strategies to mitigate these impacts.

For example, in the case of the SS Iron Crown, an EIA could have identified the potential for pollution caused by the chemical munitions on board the vessel and recommended strategies to contain or remove them. By involving environmental stakeholders in the decision-making process, such as through an EIA, the unintended environmental consequences of preserving cultural heritage sites can be minimized.

Another analytical application to consider is the use of non-invasive survey techniques, such as remote sensing, to gather information about underwater cultural heritage sites without disturbing them. This can be particularly important in cases where the site may contain hazardous materials, such as in the case of the SS Iron Crown. Remote sensing technologies, such as sonar and magnetic surveying, can help locate and map underwater cultural heritage sites without the need for physical excavation, minimizing the risk of environmental damage and preserving the site for future generations.

In addition, the use of 3D modeling and virtual reality technologies can provide an opportunity for public engagement and education about underwater cultural heritage sites. By creating interactive models of the sites, the public can gain a better understanding of their historical and cultural significance, without the need for physical disturbance.

Overall, the use of analytical applications such as EIAs, non-invasive survey techniques, and virtual reality technologies can play an important role in the preservation of underwater cultural heritage sites while also minimizing potential environmental impacts.

6. OTHER ANALYTICAL APPLICATIONS USED ON UNDERWATER SHIP WRECK

Below are some other most commonly used analytical applications in the preservation of underwater WWII wrecks:

1. SONAR IMAGING: Sonar imaging is a critical tool for identifying and mapping underwater wrecks. By bouncing sound waves off the seabed and measuring the time it takes for the waves to return, sonar technology can create detailed 3D images of underwater objects, including wrecks. This technology allows researchers to identify the location and extent of wrecks and helps to inform preservation efforts.
2. REMOTE SENSING: Remote sensing technologies such as satellite imaging and aerial photography can also be used to identify and map underwater wrecks. By analyzing changes in light and color, researchers can identify features on the seafloor that may indicate the presence of a wreck.
3. DENDROCHRONOLOGY: Dendrochronology is the scientific method of dating tree rings to the exact year they were formed. This technique can also be applied to timber found in shipwrecks. By analyzing the growth rings of the timber, researchers can determine the age of the wreck and the region where the timber was sourced.
4. RADIOCARBON DATING: Radiocarbon dating is a method of dating organic material using the decay rate of carbon-14 isotopes. This technique can be used to determine the age of organic material found in underwater wrecks, such as wooden hulls or rope.
5. CHEMICAL ANALYSIS: Chemical analysis can be used to determine the composition of materials found in wrecks. For example, chemical analysis can determine the type of metal used in a ship's construction or the type of paint used to coat its hull. This information can help researchers understand the origin of the wreck and inform preservation efforts.

By utilizing these and other analytical applications, researchers can better understand the historical and cultural significance of underwater WWII wrecks and develop effective preservation strategies to protect them from pollution and other threats.

7. THE CHALLENGES OF PRESERVATION

Preserving underwater cultural heritage sites presents significant challenges, particularly in cases where there is a potential for environmental pollution. In order to balance the preservation of these sites with environmental concerns, it is necessary to take a comprehensive approach that considers all factors.

In the case of the Sydney's Chemical Munitions Sea Dumping, efforts are being made to mitigate the impact of the chemical pollution. This includes ongoing monitoring of the site, as well as research into methods for neutralizing or removing the toxic chemicals from the wrecks.

However, preservation efforts also need to consider the cultural and historical significance of the site. The Sydney's Chemical Munitions Sea Dumping is a unique example of the challenges of balancing environmental concerns and cultural heritage preservation. It serves as a reminder that preserving underwater wrecks requires a holistic approach. While the decision to leave the sunken wrecks undisturbed may have seemed like the best course of action for cultural heritage preservation, it has had unintended consequences for environmental preservation.

The sunken vessels in the Pacific contain various pollutants, including oil, heavy metals, and chemical weapons, that pose a significant threat to marine life and the health of the ocean. In addition, the wrecks themselves are slowly corroding and releasing their contents into the water. In Sydney's case, the chemical munitions in the SS Iron Crown are slowly leaking into the ocean, contaminating the water and harming marine life.

The tension between the need to preserve cultural heritage and the need to protect the environment is a difficult balance to strike, especially in the case of underwater WWII wrecks. However, the Sydney Sea Dumping case study provides valuable lessons for policymakers and stakeholders in addressing these challenges.

One of the most important takeaways from the case study is the need for collaboration and dialogue between cultural heritage and environmental preservation stakeholders. The decision to leave the SS Iron Crown undisturbed was made without the input of environmental agencies, leading to unintended environmental consequences. To avoid similar outcomes, cultural heritage and environmental stakeholders must work together to find solutions that balance both preservation goals.

Another important lesson is the need for a proactive approach to identifying and assessing the risks associated with sunken WWII wrecks. This includes conducting regular surveys of the wrecks and assessing the potential environmental impact of any pollutants they contain. By proactively identifying and addressing these risks, stakeholders can take action to mitigate environmental harm while also preserving cultural heritage.

Finally, the case study highlights the importance of international agreements and regulations for protecting underwater cultural heritage and the environment. The 2001 UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage provides a framework for the protection of sunken WWII wrecks, but more work is needed to address the challenges posed by environmental threats.

8. CONCLUSION

In conclusion, preserving underwater WWII wrecks presents a multi-faceted challenge that demands a balance between safeguarding cultural heritage and addressing environmental concerns. The Sydney Sea Dumping case study highlights the importance of using analytical applications, such as risk assessment tools, in order to evaluate potential environmental and safety hazards, and to determine appropriate management strategies. This case study also emphasizes the need for collaboration among all stakeholders, including governments, experts, and local communities, to establish international regulations and best practices for the protection of underwater cultural heritage. By drawing on the lessons of this case study and applying analytical tools and collaborative approaches, we can ensure the preservation of the legacy of WWII wrecks for future generations, while also safeguarding our planet's oceans.