So...the truth is finally and publicly out: VUI will indeed fund the DMME study. This fact concerns even Gov. Kaine but not enough to do anything about it. Gov. Kaine has heard that "'they' are talking" about the National Academy of Scientists doing the study and he considers the NAS to be "very credible". Talk is cheap, Gov. Kaine...talk is very cheap.
By Jim Nolan
Published: December 12, 2008
Proposed uranium mining presents another environmental issue that could stir debate in the coming year.
Virginia Gov. Timothy M. Kaine said a study to assess the feasibility and environmental impact of mining a massive uranium deposit in Pittsylvania County should go forward, as long as a credible group is doing the study.
"They're talking about the National Academy of Sciences -- very credible -- I don't think there's any reason not to do it," Kaine said in an interview.
Virginia put a moratorium on uranium mining 25 years ago. Last month, the state legislature's Commission on Coal and Energy agreed to study the impact of uranium mining.
Today, a subcommittee of the Virginia Commission on Coal and Energy meets at the General Assembly Building to discuss the planned study.
Virginia Beach and other localities in Hampton Roads get their water from Lake Gaston, which is about midway between the city and Pittsylvania County. Officials in Virginia Beach worry about their water quality and radioactive mining waste runoff in the event of a tropical storm or hurricane.
Kaine said he understands concerns of Hampton Roads residents.
"Uranium mining traditionally happens in drier environments and this is an environment where there is more water, so that might be a challenge. But the study will tell us that," Kaine said.
The study is being funded by Virginia Uranium -- the Chatham-based company that is seeking to mine the uranium ore deposits, valued between $8 billion and $10 billion. Environmental groups and local officials have questioned whether such a study would be impartial, given the funding source.
"That would cause me some concern," Kaine acknowledged. "But the main issue is who is doing the study. If you pick a group like the National Academy of Sciences, they're going to give you an accurate answer." (emphasis mine...SB)
Contact Jim Nolan at (804) 649-6061 or jnolan@timesdispatch.com
http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/URAN12_20081211-211929/148478/#When:05:01:00Z
Friday, December 12, 2008
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