John Fisher
Register & Bee Columnist
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Sometimes, life takes me away from the “micropolitan” environment of Danville and out into Pittsylvania County - far out.
Once there, one can easily see that the developing dust-up over uranium mining is a lot more pronounced than it is here in the city. There seems to be a lot of passion over the issue, as well there should be.
Bear in mind as you read this that I don’t have, “a dog in this fight,” and as such, I can try to at least remain neutral on the issue. But as I write this, I can already sense that the battle lines are being drawn, and it will only be a matter of time before the first shots are fired.
For those of you who have not been keeping up with all of this, here is where we now stand. It seems that there is a uranium deposit that sits just outside of Chatham - a fairly large deposit estimated to be worth about $10 billion. That is billion with a “B,” boys and girls.
Now, this isn’t like the old “Beverly Hillbillies” television show. Jed won’t be shooting at a possum and hit a big jackpot when the oil company hands him a big check. Setting up a uranium mining operation will be a very involved undertaking - one that involves the state and federal government at every step of the way.
Right now, there is legislation before the Virginia General Assembly that will authorize an independent study of the environmental impact of such an operation. But politics seems to have already started to come into play.
The bill, already approved by the state Senate, also includes provisions of setting up mining regulations and controls for the project. Remember, we are talking about billions of dollars here, so getting started will be a lot more complicated than getting a fishing license - as it should be.
But right now, arguing over what the study should - or should not - include seems to be the hold up. It seems perfectly reasonable for Pittsylvania County residents to have concerns over the impact that such an operation would have on the environment. However, such concerns will never reasonably be addressed until such a study takes place. That seems to be a no-brainer.
In addition, I would like to see another study performed that could give a realistic estimate of how such a mining operation could have a positive impact on the regional economy, and to what extent.
Uranium is a highly sought-after mineral, one that is in great demand by the world market. It has been some time since we in this area actually had something the rest of the world wanted - or needed, for that matter.
For this reason, mining uranium is something that at least has to be considered and not just dismissed out of hand. But when I say “considered,” I mean “careful and exhaustive” consideration. Destroying the environment for the sake of economic progress is equally short- sighted.
This is one that is going to take the best minds and resources that we can muster. Then any real facts revealed have to be evaluated objectively. The decisions that lie ahead are critical, because so much, both pro and con, is at stake.
I wish that this dilemma was as simple as when Jed was shooting at some food, but it isn’t, and the one thing that I am certain of is it’s bound to get even more complicated before it’s finally resolved.
Karen's Response:
Once there, one can easily see that the developing dust-up over uranium mining is a lot more pronounced than it is here in the city. There seems to be a lot of passion over the issue, as well there should be.
Bear in mind as you read this that I don’t have, “a dog in this fight,” and as such, I can try to at least remain neutral on the issue. But as I write this, I can already sense that the battle lines are being drawn, and it will only be a matter of time before the first shots are fired.
For those of you who have not been keeping up with all of this, here is where we now stand. It seems that there is a uranium deposit that sits just outside of Chatham - a fairly large deposit estimated to be worth about $10 billion. That is billion with a “B,” boys and girls.
Now, this isn’t like the old “Beverly Hillbillies” television show. Jed won’t be shooting at a possum and hit a big jackpot when the oil company hands him a big check. Setting up a uranium mining operation will be a very involved undertaking - one that involves the state and federal government at every step of the way.
Right now, there is legislation before the Virginia General Assembly that will authorize an independent study of the environmental impact of such an operation. But politics seems to have already started to come into play.
The bill, already approved by the state Senate, also includes provisions of setting up mining regulations and controls for the project. Remember, we are talking about billions of dollars here, so getting started will be a lot more complicated than getting a fishing license - as it should be.
But right now, arguing over what the study should - or should not - include seems to be the hold up. It seems perfectly reasonable for Pittsylvania County residents to have concerns over the impact that such an operation would have on the environment. However, such concerns will never reasonably be addressed until such a study takes place. That seems to be a no-brainer.
In addition, I would like to see another study performed that could give a realistic estimate of how such a mining operation could have a positive impact on the regional economy, and to what extent.
Uranium is a highly sought-after mineral, one that is in great demand by the world market. It has been some time since we in this area actually had something the rest of the world wanted - or needed, for that matter.
For this reason, mining uranium is something that at least has to be considered and not just dismissed out of hand. But when I say “considered,” I mean “careful and exhaustive” consideration. Destroying the environment for the sake of economic progress is equally short- sighted.
This is one that is going to take the best minds and resources that we can muster. Then any real facts revealed have to be evaluated objectively. The decisions that lie ahead are critical, because so much, both pro and con, is at stake.
I wish that this dilemma was as simple as when Jed was shooting at some food, but it isn’t, and the one thing that I am certain of is it’s bound to get even more complicated before it’s finally resolved.
Karen's Response:
Sent: Friday, February 29, 2008 11:15 PM
Subject: your dog just joined the fight
Mr. Fisher,
I read your editorial in the February 26th edition of the Danville Register and Bee entitled We have to study this. It appears that you perceive the potential mining of uranium as a Pittsylvania County issue having little or no impact on Danville. Danville does seem to have it's head in the sand (and in other places) regarding the affects that mining and milling of uranium will have on the future of Southside.
Paragraph 3 of your editorial states, "Bear in mind as you read this that I don't have a dog in this fight, and as such I can at least remain neutral on this issue." This does not appear to be the case.
I was shocked to see your comments in the as part of an ad endorsing Virginia Uranium's agenda in the February 27th edition of the Chatham Star Tribune. Did you give permission to Virginia Uranium to use you as a spokesperson?
I was shocked to see your comments in the as part of an ad endorsing Virginia Uranium's agenda in the February 27th edition of the Chatham Star Tribune. Did you give permission to Virginia Uranium to use you as a spokesperson?
Many people in the county have been following the issue and educating themselves to the best of their ability regarding the impact mining and milling of uranium will have on the area. Most of what is known about impacts from this industry show a legacy of human health and environmental problems. I, and others would be glad to share information with you if you so desire. What is unknown at this time is how VUI would mine and mill uranium and what the impact and range of impact would be to human health and the environment.
Also unknown is how it would affect future economic development, agriculture and infrastructure. In the event of contamination from any of several pathways of exposure it is unknown how it would be dealt with and if resources will be available for clean up or reparation for those affected by the contamination.
Many of us contend that no study will be able to adequately address all these issues. It is also believed that the legislation proposed is more than a study because it begins the regulatory framework as well.
Also unknown is how it would affect future economic development, agriculture and infrastructure. In the event of contamination from any of several pathways of exposure it is unknown how it would be dealt with and if resources will be available for clean up or reparation for those affected by the contamination.
Many of us contend that no study will be able to adequately address all these issues. It is also believed that the legislation proposed is more than a study because it begins the regulatory framework as well.
As of February 26, 2008, you are no longer neutral. I have to ask, where is your dog?
Karen B. Maute
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