ABSTRACT

Permafrost regions are characterised by extremely cold winter temperatures, large diurnal temperature variations in summer, low population densities, and usually a poor economic base. When natural resources are discovered and exploited, the incoming workers demand more modern amenities, and are not particularly concerned about damage to the environment if it gets in the way of their making a good living. The municipal services are dealt with under three general headings, viz., water supply, waste disposal and provision of electricity. Intrapermafrost water is supplied from above and below and is often under arte-sian pressure. When melted snow or ice is used as a last resort in isolated communities in Alaska, it must be stored in insulated shelters and not become contaminated. The community uses additional water for fire-fighting, line flushing, wastage for freeze prevention (called bleeding), watering of green spaces, washing streets and in leakage.