Comment: No to U Mining!
By STEVE SZKOTAK
Published: December 14, 2010
DANVILLE --A National Academy of Sciences committee began meeting Monday on the statewide consequences of lifting a 1982 Virginia ban on uranium mining, and it heard from environmentalists who know mining operations could harm the region's water supplies.
The committee members met in this textile and tobacco city of about 45,000 to begin a one-year analysis of the scientific, environmental and human health and safety aspects of mining uranium from 3,000-acre area about 25 miles north of Danville.
The General Assembly would have to end the moratorium for mining to begin, and the study is expected to be key to any deliberations on the issue.
The panel, which meets in Danville through Wednesday, will not make a recommendation whether the ban should be lifted.
Virginia Uranium Inc., which proposes to mine the deposit.
At a public meeting Monday night, dozens of people spoke out on the proposed uranium mine.
Joy Oates said her family goes back generations in the area and worries about the region's future if Virginia Uranium Inc. is allowed to mine the 119-million-pound deposit in Chatham.
Earlier Monday, the Board on Earth Sciences and Resources heard from environmentalists and water-resource officials, who questioned whether uranium could safely be mined.
Representatives from the Dan River Basin Association and the Roanoke River Basin Association also spoke and expressed concerns about uranium mining on local water supplies.
"That's why we're very, very concerned," said Andrew Lester of the Roanoke River group.
The National Academy study is one of at least several looking at uranium mining.
A legislative committee last week approved $200,000 for a socioeconomic study, and local studies are also planned or under way.
Read more:
http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/virginia-news/2010/dec/14/TDMET02-meetings-start-on-lifting-virginias-uraniu-ar-713941/
