nuclear-news

Uranium mining threatens water supply

even a small spill could affect the water supply for growing populations in North Carolina, and that radioactive mill waste would have to be monitored forever.

Water worries continue to flow around uranium controversy  Go Dan River, 21 March 12, Residents and leaders downstream of a proposed uranium site in Pittsylvania County say they bear risks from the project, but have nothing to gain.

Members of the Roanoke River Basin Bi-State Commission reviewed the
key findings of two studies on the socio-economic impacts of uranium
mining on the Dan River Region during a commission meeting in Danville
on Tuesday. The reports left attendees wondering how those downstream,
both in Virginia and North Carolina, would be affected…..   it’s
possible for human error to overcome all of the best design and
regulation that’s available,” Heller said, adding the Ranger mine in
Australia crossed lines of process water and potable water that
resulted in workers showering and drinking water with elevated levels
of uranium.

Heller explained that one large or several small spills would
significantly change the predicted environmental and economic
outcomes….. Commission member Sen. Frank Ruff, R-Clarksville, would
like a complete study on how all the people he represents would be
affected and would like assurance that those with homes downstream
could be made whole for any losses in the event of contamination.

“I think the reality is when you add up all the potential losses for
citizens and localities that there is no great argument that anyone is
going to benefit except for the shareholders and the employees that
are hired,” Ruff said.

Commission chair North Carolina Rep. Edith Warren, who represents
Martin and Pitt counties, said many of her constituents are concerned,
and that’s why the commission is reviewing all the uranium studies.
Henderson, N.C., and Roanoke Rapids, N.C., and surrounding communities
get drinking water from the Roanoke River Basin.

Warren is worried that even a small spill could affect the water
supply for growing populations in North Carolina, and that radioactive
mill waste would have to be monitored forever….
http://www2.godanriver.com/news/2012/mar/20/water-worries-continue-flow-around-uranium-controv-ar-1781202/

March 22, 2012 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | Uranium, USA, water