By Published by The Editorial Board
Published: December 5, 2008
To the editor:
I am greatly concerned about the possibility of uranium mining and milling here in Pittsylvania County, which is currently under consideration and dispute. History has clearly shown that uranium mining cannot be done safely. Areas where uranium mining has occurred have seen destruction of the environment (air, soil and water quality); an increase in serious health issues for humans and animals, including livestock; a decline in the ability to safely use the land for agriculture for farming or raising livestock; and the rapid decline of property values, and subsequently economic growth. Uranium mining affects the surrounding environment, the health of those who live there and an area’s economy for generations to come.
I much too frequently hear local residents talk about how difficult it is to convince young people to make their home here in Pittsylvania County because the economy is so bad. Well, the economy here is only going to get worse if uranium mining is allowed to occur here in our backyard. Who would want to buy or eat produce grown in a contaminated area? Who would want to purchase a home in an unhealthy area? Those of us who are homeowners will not even be able to sell our home and move away to protect the health of ourselves and our families. The exodus of the young people from Southside — who take their energy, education and dreams with them — will only further erode our local economy.
I am incensed that uranium mining is believed to be OK to do in rural areas which are not densely populated. The large corporations and investors believe that those of us who live here in Southside will not be smart enough to recognize the inherent risks associated with uranium mining and milling.
They think that because many of us have families who have lived in the area for generations, because we have strong moral values and religious faith that makes us want to trust and believe in others, and because we may have lower incomes and/or less education than those in other areas of our state and nation, that we won’t know any better and that we will simply be happy to have a new employer in town.
Well, that new potential employer in town will be offering Southside residents a job in exchange for their health, their families’ health and the value of their home and property. They think they will blindly believe them when they say “uranium is safe or we wouldn’t do it.” That’s absurd! We all know better. Don’t let outsiders ruin our future — and that of our children and grandchildren — for their own personal gain.
DEBORAH L. GUERIN BARKSDALE
Chatham
http://www.godanriver.com/gdr/news/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/danville_letters/article/worried_about_uranium_mining_and_the_bailout/7819/#When:10:54:15Z
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