Meetings

What: Uranium Working Group Public Meeting in Chatham

When: August 2, 2012 6 pm (joint meeting with NRC)
Where: Old Dominion Agricultural Complex (19783 US Highway 29, Suite G Chatham, VA 24531)
Topic: Water Quality Monitoring Plan for Surface and Groundwater, Air Quality Monitoring Plan, Virginia Water Quality Standards and Waterworks Regulations
Can’t make the meeting: Submit your comments online

08/02/2012 (6:00 p.m.)

Meeting of the Commonwealth of Virginia Uranium Working Group  (NRC invited to participate): Old Dominion Agricultural Complex 19783 US Highway 29, Suite G Chatham, VA 24531 Meeting Slides:  http://pbadupws.nrc.gov/docs/ML1220/ML12208A074.pdf

Additional meetings scheduled below:

• August 28, 2012 – 6 pm
  Virginia Beach Convention Center
  1000 19th Street
  Virginia Beach, VA 23451
• October 17, 2012 – 6 pm
  Old Dominion Agricultural Complex
  19783 US Highway 29, Suite G
  Chatham, VA 24531
  

What: Department of Health Large Public Meeting on Uranium Mining and Water in Chatham
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) will hold meetings to gather public input on the issues of water supply and recreational water to assess the impact of uranium mining and milling in Virginia.

When: August 7, 2012 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Where: Chatham Circuit Court Building (3 North Main St. Chatham)
Details: Comments from as many participants as time allows. Registration is not required.

Can’t make the meeting? Submit your comments online

What: Department of Health Small Group Discussion Meeting on Uranium Mining and Water in Chatham

When: August 8, 20128:00 a.m. – 4:15 p.m.
Where: Chatham County Administration Building (1 Center St. Chatham)
Registration: Deadline to sign-up for discussion groups: July 31, 2012

Details: A small group of participants engage in more focused and in-depth discussions of public concerns, health risks, and potential regulatory changes. Members of the public who are interested in participating are invited to submit their name for participation in one of the discussion sessions listed in the schedule. A total of 15 to 20 persons will be randomly selected from the names submitted and VDH is suggesting that individuals indicate their interest or expertise in the following areas, in order to assure a robust discussion: the agricultural community, water service provider, general business community, business associated with recreational water, academic with a special knowledge of geology or groundwater, local government, or private homeowner.

How: If you are interested please submit your name, your area of interest, address and telephone number, e-mail address and other contact information, and preferred meeting location to https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/ODW/publicmeeting.  Persons selected for participation will be notified by The new deadline is Friday, August 3. After Friday, we will randomly select participants from among the submitted names and will notify those selected by August 6.


What: A Clean Air and Clean Water Luncheon in Danville

Join us to hear an update on the Keep the Ban campaign, including the latest scoop on Governor Bob McDonnell's Uranium Working Group. 

You'll also get  hands-on training in how to communicate effectively with elected officials. 
Armed with the facts and skills you need, you can be a voice to protect Virginia's health and heritage.

 Presentations include:        
---Proposed landfills affecting the Dan River"   by Tiffany Hayworth, Dan River Basin Association;
---The Clean Air Act and  you" by Jeffrey Painter, Va. League Conservation Voters;and
---Uranium mining and drinking water" by Nathan Lott, Virginia Conservation Network.

Where: Pepsi Building, 661 Craghead St.,  Danville, VA 24541
When:  Friday Aug. 10, noon - 1:30 p.m.
Who:         Expert presenters and community volunteers like you

Cost: Free, but registration is required
Register: At www.vcnva.org or by         calling 804-644-0283

We look         forward to seeing you at these events,
- The Keep the Ban         Team
******************************************************************

**********************
Did you know? Virginia has a nearly 30-year ban on uranium mining. The uranium industry is making a well-financed push to repeal the ban so they can mine and process uranium, starting in Southside Virginia. Drinking water, human health, farmland, property values, wildlife and tourism across Virginia are at risk.
The Keep the Ban Coalition is a group of local and state organizations working to maintain the existing ban on uranium mining in Virginia. Scores of public interest groups and localities (see the list here) and over 10,000 citizens have stated their support to the General Assembly for keeping the ban on uranium mining in Virginia.

http://keeptheban.org/

Meeting: Clean Water and Clean Air Luncheon

 

 

Clean Water and Clean Air Luncheon

Come meet others in your region that want to protect our water, land and air. Receive campaign updates, educational materials and learn about ways to get involved.

Co-hosted by Virginia Conservation Network, Virginia League of Conservation Voters, Dan River Basin Association and the Keep the Ban on Uranium Mining Campaign.

What: A Clean Air and Clean Water Luncheon

Where: Pepsi Building, 661 Craghead St., Danville, VA 24541

When: Friday Aug. 9, noon - 1:30 p.m.

Who: Expert presenters and community volunteers like you

Cost: Free, but registration is required
Agenda

Noon-12:20 Registration, lunch served

12:20-12:25 Welcome

12:25-12:35 "Proposed landfills affecting the Dan River" by Tiffany Hayworth

12:35-12:45 "The Clean Air Act and you" by Jeffrey Painter

 

12:45-1:15 "Uranium mining and drinking water" by Nathan Lott 

 

1:15-1:30 Q & A

Join us to hear an update on the Keep the Ban campaign, including the latest scoop on Governor Bob McDonnell's Uranium Working Group. You'll also get hands-on training in how to communicate effectively with elected officials. Armed with the facts and skills you need, you can be a voice to protect Virginia's health and heritage.

Event Location

Pepsi Building 661 Craighead Street
Danvillle, VA 24541

We all need clean air and clean water to lead healthy lives. Decisions are being made today in Washington and Richmond that will determine the safety of our environment -- including the monumental decision about whether or not to allow industrial uranium production in the Virginia countryside. That's why Virginia Conservation Network and the Virginia League of Conservation Voters are talking our message on the road this summer.

We are pleased to announce a newly added summer workshop in Danville on Aug. 10.  Join us for lunch, and you'll get updates on the looming decisions affecting your health.  Most importantly, you will learn how to get involved and make a difference.

What: A Clean Air and Clean Water Luncheon
Where: Pepsi Building, 661 Craghead St., Danville, VA 24541
When: Friday Aug. 10, noon - 1:30 p.m.
Who: Expert presenters and community volunteers like you
Cost: Free, but registration is required

Register: At www.vcnva.org or by calling 804-644-0283

Join us to hear an update on the Keep the Ban campaign, including the latest scoop on Governor Bob McDonnell's Uranium Working Group.  You'll also get hands-on training in how to communicate effectively with elected officials.  Armed with the facts and skills you need, you can be a voice to protect Virginia's health and heritage.
I look forward to seeing you there,

Landowner Incentive Program (LIP)

What is LIP?

