Page "Lake Vostok" Paragraph 26

The drilling project has been opposed by some environmental groups and scientists who have argued that hot-water drilling would have a more limited environmental impact.

The main concern is concern that the lake could become contaminated with the antifreeze that the Russians used to keep the bore hole from refreezing.

The Russians explained that hot-water drilling would require more power than they could generate at their remote camp.

Scientists of the United States National Research Council have taken the position that it should be assumed that microbial life exists in Lake Vostok and that after such a long isolation, any life forms in the lake require strict protection from contamination.