2011-07-26
Virginia-Uranium-Report.pdf:
http://www.environmentvirginia.org/uploads/37/f0/37f070744934d231137cbf7042eb8cd3/Virginia-Uranium-Report.pdf
Executive Summary
Uranium mining—which often requires vast open pits, spreads radioactive dust through the air, and leaks radioactivity and toxic chemicals into the environment—is among the riskiest industrial activities in the world. Every uranium mine ever operated in the United States has required some degree of toxic waste cleanup, and the worst have sickened dozens of people, contaminated miles of rivers and streams, and required the cleanup of hundreds of acres of land.
After several decades of reduced activity due to depressed prices, uranium mining is making a comeback—including on the edges of one of our nation’s most treasured wild places, the Grand Canyon.
Uranium mining has left a toxic trail across the West—including at the Grand Canyon itself.
To protect this national treasure, and the millions of people who visit it each year, mining should be prohibited on land near Grand Canyon National Park, and other treasured places.
Uranium mining is risky for miners, local residents and the environment.
Mines can release uranium itself—a dangerous radioactive substance—or toxic chemicals used in the mining process.
Read more:
http://www.environmentvirginia.org/reports/preservation/preservation-program-reports/grand-canyon-at-risk-uranium-mining-doesnt-belong-near-our-national-treasures