• LIP is a federal grant program funded by US Fish and Wildlife Service
• LIP is a grant-based voluntary cost-share program administered by VDGIF
• LIP provides 75% cost share to landowners willing to install and maintain stream restoration and riparian buffer projects on their property for at least 10 years

Virginia is one of the most biologically diverse states in the nation. Over 3,000 species of native plants and animals are contained within the borders of the Commonwealth. Biological diversity is apparent throughout the various aquatic and terrestrial habitats across its coastal, piedmont, and mountain regions.

Virginia's Wildlife Action Plan identified 925 species of wildlife as rare or at-risk. Over half (465) of those species are aquatic or have aquatic life stages. The most abundant habitat for these species is Virginia's rivers, creeks, and streams. To protect and restore biological diversity, the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) is providing financial and technical assistance to landowners through the Landowner Incentive Program (LIP).

VDGIF's primary focus is stream restoration within selected watersheds in central and western Virginia where most of the rare, aquatic species occur. However, rare species can be found in numerous habitats including caves, wetlands, dunes, and other unique places. Landowners with these types of property are also part of Virginia's LIP plan. Technical assistance is available to all Virginians and funding may be available in additional watersheds in the future.

What are the benefits?

• Preserve the diversity of wildlife in the Commonwealth
• Improve degrading lands by implementing conservation practices
• The benefits of riparian buffers are well-documented
• Create habitat for numerous fish and wildlife species
• Improve water quality for ourselves and future generations
• Eliminate sedimentation sources to restore the natural condition and ecological health that will revitalize the rivers, streams and bays in Virginia

Who can participate?

• Private landowners including farms, corporations, residents, hunting clubs, non-profits, and any other non-governmental organizations
• Individuals that own land along a river, creek, or stream within selected watersheds with rare wildlife species
• Landowners who are willing to protect their restoration project with at least a 35-foot vegetated buffer

How much assistance can I get?

• VDGIF offers payment for 75% of the total project cost on a reimbursement basis
• VDGIF will provide engineering assistance and acquire any regulatory permits required to implement projects
• Landowners are responsible for 25% of the project cost, but in-kind services can be used as match
• Donations of materials and volunteer help can be used to make up the landowner's portion of project costs
• LIP can be combined with other conservation programs to achieve a whole farm conservation plan

Where is LIP currently available?

• The upper Tennessee River Basin including the Powell, Clinch, and Forks of the Holston Rivers and all tributaries (Region 3)
• The New River Basin including the Bluestone & New Rivers and Wolf Creek and all tributaries (Region 3)
• The Roanoke River Basin including the Dan, Smith, Pigg and Roanoke Rivers and all tributaries (Region 2)
• The upper James River Basin including the James River and all tributaries upstream of the Rivanna River (Region 2 and Region 4)
• The Rivanna River Basin including the Forks of Rivanna Rivers and all tributaries (Region 4)

How can I get involved?

If your property is located in one of the above colored watersheds, call or write your regional VDGIF office (attn: Stream Restoration Biologist).


http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/habitat/lip/

Meetings: The Virginia Department of Health

Day One Meeting:  The Virginia Department of Health


The meetings — three lasting all day and three lasting two hours — will be held in Chatham, Warrenton and Virginia Beach. The first will be Aug. 7 in Chatham from 6 to 8 p.m.

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) will hold a series of meetings to gather public input on the issues of water supply and recreational water to assess the impact of uranium mining and milling in Virginia.  More specifically, VDH will collect public comments related to the following
questions:

1.        What are the public's concerns about related to the impact of
uranium mining and milling on water quality and quantity of private
wells?
2.       What are the public's concerns related to the impact of uranium
mining and milling on recreational use of surface water?
3.       What role should VDH play in assuring that public health is
protected in regard to private wells and recreational water use in regard
to uranium mining and milling?
4.       What safeguards should be in place to protect private wells and
recreational water?

Evening meetings will be large meetings and VDH will receive comments from as many participants as time allows.

Registration is not required to attend the public meetings that will be held in the evenings.

Individuals who are unable to attend but want to submit comments or issues for consideration may do so at http://www.uwg.vi.virginia.gov/.

In addition to accepting comments in the public forum, VDH and other agencies will staff tables to provide information and collect questions and comments from the public.

Staff will be available at these tables for one hour before the public meetings begin. 

Questions may be asked and  comments made in the public forum, at the tables or both.




Day Two:  The Virginia Department of Health

Day-long issue discussion sessions will allow a small group of participants to engage in more focused and in-depth discussion of public concerns, health risks, and potential regulatory changes. 

These meetings will require participants to devote a full day to participation, and participants will be identified prior to the meetings. 
Although we expect that a large number of persons will be interested in serving on the discussion groups, because VDH would like to conduct a very in-depth discussion, only a small number of persons will be selected.

Members of the public who are interested in participating are invited to submit their name for participation in one of the discussion sessions listed in the schedule. 

A total of 15 to 20 persons will be randomly selected from the names submitted and VDH is suggesting that individuals indicate their interest or expertise in the following areas, in order to
assure a robust discussion:

the agricultural community, water service provider, general business community, business associated with recreational water, academic with a special knowledge of geology or groundwater, local government, or private homeowner. 

The only  requirements for your participation are that you commit to attending the entire meeting, that you indicate your area of interest from one of the groups listed above, and that you are willing to join in an open discussion of the issues. 

These are public meetings and a summary of the discussion, along with a list of participants, will be made available to the public after the meetings. 

Please note that if you volunteer your name will be listed as a participant in the public summary of the meeting.

If you are interested please submit your name, your area of interest, address and telephone number, e-mail address and other contact information, and preferred meeting location to
https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/ODW/publicmeeting. 




You must submit your information no later than July 31, 2012. 

Persons selected for  participation will be notified by August 2.


To see dates click here:

http://www.uwg.vi.virginia.gov/

Map of High Wind Reports and Other Severe Weather on for June 29-July 1, 2012, from NWS’ Storm Prediction Center

Posted on June 30, 2012





for the National Weather Service/Storm Prediction Center’s map of high-wind reports and other severe weather from the June 29, 2012, system that caused fatalities, massive power outages, and other problems in Virginia and other states.

One can access the maps and report lists for other days, as well.

The June 30 map for several reports from Virginia of high wind and hail along with



one tornado report, and the July 1 map for several hundred high-wind and hail reports across the Midwest and Southeast.



Read more:

http://vawatercentralnewsgrouper.wordpress.com/2012/06/30/map-of-high-wind-reports-and-other-severe-weather-on-june-29-2012-from-nws-storm-prediction-center/

http://www.spc.noaa.gov/climo/reports/120630_rpts.html


http://www.spc.noaa.gov/climo/reports/120701_rpts.html

http://www.spc.noaa.gov/climo/reports/120629_rpts.html

EPA lends support to Altavista's plan to clean up PCBs

By: Amy Trent | The News & Advance
Published: May 30, 2012 Updated: May 30, 2012 - 10:10 PM

The Environmental Protection Agency said this week it supports Altavista’s plan to let nature loose upon the toxins deposited into the town’s wastewater treatment pond nearly 40 years ago.

