Negative health effects of PCBs have been documented in arctic top-predators, such as the polar bear. The most accepted explanation for this situation is the influence of long-range transport of PCBs via the atmosphere, sea currents, and trans polar ice movements. In 2005, however, an increasing level of PCBs was detected in marine sediments outside the Russian settlement, Pyramiden, in Svalbard. Akvaplan-niva concluded that a local PCB source had to be active onshore. As a follow-up, the Governor of Svalbard initiated a project with the objective of identifying and subsequently reducing the amounts and potential effects of local PCB sources. This initial project revealed high concentrations of PCBs in surface soils in Barentsburg and Pyramiden, whereas the concentrations in Longyearbyen were significantly lower.