Now Answer Those Questions

Photo: Scott Carter/Register & Bee

By Published by The Editorial Board

Published: January 8, 2009

Concerned Dan River Region residents finally had a chance to speak directly to members of the Virginia Coal and Energy Commission’s Uranium Mining Subcommittee. Most of them took the opportunity to pose tough, thoughtful questions that should be answered by the state’s uranium mining study.

“This study will not lift the moratorium” on uranium mining, Delegate Don Merricks told the packed auditorium at Chatham High School. “The only focus here this evening is that your voice is heard.”

Among the good questions, comments and suggestions the subcommittee heard — and should consider:

• How much of the uranium mined from Coles Hill would be used in American nuclear power plants? Virginia Uranium Inc. claims one of the benefits of the Coles Hill mine would be “Fuel for America.” Would the uranium from Coles Hill be for the exclusive use of American power plants, or would it be sold on the world market?;

• “Ask yourself — what is the worst-case scenario and use that as your litmus test,” county resident Andrew Lester told the subcommittee;

• How would an entity like Chatham Hall, which relies on marketing itself nationally and internationally, be able to reassure prospective students — and their parents — they would be safe with a uranium mine operating nearby?;

• Compare the geology and hydrology of Pittsylvania County to other areas that currently have uranium mines;

• How would a uranium mine in Pittsylvania County affect the other nuclear facilities in Virginia?;

• What would be the actual impact on the local and regional economy — including the multiplier effect — if mining were to proceed? How long would those benefits last?;

• How would the tailings (mine wastes) be managed in Virginia’s often wet, sometimes windy climate?;

• Dust from the blasting of the ore-rich rock was a concern of several speakers. “This is where we’re going to have a lot of dust,” George Stanhope said;

• How will the study be paid for? (Some speakers complained about VUI paying for the state study — thus “tainting” it — while others complained that the state shouldn’t pay for a study to benefit a private company such as VUI. It appears that on this issue, there is no correct or satisfactory answer.);

• What will be the cost to mitigate and manage the Virginia Uranium Inc. site once mining ceases?;

• Some speakers wanted to know what mining plan Virginia Uranium had for the Coles Hill site, and they wanted that plan presented first so that it could be studied;

• How would the mine affect the ability of local people to sell their agricultural products, including tobacco, beef cattle, feed crops and dairy products? “Our land is our 401(k),” said Tommy Motley, president of the Pittsylvania County Farm Bureau;

• Can radiation be confined to the mining site and VUI property?;

• How does the corporate structure of Virginia Uranium Inc. and its related companies affect the ability of local people (or the state and federal governments) to sue over problems at Coles Hill?;

• Where will the water to run the mining and milling operation come from?;

• Will uranium ore mined at other sites be trucked to Coles Hill for milling?;

• How would the uranium mine affect the growing Smith Mountain Lake area? “Everything I’ve worked for in my entire life is in jeopardy,” one businesswoman said;

• Does working with Virginia Tech — or any state university that has a nuclear program — create a conflict of interest?;

• How would wastewater from the site be recycled?;

• Will the state take baseline environmental measurements of the surrounding land and water?; and

• How would acid used in the milling process affect the safety liners that will be used in the tailings piles?;

Delegate Lee Ware, R-Powhatan, and chair of the Uranium Mining Subcommittee, said during the hearing, “We do hope to cast as wide a net as possible.”

The people of the Dan River Region have filled Ware’s proverbial net. They filled a high school auditorium on a cold, wet winter’s night to offer good suggestions for a scientific study that could take years to complete. For the most part, they represented themselves well and gave the subcommittee a lot to consider.

The state’s uranium mining study must address the concerns expressed by local residents.

The people did their part; now it’s time for the Uranium Mining Subcommittee to do theirs.

http://www.godanriver.com/gdr/news/opinion/editorials/danville_editorials/article/now_answer_those_questions/8368/