“We support innovative explorations for finding solutions to the problems, like the one that exists in Altavista, as long as it is sound science and it is protective of both the environment and humans,” said Steve Rock, an environmental engineer for the EPA.

“And we think this program is both.”

The fact that the federal agency supports deployment of bioremediation methods marks a fortuitous turning point for a town that has spent more than $160,000 and more than a decade searching for the least-costly method to remove polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, from the pond just 300 feet from the Staunton River.

In March, the state Department of Environmental Quality reiterated its position with town officials that the “green” technology was unproven and Altavista needed to meet the 2014 PCB removal deadline agreed upon in a voluntary remediation program.

State officials favor the traditional “dig-and-haul” method to a PCB-certified landfill, which is estimated to cost about $4.5 million and still leaves the town liable for the contamination.

Rock, along with two other researchers, is expected to publish the scientific backing this summer for at least two of the bioremediation methods Altavista will employ this year —phytoremediation and activated carbon — in the EPA newsletter, “Technology News and Trends,” which addresses remediation technologies.

On Tuesday, scientist Louis Licht, founder of Ecolotree Inc., and town employees began gingerly pushing poplar and willow tree cuttings into the soft soil on four test plots the town created along the edge of the six-acre pond.

While lab tests tell Licht these trees will take root and — over several years — break down the components that make up the PCBs and remove them from the environment, he needs a field study to test the theory.

Researchers said Altavista is the perfect petri dish for several reasons: town leadership supports innovations, the pond is completely contained and the site has no other contaminants.

Typically, PCBs exist in concert with other chemicals. But in this case, the site has been tainted for so long that all other contaminants already have broken down, allowing scientists the rare opportunity to work solely with PCBs.

If Licht’s theory holds true, once the town has capped the pond with soil and planted thousands of trees, the PCBs will literally degrade in place. According to Licht, the cuttings will establish an extensive root system throughout each test plot, which sits on top of the contaminated pond. As the trees grow, fed by the pond water and sunlight, the microbes in the root system will break down the chemical compounds that make up the PCBs, mineralizing them into inert compounds.

Some experts estimate it could take three to five years to break down PCBs in this manner.

Town officials started phytoremediation efforts in earnest this month. Town Council approved about $30,000 for the first phase of study, and this month employees relocated about 200 cubic yards of dirt from English Park to the pond. Employees created four small islands along the side of the pond, mixing in leaf compost and poultry litter to the mix. In Phase II, crews will build tree planting plots atop the areas of the pond with the highest PCB concentrations.

Concentrations in the pond range from 1.4 to 6,900 parts per million, according to a Human Health Risk Assessment done on the site in 2010.In theU.S., anything higher than 50 ppm requires remediation.

“We’re watching with great interest to see how it works,” said Rock, who visited the town in March to talk about plant-enhanced bioremediation.

“We have a sense that the process works; what we don’t have a sense of is the rate and extent,” he said.

On Tuesday, Licht estimated the right three-year program could make an impact. The key element is time, which is the lynchpin for the state DEQ. Officials with the state agency, who did not return phone calls seeking comment, have been working with Altavista for the last 10 years to find a way to remove the PCBs

Read more:

http://www2.newsadvance.com/news/2012/may/30/epa-lends-support-altavistas-plan-clean-pcbs-ar-1954109/

Uranium Working Group to hold meeting in Chatham:Aug. 2 / NRC presentati​on August 2 / Uranium Meetings Conducted by Va. Dept of Health:August 7/ Uranium study on LGA’s agenda: Aug. 1

Uranium Working Group to hold meeting in Chatham

http://www.wpcva.com/news/article_692a9042-d66c-11e1-b624-0019bb2963f4.html

Posted: Wednesday, July 25, 2012 11:21 am
Uranium Working Group to hold meeting in Chatham By TIM DAVIS
Star-Tribune Editor Chatham Star Tribune
The governor’s Uranium Working Group will hold a joint meeting with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Thursday, Aug. 2, in Chatham.
The meeting, which is open to the public, will begin at 6 p.m. at the Olde Dominion Agricultural Complex on U.S. 29.
David McIntyre, a public affairs officer with the NRC, said the meeting will focus on the federal agency’s role in regulating a proposed uranium mill in Pittsylvania County.
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission does not regulate uranium mining, which is a state issue.
“We want to reassure people that if Virginia decides to lift the moratorium and if NRC receives a mill application, that we will go over the application tooth and nail to ensure that the proposed facility meets our strict standards for protecting public health and safety, and the environment,” said McIntyre. “We want them to know that we will be asking the same questions they are, and that the public will have several chances to participate in the process.”
Virginia Uranium Inc. announced plans in 2007 to explore mining the Coles Hill uranium deposit, which was discovered in the 1970s.
Located about six miles northeast of Chatham, it is believed to be the largest uranium deposit in the United States and is worth an estimated $7 billion.
Company officials said the uranium mine and mill would support more than 1,050 jobs and provide an annual economic impact of $135 million over 35 years.
Opponents, however, are concerned about the stigma of uranium mining as well as the potential environmental impact on air and water.
An independent federal agency, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission was created by Congress in 1974 to ensure the safe use of radioactive materials for civilian purposes while protecting people and the environment.
The NRC regulates commercial nuclear power plants and other uses of nuclear materials, such as in nuclear medicine, through licensing, inspection and enforcement of its requirements.
NRC speakers at the Aug. 2 meeting will include:
Larry W. Camper, director of the NRC’s Division of Waste Management and Environmental Protection, which regulates uranium recovery, decommissioning of nuclear power plant and materials facilities (including uranium recovery facilities), low-level waste disposal, and environmental reviews.
Camper will give an overview of the NRC’s uranium recovery program, including the various scientific disciplines involved and the number of applications under review and expected in the near to medium-term future, McIntyre said.
William von Till, chief of the Uranium Recovery Branch, will present the regulatory framework — the process by which NRC would review a uranium mill application for Virginia Uranium, the milling process, waste (tailings) management, and history of uranium milling in the eastern United States.
He will also address several questions that have been presented on the Uranium Working Group web page and posed directly to NRC, such as protections against breaches in the tailings ponds and protection against floods, said McIntyre.
Duncan White, chief of the Agreement States Branch in the Division of Materials Safety and State Agreements, will explain the process for amending state agreements in case Virginia decides to take over regulatory authority for uranium milling from the NRC, McIntyre said.
Gov. Bob McDonnell established the Uranium Working Group earlier this year to examine health and safety concerns, environmental questions, and the economic impact from uranium mining.
The group includes experts from the Virginia Department of Health, Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, and Department of Mines, Minerals, and Energy along with a Colorado consulting firm, Wright Environmental Services.
Wright will be paid more than $1 million in two separate contracts with the three state agencies.
The Uranium Working Group held the first of five public meetings in June at Chatham High School.
About 250 people attended the three-hour meeting, which focused on mine permitting, environmental issues, engineering designs and best management practices, disposal of mine waste, and mine site reclamation, compliance and enforcement.
Cathie J. France, deputy director of energy policy for the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals, and Energy, described the working group’s role as a “fact-finding mission” and said the study will include a site-specific analysis of Coles Hill.
“There have been a lot of studies done and those studies have raised a lot of questions,” she said. “We have not made any conclusions. We will not take a position one way or the other on whether the ban should be lifted. The information we provide will be used by decision-makers.”

