April 29, 2010
The prospect of uranium mining in Pittsylvania County is the subject of another study.
On Thursday in Roanoke, the Virginia Tobacco Commission agreed to pay $200,000 for another review. But critics are already questioning whether it's the right study, at the right time.
The commission uses money from the national tobacco settlement to promote economic development in the state's tobacco region. Members believe a closer look at the potential and the pitfalls of uranium mining is a good use of the commission's cash.
Wampler says lawmakers and local officials will need more information to make an informed decision on uranium mining in Pittsylvania County.
Delegate Danny Marshall voted no.
"I think that what we need to look at first is to see what the other studies are going to do and then maybe we need to fill in the holes," said Marshall.
The biggest hole, says Pittsylvania County farmer Phillip Lovelace, is the lack of a site specific study on the hydrology of the Cole Hill property.
"Our water supply is very important. If we damage it, we've lost it all," said Lovelace.
The Tobacco Commission also took another vote that could address the concerns of Danville area residents who fear a new mega-industrial park there will end up as a uranium mine.
The tobacco commission narrowly approved a motion that says it will ask for its money back, at last count around $13 million, if the site is used for uranium mining.
Read more:
http://www.wdbj7.com/Global/story.asp?S=12400126
