The Latest News
Long-awaited National Academy of Sciences report released
added 12.19.11
The National Academy of Sciences today released along-awaited report examining the scientific, technical, environmental, human health and safety, and regulatory aspects of uranium mining, milling, and processing as they relate to the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The lengthy report compiles research on uranium mining and waste disposal from around the country, but does not make any recommendations about whether Virginia should or should not allow uranium mining. It was commissioned by the Virginia Coal and Energy Commission and is part of an ongoing contract between the commission and NAS that includes a public outreach and public meeting period over the next five months.
To view and download a copy of the report, visit either the National Academy of Sciences web page on this issue, or the Virginia Coal and Energy Commission web page.
The report's release marks the beginning of an extensive public education process by the NAS, which includes public meetings as described in its contract with the state. SELC and the Keep the Ban Coalition call on the General Assembly to honor this public outreach period and to not take any action on the uranium mining issue in the 2012 session.
Learn more about this case »
Previous Case Activity
Socioeconomic report on uranium mining does not alleviate human health, environmental concerns
added 11.30.11
A report released today on the economic impacts of the proposed Coles Hill uranium mine and mill found that while the project could produce benefits for Southside Virginia, the risks and rewards “are not balanced.” Under a worst-case scenario, researchers found that potential net costs to taxpayers could reach almost $11 billion – nearly double the projected benefits under the best-case scenario.
The 179-page study was produced by Chmura Economics & Analytics for the Virginia Energy and Coal COmmmission. The report found that, even under the best circumstances, some adverse health effects and environmental contamination are likely.
Moreover, the report finds that the “potential negative stigma” of uranium mining could result in the closure of a large manufacturer and a private school in Southside, as well as the loss of tens of millions of dollars in property values, health care costs and a stressed agriculture and tourism sector.
SELC and our allies in the Keep The Ban Coalition are urging the General Assembly to withhold any action on lifting the existing statewide ban on uranium mining before lawmakers and the public have had a chance to review this report and several others on the issue.
Learn more about uranium mining in Virginia with
SELC’s FAQ
Read Chmura’s socioeconomic report
here.
Uranium mining threat puts Roanoke River on America’s “10 Most Endangered Rivers” list
added 5.17.11
The threat of proposed uranium mining, milling and waste disposal at a site in the Roanoke River basin in southern Virginia has earned the river a spot on a list of America's 10 most endangered rivers, issued annually by the national American Rivers organization.
The Roanoke flows from the Blue Ridge Mountains to North Carolina's Outer Banks, and provides drinking water to more than one million people in Virginia Beach, Norfolk and other communities. Recently, Raleigh, North Carolina applied to tap 50 million gallons a day from the basin.
The dangers of extracting uranium ore, which requires intensive use of water and chemicals and leaves behind radioactive and contaminated waste, inspired the Virginia state legislature to place a ban on uranium mining in 1982. A uranium mining company is now pushing to lift the ban and develop a deposit on a tributary of the Roanoke. Geologists believe there are other deposits elsewhere in Virginia and the East.
American Rivers and its partners called on the Virginia legislature to uphold its ban on uranium mining to protect the Roanoke and rivers statewide.
See the May 17 press release.
Check out the American Rivers webpage on the Roanoke River.
Learn more about this case »