NRC presentati​on August 2

The PowerPoint slides for the NRC presentations next Thursday in Chatham are now available online at this page:  http://www.nrc.gov/materials/uranium-recovery/public-meetings/2012/

click on "meeting slides" for the Aug. 2 meeting.

Uranium Meetings Conducted by Va. Dept of Health

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) will hold a series of meetings to gather public input on the issues of water supply and recreational water to assess the impact of uranium mining and milling in Virginia. More specifically, VDH will collect public comments related to the following questions:
1. What are the public’s concerns related to the impact of uranium mining and milling on water quality and quantity of private wells?
2. What are the public’s concerns related to the impact of uranium mining and milling on recreational use of surface water?
3. What role should VDH play in assuring that public health is protected in regard to private wells and recreational water use in regard to uranium mining and milling?
4. What safeguards should be in place to protect private wells and recreational water?
Evening meetings will be large meetings
and VDH will receive comments from as many participants as time allows. Registration is not required to attend the public meetings that will be held in the evenings. Individuals who are unable to attend but want to submit comments or issues for consideration may do so at http://www.uwg.vi.virginia.gov/.

In addition to accepting comments in the public forum, VDH and other agencies will staff tables to provide information and collect questions and comments from the public. Staff will be available at these tables for one hour before the public meetings begin. Questions may be asked and comments made in the public forum, at the tables or both.

DateTimeAreaLocation
August 7, 2012 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.ChathamCircuit Court Building3 North Main St. Chatham

August 15, 2012 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.WarrentonThe Barn, Lord Fairfax Community College6480 College St. WarrentonAugust 29, 2012

6:00 - 8:00 p.m.Virginia BeachMeyera Oberndorff Library Auditorium4100 Virginia Beach Boulevard Virginia Beach

Schedule of VDH Large Group Meetings on Uranium Mining and Water
Day-long issue discussion sessions will allow a small group of participants
to engage in more focused and in-depth discussion of public concerns, health risks, and potential regulatory changes. These meetings will require participants to devote a full day to participation, and participants will be identified prior to the meetings. Although we expect that a large number of persons will be interested in serving on the discussion groups, because VDH would like to conduct a very in-depth discussion, only a small number of persons will be selected.
Members of the public who are interested in participating are invited to submit their name for participation in one of the discussion sessions listed in the schedule. A total of 15 to 20 persons will be randomly selected from the names submitted and VDH is suggesting that individuals indicate their interest or expertise in the following areas, in order to assure a robust discussion: the agricultural community, water service provider, general business community, business associated with recreational water, academic with a special knowledge of geology or groundwater, local government, or private homeowner. The only requirements for your participation are that you commit to attending the entire meeting, that you indicate your area of interest from one of the groups listed above, and that you are willing to join in an open discussion of the issues. These are public meetings and a summary of the discussion, along with a list of participants, will be made available to the public after the meetings. Please note that if you volunteer your name will be listed as a participant in the public summary of the meeting.
If you are interested please submit your name, your area of interest, address and telephone number, e-mail address and other contact information, and preferred meeting location to https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/ODW/publicmeeting. You must submit your information no later than July 31, 2012. Persons selected for participation will be notified by August 2.
DateTimeAreaLocation
August 8, 20128:00 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.ChathamCounty Administration Building1 Center St. ChathamAugust 16, 20128:00 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.WarrentonWarrenton Rescue Squad Building210 Hospital Drive Warrenton, VAAugust 30, 20128:00 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.Virginia BeachVirginia Beach Health Department Glass Conference Room (second floor)4452 Corporation Lane Virginia BeachSchedule of VDH Small Group Discussion Meetings on Uranium Mining and Water
http://townhall.virginia.gov/L/GetFile.cfm?File=E:\townhall\docroot\\meeting\58\18464\Agenda_VDH_new_v1.pdf


Uranium study on LGA’s agenda
From Staff Reportsvancnews.com

The Lake Gaston Association will host Peter Pommerenk, Baker Study project manager for the Virginia Beach Public Works Department, at its Aug. 1 monthly meeting, which will be held at 9:30 a.m. at the Lake Gaston Baptist Church.Pommerenk will present the results of Phase 2 of the Virginia Beach Uranium Mining Study, which focuses on a potential accidental uranium tailings release from the proposed Coles Hill, Va. uranium mining and milling operation, and the specific affects such a release could have on Lake Gaston.
http://www.vancnews.com/lake_gaston_gazette_observer/news/local/article_adaf6350-d662-11e1-8f1d-001a4bcf887a.html

Norfolk council backs uranium mining moratorium

By Steven G. Vegh
The Virginian-Pilot
July 25, 2012
NORFOLK

The City Council called unanimously on Tuesday for a continuation of the state's moratorium on uranium mining to safeguard rivers and reservoirs that provide Norfolk's drinking water.

"This is a vote for us to stand up for the system and against anything that may somehow taint the quality of the water," Mayor Paul Fraim said after the vote at the council's regular meeting.
Fraim said the action intentionally echoed a similar resolution approved by Virginia Beach last month against mining and milling uranium ore.

Norfolk Director of Utilities Kristen Lentz told the council before its vote that the proposed Coles Hills uranium mining project is near a river that drains into Lake Gaston, which feeds Norfolk's water supply.

But she said if contamination occurred, lawsuits could prevent Norfolk from pumping water out of Lake Gaston for an extended period, squeezing the city's water supplies. Safety violations by the mining industry could also jeopardize that supply.

Fraim said the city's water system serves 700,000 people a day, including naval bases. "We're very protective of that system," he said, and cautious about anything that might interfere with the water quality.


http://hamptonroads.com/2012/07/norfolk-council-backs-uranium-mining-moratorium

Uranium forum airs concerns in Roanoke / Uranium study discussed at Roanoke symposium

 

Uranium forum airs concerns in Roanoke

Joe Dashiell Reporter

10:54 p.m. EDT, July 27, 2012

ROANOKE, Va.—

As Virginians try to educate themselves on the promise and the peril of uranium mining, a conference in Roanoke aired many of the concerns Friday.

