To the Editor,
I read with great interest your recent article on “Farm to Table” in the April issue of Virginia Business but have to ponder the deleterious effects of uranium mining and milling on our agricultural economy.
Best practices will never guarantee that our water and air will be safe if the moratorium is lifted by the General Assembly. Pittsylvania and Halifax counties have a very successful economy based on cattle, sheep, dairy farms, at least eight wineries, and growing both animal feed and vegetables. The recently built Old Dominion Agricultural Center could become defunct if our “way of life” is contaminated.
Since the uranium deposits run from Southside to Culpeper, what will be the effect on the many outstanding wineries, horse farm, and fish hatcheries if mining and milling occur all over the commonwealth?
I would hope but do not trust that the Working Study Group [appointed by Gov. Bob McDonnell] will consider the detriment of this risky and unprecedented development.
We have much to lose when water and food are such precious commodities.
Susan Stilwell
Danville
http://www.virginiabusiness.com/index.php/opinion/article/letters-to-the-editor21/
