Uranium mining debate rekindled in Richmond
As state working group begins study, uranium mining opponents question opportunities for public input
RICHMOND, Va.—
The debate over uranium mining in Virginia
dropped from the headlines after Governor Bob McDonnell asked state lawmakers to
delay a decision until next year, but the issue hasn't disappeared from
view.
A state working group is beginning its
own analysis of the risks and rewards, a study that will take a closer look at
the Coles Hill property in Pittsylvania County, and develop a framework for the
state regulations that would govern uranium mining there.
Though the study is barely under way,
uranium mining opponents say they are already worried there won't be enough
opportunities for public input.
Andrew Lester is Executive Director of the
Virginia Coalition, a group of southside business
leaders who have raised questions about the risks of uranium mining. "It's a
short time period to get this done and done right," Lester told WDBJ7.
Barry Carter
attended Wednesday's legislative hearing as a representative of the Occoneechee-Saponi Tribe of
Virginia. "If we don't have enough information and make a bad decision,"
Carter said, "it's not something you can correct 50 years from now or 20 years
from now or 10 years from now. It's a done deal."
"Well there are some who feel this is on a fast track, and
we're getting down to this point. That's not the case," Merricks said in an
interview. "I personally believe we have to have all of the pieces of the
puzzle. and if we're going to make an informed decision, we need all the pieces
of the puzzle."
Wednesday afternoon, Taylor Thornley,
spokesperson for Governor Bob McDonnell, provided a statement about the uranium
working group and the process it will follow.
“The
purpose of the working group is to allow our state agency subject matter experts
to methodically deliberate the scientific issues facing uranium mining in
Virginia, including the issues raised by previous studies. It is meant to inform
the governor about their findings. Ultimately, it is the General Assembly that
must decide whether of now to lift the uranium moratorium. If the General
Assembly directs the agencies to promulgate appropriate regulations governing
uranium mining, that process will also be open to public review and comment.
The working group is made up of staff from VDH, VDEQ and DMME, will be periodically reporting its progress and accepting input the public during four open meetings of the uranium subcommittee held in the course of their work. Furthermore, a web portal will be launched this week that will allow the public to submit their comments and questions throughout this review process. This input will be used to inform the work of the study group. The group will also address questions from the public and industry representatives in public meetings of the uranium subcommittee as this study progresses.
There is no plan to seek private funding to support the study work. The study will be paid for using state funding.”
The working group is made up of staff from VDH, VDEQ and DMME, will be periodically reporting its progress and accepting input the public during four open meetings of the uranium subcommittee held in the course of their work. Furthermore, a web portal will be launched this week that will allow the public to submit their comments and questions throughout this review process. This input will be used to inform the work of the study group. The group will also address questions from the public and industry representatives in public meetings of the uranium subcommittee as this study progresses.
There is no plan to seek private funding to support the study work. The study will be paid for using state funding.”
Read more:
Activists urge caution on regulations for uranium mining
As Gov. Bob McDonnell’s administration begins developing regulations for uranium mining, some activists are expressing concerns about the process.
Another group of business leaders from Southside Virginia called for additional data instead before the regulations are developed.
Environmental groups — worried that a uranium mine in Virginia's relatively rainy climate could contaminate natural resources, cause illness and have long-term effects on plants and animals — are disappointed that McDonnell wants to begin preparing regulations.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/virginia-politics/post/activists-urge-caution-on-regulations-for-uranium-mining/2012/03/07/gIQAwJpYxR_blog.html?wprss=rss_local
Governor's uranium work group outlines plan
By: | New Era
Progress
Published: March 07, 2012
Published: March 07, 2012
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People with questions for the team drafting uranium mining
regulations are being asked to submit their queries through a website,
legislators were told Wednesday.
Lawmakers on the Uranium Mining Subcommittee responded with
some questions about the team’s transparency and how it will design its
task.
Their work could result in lifting Virginia’s moratorium
against uranium mining.
Cathie France, head of the Uranium Working Group that will
send its proposals to Gov. Bob McDonnell in November, said the governor asked
three state agencies to look into “multiple issues and unique qualities that
Virginia possesses” that are unlike other places where uranium has been
mined.
The Uranium Working Group will review seven studies already
done, including ones by the National Academy of Sciences, the city of Virginia
Beach and environmentalists.
The working group is made up by staffers from the state
Department of Environmental Quality, Virginia Department of Health, and
Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy.
None of them have dealt with uranium mining before.
Del. Donald Merricks, R-Pittsylvania, asked France whether the
public would be able to see the questions and the answers posted on the
website.
France said it would be possible to post the questions, but
the work group wouldn’t post all the answers on the website.
“The responses will be incorporated into our work and will be
reported” to legislators and the public at four meetings to be held this summer,
starting in June, France said.
“I think it would be nice to not only show the questions, but
I’d like to see the responses,” Merricks said.
“I just don’t think we have the resources to do it the way you
are suggesting,” France said.
http://www2.godanriver.com/news/2012/mar/07/governors-uranium-work-group-outlines-plan-ar-1748879/