A state panel is studying the prospect of lifting the moratorium on uranium mining, and allowing the development of a large deposit in Pittsylvania county. State lawmakers expect to take up the issue in January.

The forum at Virginia Western Community College was organized by opponents of uranium mining and it included speakers who believe the risks outweigh the benefits, but supporters were also there, including one speaker who believes it is possible to mine uranium with an acceptable level of risk.

Peter deFur is a biologist. "My personal, professional opinion is the risks of uranium mining in Virginia are insurmountable," deFur said. "We have threats to our wildlife, to our ecological systems, to our river systems and human health."

http://www.wdbj7.com/news/wdbj7-uranium-forum-airs-concerns-in-roanoke-20120727,0,1467113.story

Saturday, July 28, 2012

Uranium study discussed at Roanoke symposium

 A symposium focused on the policy implications of the National Academy of Sciences report.

By Laurence Hammack981-3239

Map

The Roanoke Times

Click the image to see a map of uranium deposits in Virginia.

In an exhaustive study of uranium mining released in December, the National Academy of Sciences raised some red flags but did not address a key question: Should Virginia lift its moratorium on the practice?

On Friday, a member of the study committee expressed his own views about mining the radioactive metal.

"I don't see how we can do it," said Peter DeFur, a research associate professor at Virginia Commonwealth University.

"I hope we don't."

DeFur made his comments during a symposium on uranium mining at Virginia Western Community College.

As part of a 14-member committee that spent nearly two years researching the topic, DeFur stressed that he was speaking for himself and not the National Academy of Sciences. He said he became free to do that only after June1, when the committee ended its service.

Uranium mining has been a hot topic in Virginia ever since a mining company announced plans three years ago to tap a huge deposit that lies below rolling cow pastures in Pittsylvania County.

Concerns about the safety of uranium mining prompted the Virginia General Assembly to impose the moratorium 30 years ago.

With lawmakers expected to revisit the issue at next winter's session, the academy study is expected to play a key role in the debate.

In its report, the academy said Virginia would face "steep hurdles" in protecting the health of its people and environment if the moratorium was lifted.

But the report made no up or down recommendation to the General Assembly.

At Friday's symposium, which included speakers on both sides of the issue, DeFur made his first public comments on the issue.

His concerns, he said, are based in part on recent natural disasters in Virginia — an earthquake, tornadoes, a derecho — and how they might disturb huge amounts of radioactive waste that would be left behind at the mining operation for decades.

"What's next?" DeFur said of the severe weather events that seem to be happening with greater frequency.

"What will this mean for our children? I don't know. I don't think any of our experts know."

Reached by email Friday, Locke declined to say whether he thinks the moratorium should be lifted.

Bodnar, who has studied the Pittsylvania County site in detail, said uranium can be mined with "minimal and acceptable risk to the environment and to human health."
The academy report found 55 other sites in Virginia where uranium exists in higher-than-normal concentrations. One is on the southern edge of Roanoke; another straddles the Roanoke County-Craig County line.

http://m.roanoke.com/mapp/story.aspx?arcID=312130

Member of NAS uranium panel says he's opposed to mining in Virginia

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS July 27, 2012 - 5:48 pm EDT ROANOKE, Va. — A member of the National Academy of Sciences panel that reviewed the statewide impacts of uranium mining says he's opposed to mining the radioactive ore in Virginia. The Roanoke Times (http://bit.ly/LVJ3gF) reports that Peter DeFur made his feelings known Friday during a symposium on uranium http://www2.wsls.com/news/2012/jul/27/member-of-nas-uranium-panel-opposes-mining-ar-2090137/ Virginia uranium mining debate continues By: Jenna Zibton | WSLS 10 Published: July 27, 2012 Updated: July 27, 2012 - 5:18 PM ROANOKE, VA -- The debate over uranium mining in Virginia continues. Area leaders, professors and environmental groups gathered for a day-long conference on the issue at Virginia Western Community College Friday. Most agree we need uranium but have mixed opinions about if mining should happen in Southside Virginia. “There's not enough of it and the dangers of the world's supply and the danger to the community and to the state, I don't think it's worth it” says Cabell Brand, founder of the Cabell Brand Center. “I'm concerned that any leakage of any radioactivity into the air, the water, the soil with have adverse consequences. Not only on human health but the water supplies, well life, the agriculture in Pittsylvania County if it gets into the milk and the dairy cows, or into the food supply. Of the course the chances of this happening are not very great, but any chances like that are probably more than we should accept” says former Roanoke City councilman Rupert Cutler. http://www2.godanriver.com/news/2012/jul/27/virginia-uranium-mining-debate-continues-ar-2090004/

 

News about Uranium Mining

Uranium mining in Virginia: First, do no harm

By: CHRIS A. LUMSDEN | Times-Dispatch
Published: July 22, 2012 Updated: July 22, 2012 - 12:00 AM

As a longtime resident of southern Virginia, a board member of the Industrial Development Authority of Halifax County, and the CEO of one of the largest employers in the area, I'm very familiar with growing a business and creating jobs.
Over the past decade, southern Virginia has experienced steady, sustainable growth. In 2011 alone, eight companies invested $186 million to relocate to Halifax County or expand their operations. This investment saved more than 800 existing jobs and created 400 new jobs in construction, energy and manufacturing in this area.
I also know what it takes to recruit highly trained and marketable professionals to our part of the state. Competition for company relocations and the new jobs that they bring is fierce. Staying "on the list" for site selection is a desperate matter of survival for a region like ours.
The economy and future of southern Virginia depends almost entirely on our ability to successfully attract new corporate investors and professionals to our area. Keeping those who are already here is also critical for this region.
Let's not allow the stigma of uranium mining to turn back the clock and undermine our steady progress.
* * * * *
The risks of uranium mining are serious and well documented. Independent studies by the National Academy of Sciences, as well as other bodies on both sides of this issue, clearly confirm the risks of uranium mining for public health, economic vitality and the environment.
I understand and support the development of alternative sources of energy. However, the risks detailed in these reports would threaten Virginia's outstanding reputation as a great place to do business, live and raise a family, and enjoy an abundance of natural resources.
While supporters and detractors of uranium mining disagree on the extent to which uranium exposure causes cancer, threatens the quality of our water and releases devastating contaminants, we all agree that uranium mining and its byproducts carry undisputable risks.
The question is: What risk of public harm is Virginia willing to assume and at what cost?
Supporters of mining at Coles Hill, in nearby Pittsylvania County, claim uranium mining can and has been performed safely in other locations, such as Canada. But uranium mining has never before been conducted in a delicate climate with heavy rain and the significant possibility of hurricanes, tornados and earthquakes — with a good number of people living nearby or downstream.
If a storm or natural disaster causes even a single tailings containment cell to tear, the consequences would be immediate, irreversible and potentially catastrophic. The drinking water supply of Hampton Roads could be compromised, leaving 1.2 million people, including our men and women in uniform at the world's largest naval base, without water for up to two years of cleanup.
Moreover, tailings left behind by uranium mining and milling remain radioactive for thousands of years. Long after the uranium supply is depleted and the mine is closed, our great-grandchildren will be burdened with the task of keeping their own children safe from radioactive material buried in the ground, and Virginia taxpayers will likely have to foot the bill.
* * * * *
Supporters of uranium mining argue that these risks are just that — risks. But, whether or not any of these public health or environmental concerns becomes reality, the fact is that the mere possibility of uranium mining in southern Virginia incites fear. This fear is understandable and supported by scientific reports. And we all know that fear leads to uncertainty, and both are bad for business and economic development.
Business leaders and professionals have plenty of options. Every community wants them. Why would these people move their families or employees to an area known for potential adverse health risks of nearby uranium mining?
Why would parents choose to send their children to nearby schools like Chatham Hall or Hargrave Military Academy, given these health concerns? Why would people, with many choices, locate downstream from a uranium mine? Given the well-published public and health risks, I think the answers are obvious.
For nearly 30 years, I have been in the business of helping care for people. One of the principal precepts of medical ethics, and the very first thing every medical student learns, is the Hippocratic Oath. This credo requires those of us in a position to make decisions for the good of others to "First, do no harm."

