nuclear-news

Uranium mining’s risk in times of flood

Beach study warns of risk if uranium mine floods By Aaron Applegate, The Virginian-Pilot, February 2, 2011 Massive flooding near a proposed uranium mine in south-central Virginia could temporarily contaminate Virginia Beach’s water supply, a city study released Tuesday found. City officials oppose mining a Pittsylvania County hilltop rich in uranium, fearing a hurricane or tropical storm could destroy landfill-like containers holding radioactive waste and flush contaminants into Lake Gaston, a main source of city water.
The state is exploring lifting a 29-year ban on uranium mining for the Pittsylvania project, about 200 miles from Virginia Beach……Tom Leahy, director of public utilities.  said flooding from past hurricanes, including Camille in 1969, show the area is at risk. Beach study warns of risk if uranium mine floods | HamptonRoads.com | PilotOnline.com

February 2, 2011 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | Uranium, USA, water