Group takes a stand against uranium mining projects

Posted: May 2, 2009 11:31 PM EDT

Hoping to stop the expansion of uranium mining in KOTA Territory and surrounding states, advocacy groups join forces in Rapid City. On Saturday, representatives from organizations in four states met for a public forum. (what about our county groups??)

In addition to proposed sites in Nebraska, Colorado and Wyoming, Powertech Uranium Corporation plans to build an in-situ leach mine in Edgemont. Despite increasing talk from national leaders to expand nuclear power to decrease the country's demand on foreign oil, many fear the mining infects the water supply and harms wildlife.

"There's a lot of interest about mining, the industry and economic development," said Shannon Anderson with the Powder River Basin Resource Council. "But we'd like to raise awareness about the environmental issues and public health and safety concerns as well."

Many people believe an existing mine near Chadron, Nebraska has infected the groundwater and caused health problems like diabetes, causing fear about the wellbeing of future generations.

"We want to protect this for them because they're just innocent, they're healthy, beautiful, young children and we want them to live to be 100 years old," said Alex White Plume, who loves on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation near Chadron. "I plan to live to be 100 years old, but I don't know, the way this water's contaminated, I may cut myself short."

Representatives from Cameco and Powertech maintain in-situ leach mining does not negatively impact the environment. (that what all the uranium people say, they are not honest, still ruining peoples water, land and air)

http://www.kotatv.com/global/story.asp?s=10293056