http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/commentary/2012/jul/22/tdcomm03-uranium-mining-in-virginia-first-do-no-ha-ar-2072811/

Many questions about the plan to mine uranium in Pittsylvan​ia

Hi Dan,
Thank you for pointing out the question of who is going to pay for “clean up” of uranium mines and mills long after the companies have extracted what they need.
Proponents keep pushing what they contend are the economic benefits for a region thirsty for jobs, but they won’t address what happens when those jobs — and tax revenue — disappear after the life of the mine expires (which it will one day).
They also don’t address who will pay to decommission this uranium mill. In America’s history, decommissioning a uranium mill — some which are now deemed SuperFund sites — runs into the millions of dollars and takes many years to accomplish.
And if this would be the only uranium mill on the East coast (is it?), proponents haven’t released any kind of estimate for how much waste (or tailings) would be generated over 30-plus years?
And where exactly would that be buried in containment cells?
And who pays to monitor, repair and even replace those containments if there is a breach, where there very well could be? I imagine that could get very costly — and Virginia’s budget, well, enough said
Any short-term economic boost certainly wouldn’t outweigh the negative economic ramifications for the Commonwealth. That industry is not sustainable. And once the uranium is mined and milled, what is left of the communities that now rely on clean land and water for cattle, crops and organic farming.
Can you imagine what the winds from that recent derecho storm system would have done with an open pit uranium mine? Geez…
Thanks for doing what journalists do best.
Annette Ayres
NORTH CAROLINA
http://blogs.roanoke.com/dancasey/2012/07/your-daily-letter-to-the-columnist-july-18-2012/

Virginia Beach opposes uranium mining


Posted: Wednesday, July 18, 2012 12:13 pm
To the Editor:
Virginia Beach is the most populous city in the commonwealth. Virtually all of our 442,000 residents depend upon the Lake Gaston pipeline for drinking water.
What would happen if the water became contaminated with low-level radioactive material? What if the city were forced to shut down the pipeline for several months or even longer? The water restrictions and rationing would be devastating to the city’s reputation, lasting far beyond the contamination itself. Lake Gaston is integrated into the water supplies of Norfolk and Chesapeake, so the impact would be to the entire region.
That’s the city’s concern with respect to allowing uranium mining at Coles Hill in western Virginia — upstream of Lake Gaston. A catastrophic rainstorm and flood could carry radioactive mining waste downstream to the city’s water supply. Virginia Beach retained nationally prominent experts to study how Lake Gaston could be affected by a hypothetical failure of a uranium mine tailings disposal cell. The experts concluded that radioactivity could reach the lake and remain above state and federal regulatory levels for up to 16 months during dry years. Most of the tailings would end up in river and reservoir beds and remain radioactive for hundreds of thousands of years.
Is this an unlikely event that regulations and technology should prevent? Absolutely but history is littered with situations in which unpredictable natural events, unforeseen factors and human error have intersected to cause major disasters. Think about the Deep Water Horizon drilling rig or the Fukushima nuclear power plant.
The Richmond Times-Dispatch’s recent editorial, “The heck-no brigade,” criticized mining opponents for not keeping an open mind. Read the National Academies of Science’s Report on Uranium Mining in Virginia. The report clearly indicated that uranium mine tailings disposal cells represented significant long-term risks for contamination.
The NAS report also questioned whether existing federal regulations were adequate to address Virginia’s wet climate. The report pointed out that there were steep regulatory hurdles to overcome before uranium mining could be undertaken safely in Virginia.
Risk is probability times consequence. The probability of a uranium mine tailings disposal cell failure may be small, but given Virginia’s hydrology, the consequences could be catastrophic. That is why Virginia Beach opposes uranium mining upstream of its water supply intake.
Thomas M. Leahy
Director
Department of Public Utilities
City of Virginia Beach

http://www.vancnews.com/lake_gaston_gazette_observer/opinion/article_ef2c7464-d0f2-11e1-a295-0019bb2963f4.html

Drought Monitor

The 2012 drought disaster is rapidly worsening in severity, especially over the nation's agricultural heartland, according to the latest weekly U.S. Drought Monitor report, released Thursday.

While the area covered by the overall drought grew only slightly, the intensity increased alarmingly. Nationally, the percentage of the country in "extreme" to "exceptional" drought – the two worst categories on the scale – jumped from 13.53% to 20.57%.

In other words, another 219,000 square miles were added to the area in extreme drought – an area slightly larger than the states of California and New York combined.

This is the largest one-week expansion of extreme drought in the 12-year history of the Drought Monitor report. The overall percentage of the country in drought grew for the tenth week in a row, inching up from 63.54% to 63.86%.

http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/DM_state.htm?VA,SE
http://www.weather.com/news/drought-monitor-release-20120726

Canada's four most expensive contaminated sites

Contaminated soil, radioactive waste puts groundwater in jeopardy

CBC News

Posted: May 8, 2012 4:41 PM ET

Last Updated: May 8, 2012 5:24 PM ET

Canada's Environmental commissioner's 2012 report identifies four sites as having the highest reported financial liabilities - although the report does not disclose the financial details, which are "protected information."

