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Uranium’s risks to groundwater need thorough investigation

Downstream study of uranium’s risks The Virginian-Pilot
January 17, 2010 “..…….Federal regulations are geared toward mining in arid climates, and even so, they have sometimes failed to address contamination of groundwater systems surrounding uranium deposits in western states.

If mining is to be permitted in Virginia, additional state regulations likely will be needed to address concerns about heavy rainfalls during hurricanes and nor’easters. History suggests Virginia will impose only minimal rules in that regard unless pushed. Indeed, as economic assessments of the Pittsylvania deposit’s riches are completed, many lawmakers will be eager to abbreviate regulatory processes.

The $437,000 being spent by Beach officials covers a preliminary assessment that may alleviate city leaders’ concerns, or it may raise issues that require more sophisticated modeling… and more money. Either way, the city needs to understand what it’s confronting. Doing nothing could be far more costly.

Downstream study of uranium’s risks | HamptonRoads.com | PilotOnline.com

January 17, 2010 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | environment, USA | antinuclear, nuclear, nuclear costs, nuclear secrecy, nuclear wastes, nuclear weapons, uranium