To the editor:
The role of Virginia’s governor is to protect communities and preserve the commonwealth. Your editorial, "‘Silent Bob’ and future of mining" (April 11, page A8), raises clear and present dangers rooted in the desire of some in Richmond to open Virginia for uranium mining.
With less than 1 percent of the state’s general fund revenue earmarked for environmental programs and zero regulations on uranium mining, Virginia is unable to oversee any industrial uranium mining in the state.
Pittsylvania County is one of the most productive agricultural areas in the commonwealth. Nearby, the Roanoke River offers sportsmen a wealth of opportunities and is worth $300 million to the local economy. These resources are particularly vulnerable to the environmental hazards presented by uranium mining.
Furthermore, the health impacts of uranium mining are clear. Exposure has implications in various cancers including lung, bone and leukemia; contributes to birth defects, hormonal disruptions, and immune compromise; and damages DNA, lungs and kidneys.
The Coles Hill site is upstream of Lake Gaston, a drinking water source for Virginia’s rapidly growing Virginia Beach area. Should a mine waste containment failure to occur, it is estimated that any contamination could requires as much as two years to contain and could affect more than 1 million people.
With or without Gov. Bob McDonnell’s Uranium Working Group, Virginia lacks the regulatory or management infrastructure to allow for uranium mine development, a project benefiting a few investors with puppet strings that extend to Richmond.
DANIELLE SIMMS
Alexandria
Editor’s note: Simms is the environmental caucus chairwoman for the Virginia Young Democrats.
http://www2.godanriver.com/news/2012/apr/13/non-existent-regulations-ar-1838441/