1. Port Hope Area Contaminated Sites, Ont.
Natural Resources Canada responsible for remediation of about 1,380,000 cubic metres of low-level radioactive waste, including radium 226, uranium and arsenic. The project is funded through the Port Hope Area Initiative.

2. Welcome Waste Management Facility, Port Hope, Ont.
Natural Resources also responsible for an estimated 620,000 cubic metres of low-level radioactive waste at this above-ground facility and operation of treatment ponds and effluent discharge. Funded through the Port Hope Area Initiative.

3. Faro Mine, Yukon
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada is responsible for this former mine, whose owner went bankrupt. Estimated 64,000 hectares of contaminated soil and groundwater, leaching of acids and metals into groundwater and surface water. Requires at least 100 years of treatment of contaminated water and potential physical instability of tailings dams and waste rock dumps. Contaminents include petroleum hydrocarbons, metal, metalloid and organometallics.

4. Giant Mine, Yellowknife, NWT
Another bankrupt mine site managed by AANDC, with 237,000 tonnes of arsenic trioxide dust stored in 15 underground chambers; 16,000,000 tonnes of tailings, which is also arsenic rich; three large tailings ponds that require water treatment and discharge; and eight open pits, with 35 mine openings. Requires more than 100 years freezing of arsenic trioxide and contaminated soil to prevent release; treating and discharging water from tailings ponds; and covering tailings and open pits.

Read more:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/story/2012/05/08/canadas-most-expensive-contaminated-sites.html

Uranium mining may be bad for business

By Freeda Cathcart

Cathcart will present on the benefits and risks of uranium mining at the Cabell Brand Center for Global Poverty and Resource Sustainability Studies' public forum on uranium mining to be held Friday at Virginia Western Community College.

Does the potential benefit of uranium mining outweigh the risks for Virginia? That is the question that legislators will need to answer in the 2013 General Assembly. The public forum on uranium mining on Friday at Virginia Western Community College will have expert speakers to provide valuable information on the possibility of uranium mining in Virginia so that citizens can participate in this important decision.

Most of the debate so far between supporters of keeping the ban on uranium mining and those who would like the ban to be lifted has focused on the environmental safety and citizens' health versus bringing jobs to Virginia.

A recent interview with Ben Davenport Jr., former chairman of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce and co-founder of the Future of the Piedmont Foundation, in a report by Robert Powell on VirginiaBusiness.com ("Solon of Southern Virginia") challenges the promises of the uranium industry that it will bring desirable jobs to Southside. Davenport observes that uranium mining "just didn't fit in" to the long-term economic plan that business and civic leaders in Southside have been working on for decades.


Davenport co-founded the Future of the Piedmont Foundation more than a decade ago with the mission to determine how the tobacco settlement money for Danville and Pittsylvania County could best be used to revitalize its depressed economy. Its work helped to create the $80 million Mid-Atlantic Broadband Cooperative, a fiber-optic network serving all of Southern Virginia.

This network has provided residents of Southside the ability to research the uranium industry and to connect directly with people who live in uranium mining towns. They have used social media to create their own grassroots organizations to rise up to prevent the uranium industry from compromising their recovery from the tobacco industry.

The people of Southside want to be defined by more than a single industry.

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research in Danville is another result of the tobacco settlement and is part of a partnership with Virginia Tech. The institute offers degree programs in conjunction with a number of schools while conducting research in the areas of horticulture and forestry, motorsports and vehicle performance, renewable energy and bioproducts, and robotics and unmanned systems.

"We wanted to create an icon that said we are evolving, we're about change," Davenport said.

Davenport has experience with how today's best practices can become future violations as science learns more about how some industries compromise the environment and citizens' health.

So I would say that maybe we might be pretty darn well qualified to say: You may think the rules and regulations you start out with are going to be the ones you finish with, but I doubt it. I've never had any regulation that I ever dealt with that didn't become more stringent as time went on. Things that used to be measured in parts per million now are measured in parts per billion. The acceptable level of contaminants in different kinds of waste streams has changed dramatically."

When asked what the future holds for Southside, Davenport replied, "I see a beautiful river, and I can see shops and technology companies. All of those things fit together. I don't see a mine."

http://www.roanoke.com/editorials/commentary/wb/311957

Wind map and Uranium Mining

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June 29, 20122:00 pm EDT

 The wind map is a personal art project, not associated with any company. We've done our best to make this as accurate as possible, but can't make any guarantees about the correctness of the data or our software. Please do not use the map or its data to fly a plane, sail a boat, or fight wildfires :-)

If the map is missing or seems slow, we recommend the latest Chrome browser.

Surface wind data comes from the National Digital Forecast Database. These are near-term forecasts, revised once per hour. So what you're seeing is a living portrait. (See the NDFD site for precise details; our timestamp shows time of download.) And for those of you chasing top wind speed, note that maximum speed may occur over lakes or just offshore.

We'd be interested in displaying data for other areas; if you know of a source of detailed live wind data for other regions, or the entire globe, please let us know.

If you're looking for a weather map, or just want more detail on the weather today, see these more traditional maps of temperature and wind.

Please click here for the great windmap:  http://hint.fm/wind/

Australian uranium blows to Antarctica

Wednesday, 5 May 2010

by Holly Hight

Cosmos Online

WAHINGTON DC: Traces of uranium have been found in Antarctic ice, say scientists, and they believe it may have been carried on the wind from Australia's three massive uranium mines.
According to Ricardo Jana, a geophysicist at the Chilean Antarctic Institute in Punta Arenas, trace uranium levels were found in parts per quadrillion-level (ppq) concentrations which started rising from 1995 and have correlated with the increase in Australia's uranium production since then.
The researchers were taking ice cores to look for evidence of climate changes when they discovered the "interesting scientific evidence," said Jana. But the ramifications are hard to define.

http://www.cosmosmagazine.com/news/3436/australian-uranium-blows-antarctica

Radiation and Mining :  Wind

Uranium mining releases radon from the ground into the atmosphere. Open-pit and in-situ mining sites have been monitored by federal agencies and found to pose a low risk to the public. However, underground mines potentially pose a higher radon risk to both the public and workers. Mines and mining waste can release radionuclides, including radon, and other pollutants to streams, springs, and other bodies of water. Federal and state agencies have established pollutant discharge limits and drinking water standards, and continue to monitor these sites for public safety.
Uranium mine waste from operations that closed before the mid-1970s are of particular concern. In many cases, these mines remain unclaimed and the waste is still piled near the mine. Weathering can lead to radioactive dust that is blown by the wind and the seepage of contaminants into the surface and groundwater. There are also cases of unclaimed uranium mine waste being used for house construction, which creates significant radon and radiation hazard for inhabitants

http://www.epa.gov/radtown/uranium-mines.html

North Cave Hills Final Report: NCH Preliminary Windblown Dust Report 03-06-08:
http://uranium.sdsmt.edu/Downloads/PM%20Results%20Final%2003-06-08.pdf

Uranium mining carries risks

By Tamim Younos
Younos is executive vice president and research director for environmental sustainability programs at the Cabell Brand Center for Global Poverty and Resource Sustainability Studies in Salem.

