Between water pollution and protection in the Soviet Union, mid-1950s–1960s: Lake Baikal and River Vuoksi

Abstract

This article examines the discourses on water pollution and protection in the Soviet Union in the 1950s–1960s. It explores discursive practices related to two paper and pulp plants, one located on the shore of Lake Baikal and another production unit in Svetogorsk on the border with Finland. These two discourses provide deep insight to pro-industry and nature protection positions, which characterized Soviet water pollution and protection discourses in the 1950s–1960s. The paper contends that discussions about pulp production near Baikal influenced other regions to improve the engineering of water treatment facilities. The development of such facilities became a compromise between supporters and defenders of increasing pulp production, but did not result in solving the problem of water pollution. In analyzing this issue, I consider discussions around the Baikal pulp plant and the first attempts to introduce advanced water treatment in an industrial city of Svetogorsk and beyond. I will also discuss contacts with the West, in particular with Finland, and their effects on Soviet water management.