Foundation moves ahead with uranium study (VA has Fractured Rock, means our Water is ruined, ends of story, and should be end of Studies)

Comment: Well a bunch of studies about uranium mining in VA, will anybody put boots on the proposed uranium sites or just study a bunch of other studies? No to uranium mining and milling!! Another question, look at this statement: "Kilgore is chairman of the tobacco commission". Why was Kilgore from Wise County, VA, the Capitol of Mountain Top Removal, chairperson of the Tobacco Commission, has he ever grown tobacco, according to a lot of tobacco farmers, you cannot grow tobacco beyond Patrick County? Again Why is Kilgore chairperson for the Tobacco Commission and the VA Uranium Subcommittee...looks funny to ACE!!!

By TIM DAVIS/Star-Tribune Editor
Wednesday, April 7, 2010 9:10 AM EDT

DANVILLE - Danville Regional Foundation is moving forward with plans for an independent socioeconomic study on the regional impact of uranium mining and milling.

The foundation, formed in 2005 following the sale of Danville Regional Medical Center, announced plans to fund a study last fall and began seeking proposals.

President and chief executive officer Karl Stauber said the foundation hopes to sponsor an "independent and rigorous socioeconomic examination" of the effects of the proposed uranium mine, mill, and long-term waste management on people, institutions and economies within 50 miles of Coles Hill.

The study will look at uranium mining's benefits and dangers, including its effect on property values, taxes and institutions.

"We're not taking a pro-mining position and we're not taking an anti-mining position," said Stauber. "We're taking a position that the people of this region need to understand the implications of uranium mining."

Virginia Uranium Inc. announced plans three years ago to explore mining uranium at Coles Hill, about six miles northeast of Chatham.

According to Stauber, the foundation received information from eight organizations and has invited three nationally respected groups to submit full proposals.

Proposals are expected in June and will include a 10- to 15-page abstract, which will be posted on the foundation's Web site for a 30-day public comment period.

"These comments will be used by the foundation as part of the input in the selection of the organization to conduct the study," said the president.

Proposals will be reviewed by an "independent, diverse panel," with approval expected in August and a final report in January 2012.

"The report will be widely shared with the public and interested groups," said Stauber.

The National Research Council signed a contract with Virginia Tech for the $1.4 million study in February and expects to begin work this summer. (Paid for by Virginia Uranium Inc., funneled by VA Tech)

The study, which is being funded by Virginia Uranium through Virginia Tech, will take about 18 months. A final report is due Dec. 1, 2011.

The Virginia Commission on Coal and Energy's Uranium Mining Subcommittee also plans to conduct a separate study on the socio-economic impact of uranium mining.

The commission's chairman, Del. Terry Kilgore of Scott County, said the study will address the effects of uranium mining on businesses, schools and the community.

Kilgore said the subcommittee plans to seek proposals from universities and other qualified organizations.

Unlike the scientific study, which includes the entire state and is not site specific, the socio-economic study will target Pittsylvania County, Halifax County and Danville, he said.

The subcommittee hopes to receive a $200,000 grant from the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission to fund its socio-economic study.

Kilgore is chairman of the tobacco commission.

tim.davis@chathamstartribune.com
434-432-2791

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http://www.wpcva.com/articles/2010/04/08/chatham/news/news50.txt