Uranium study faces premature doubts

Comment: Look at the following statement: "It (local uranium company) should also disclose the source of its money, identifying the investors who are fronting the funds for the study", yes, tell us who is really paying for the uranium mining study, tell us the names of the 32 investors! Either the 32 investors are cowards or part of the uranium mining study, the 32 investors maybe working for the state, county, city of Danville or the federal government! Come on investors, stop being cowards and tell us who you are or the uranium mining study will never be accepted because of the cowards of the local uranium mining company! VA, keep the moratorium on uranium mining and milling!
The Virginian-Pilot
September 30, 2009

The respected National Research Council hasn't yet voted on whether to take on a study of uranium mining in Virginia, but the second-guessing has already started.

Some mining opponents in Pittsylvania County dismiss the results - which won't be available for nearly two years - because the study would be underwritten by Virginia Uranium Inc. The company stands to make billions if state officials allow it to tap the estimated 119 million pounds of ore in the county.

Residents are right to feel protective of their community. That's equally true of Virginia Beach leaders, who are concerned that mining could contaminate the city's water supply in Lake Gaston.

But no one has legitimately questioned the integrity of the NRC, the operating arm of the National Academy of Sciences, or suggested a better alternative.

It would be preferable for the state to pay the $1.2 million to $1.4 million for the study, but that's not a realistic option this year. Gov. Tim Kaine recently announced budget cuts that will cost nearly 600 salaried state workers their jobs. Core public safety and mental health services face funding reductions.

The only way to determine whether uranium can be safely mined in Virginia's rainy climate is to allow Virginia Uranium to pay for that assessment. It's an uncomfortable arrangement but one that can work with appropriate safeguards.

The mining company should be required to pay the full amount for the study up front, eliminating any temptation to retract its support if preliminary findings aren't favorable.

 It should also disclose the source of its money, identifying the investors who are fronting the funds for the study. That's important because no scientists should be permitted to participate in the study if they are employed by a mining company with a financial interest in the project.

The details of that contract, particularly its financial provisions, must be made public.

Further, state legislators should hold a meeting to explain the contract and take comments.

They should ensure that the scope of the assessment includes an examination of claims by Pittsylvania residents that exploratory drilling at the site has contaminated local wells. Equally important, the state should guarantee that a separate study on the mine's economic impact does not begin until questions of safety are fully addressed.

But that doesn't negate the fact that many thousands of Virginians who have been less vocal still want and deserve an open, transparent process that puts their health and safety above all other interests.

Read more:
http://hamptonroads.com/2009/09/uranium-study-faces-premature-doubts