nuclear-news

Public unaware of serious risks in Virginia uranium mining experiment

Leave Virginia’s uranium mining ban in place, Washington Post, Joy M. Oakes, 27 Dec 11, Few people I’ve spoken with were aware of the threat uranium development poses to Virginia. This is a reflection of the would-be developers’ political savvy, and it’s deeply troubling, given the risky nature of this experimental development scheme by Virginia Uranium. Plenty is at risk from operations on the proposed Pittsylvania County site, including potential contamination of drinking water that would affect more than a million residents of Hampton Roads and North Carolina communities; Virginia’s $18 billion tourism industry; and markets for local agricultural products, including wine, milk and the grass-fed beef raised in Pittsylvania County by my family, among others.

No one has identified successful uranium operations in wet, severe climates comparable to that of Southside Virginia. The National Academy of Sciences study on uranium mining at the site leaves too many unknowns. Gov. Robert F. McDonnell (R) and state legislators must reject this risky experiment with Virginia’s future and leave the state’s moratorium on uranium mining in place. http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/leave-virginias-uranium-mining-ban-in-place/2011/12/22/gIQAHWgHJP_story.html

December 28, 2011 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | general