Comments from Karen:
Ms. Stilwell did an excellent job addressing Council regarding concerns about about uranium mining and milling during hearing of the citizens. Mayor Saunders asked those in support of Ms. Stilwell to stand, which they did. Some held "no uranium mining" signs.
Adoption of a resolution in support of keeping the ban was not on tonight's Danville City Council agenda. However, at the work session immediately following the meeting, Council discussed presenting a resolution for adoption at their January 3rd meeting. The discussion was frank and open. Council appearred well-read regarding recent reports and studies, current events and impacts of uranium mining, milling and radioactive waste disposal. All were in support of continuing the moratorium and opposing the writing of uranium mining regulations.
One surprise was the mention of a petition from area physicians by Councilman Gary Miller, M.D. He said at Council's last discussion he was aware of 4 physicians who had indicated they would seek to relocate if uranium mining occurred. But, the petition, signed by some 50 generated further comment from members of the medical community. Dr. Miller stated that 40+ of those who signed indicated they would seek relocation if the moratorium is overturned. Some physicians stated they could not because of investment in their practice.
Uranium mining
City Council also heard from local preservationist Susan Stilwell, who spoke about the dangers of uranium mining. She urged council members to formally come out against uranium mining.
Stilwell said she had experienced first-hand the effect uranium mining has on communities, having lived in areas where such mining had been done. She said she moved into a cul-de-sac in Colorado that had eight homes in it, and in three of those homes there were children with major illnesses — and the foundations of those homes had been created from uranium tailings, the waste rock left over from the uranium milling process.
As her group applauded, Stilwell said, “It will kill us.”
Council members were scheduled to discuss a proposed resolution against uranium mining Tuesday, but instead decided to formally vote on the resolution at its Jan. 3 meeting.