Many Virginians are justifiably concerned about the potential environmental and societal impacts of the proposed uranium mining in Pittsylvania County. The region is a geographic area of high population that can also be susceptible to mining operation failure due to unpredictable and extreme hydrological events not unlike the recent thunderstorms and hurricanes.

For several years, I and colleagues at Virginia Tech studied the effects of coal mining on natural surface and ground-water systems in Southwest Virginia coalfield counties. Contamination of streams and ground water, punctured aquifers and lack of safe drinking water are typical consequences of coal mining in the region. The magnitude of devastation on natural water systems, air pollution and associated human costs are significant in coalfield counties, and the damage cannot be repaired even in just the next hundred years.

One can imagine the magnitude and impact of a radioactive catastrophe that may be caused by an unpredicted natural disaster or some human error from a uranium mine operation that will be located close to Virginia population centers.

But let us trust for a moment the advances in mining technology and assume that uranium mining can be a safe operation, then follow the path of uranium that will be produced in Pittsylvania County. Like coal produced in Southwest Virginia, the uranium mined in Pittsylvania County needs to be transported through populated areas to fuel nuclear power generation plants, the ultimate purpose of uranium mining.

Then there are issues and concerns about the safety of nuclear power plants in Virginia and elsewhere. The 2011 incident in Japan's Fukushima nuclear power plant, caused by force of nature, has introduced significant uncertainty about the safety of nuclear power generation plants around the globe. Some European countries, notably Germany, are moving away from constructing and operating nuclear power plants.

In addition, as yet there is no practical and feasible solution for disposal of radioactive waste generated from a nuclear power plant. And from a water resources specialist perspective, compared to all other power generation technologies, nuclear power plants are highly water intensive and require significant amounts of water, a resource predicted to become scarce in coming decades.

On July 27, a cadre of distinguished speakers will gather for a one-day forum at the Virginia Western Community College Whitman Theater to discuss various facets of the proposed uranium mining operation in Pittsylvania County. The forum agenda and registration information are posted at cabellbrandcenter.org. Registration will close on Thursday.

http://www.roanoke.com/editorials/commentary/wb/311620

THE COLORADO RIVER, WATER & URANIUM’S DEADLY LEGACY

Colorado Rivers Shown on the Map

Uranium is a known cause of cancers, organ damage, miscarriages & birth defects.

Drilling for the radioactive material has been found to contaminate underground aquifers that drain into the Colorado River, and sacred springs that have sustained Indigenous Peoples in the region. In addition, surface water can flow into drill holes and mine shafts which can also poison underground water sources.

Emerging in the Rocky Mountains in North Central Colorado and winding 1,450 miles to the Gulf of California, the Colorado River is held sacred by more than 34 Indigenous Nations. The Colorado also provides drinking water for up to 27 million people in seven states throughout the Southwest.

The river that carves the Grand Canyon has been extensively used by the agricultural industry and cities that are dependent for drinking water, so much so that it now ceases to flow to the Gulf of California, forcing members of the Cocopah Nation (The People of the River) in Northern Mexico to abandon their homelands and relocate elsewhere.

Today there are more than 2,000 abandoned uranium mines in the Southwest. U.S. government agencies have done little or nothing to clean up contaminated sites and abandoned mines. At Rare Metals near Tuba City on the Diné (Navajo) Nation a layer of soil and rock is the only covering over 2.3 million tons of hazardous waste. A rock dam surrounds the radioactive waste to control runoff water that flows into nearby Moenkopi Wash. Throughout the Diné Nation, Diné families have been subject to decades of radioactive contamination ranging from unsafe mining conditions to living in houses built from uranium tailings. Well water is documented by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as undrinkable in at least 22 communities such as Black Falls on the Dine’ Nation. According to the EPA, “Approximately 30 percent of the Navajo population does not have access to a public drinking water system and may be using unregulated water sources with uranium contamination.”

Flocks of sheep and other livestock still graze among radioactive tailing piles and ingest radioactive water. According to the Navajo Nation up to 2.5 million gallons of uranium contaminated water is leaching out of the Shiprock Uranium Mill near Shiprock, New Mexico into the San Juan River every year. At the Church Rock Mine in New Mexico, which is now attempting to re-open, up to 875,000 cubic yards of radioactive waste continue to contaminate the land.

In July 1979, a dirt dam breached on the Navajo Nation at a uranium processing plant released more than 1,100 tons of radioactive waste and nearly 100 million gallons of contaminated fluid into the Rio Puerco (which ultimately flows into the Colorado River) near Church Rock, NM. This was the single largest nuclear accident in US history. Thousands of Diné families that live in the region, including those forced to relocate from the Joint Use Area due to coal mining, continue to suffer health impacts resulting from the spill. In 2005 the Diné Nation government banned uranium mining and processing within its borders due to uranium’s harmful legacy of severe health impacts and poisoning of the environment. And yet, high cancer rates, birth defects and other health impacts still bear out the uranium industry’s dangerous legacy. Read more: http://www.senaahq.bravehost.com/UraniumMining/UraniumMiningBeginsNearGrandCanyon.htm

Virginia Energy Signs Arrangement Agreement for Spin Out and Merger Transaction

Posted on July 13, 2012 by Admin DR

Thu Jul 12, 2012 Virginia Energy Resources Press ReleaseNR: 12-08 Virginia Energy Resources Inc. (TSX.V: VAE) (OTCQX: VAERF) is pleased to announce that, further to its letter agreement dated June 6, 2012 with VA Uranium Holdings, Inc. (“VAUH”), Virginia Uranium Ltd. (“VUL”), VAE has entered into an arrangement agreement dated July 11, 2012 (the “Arrangement Agreement”) with VAUH, VUL and VUL’s wholly-owned subsidiary, 0942845 B.C. Ltd. (“Subco”), which was incorporated for the purposes of the Arrangement Agreement, to give effect to the previously announced spin out of certain assets of VAE to VUL and a consolidation of the ownership of VAUH into VUL. The Arrangement Agreement sets out the terms of the statutory plan of arrangement (the “Arrangement”) involving the parties and their respective security holders, which will involve, among other things: the transfer by VAE to VUL of its interest in the Otish project in Quebec and $400,000 in exchange for a promissory note in the amount of $3.9 million; the transfer by VAE to VUL all of the shares of VAUH currently held by VAE in exchange for shares of VUL; changes to the charter documents of VAE, including the change of its name to “Anthem Resources Incorporated”; changes to the charter documents of VUL, including the change of its name to “Virginia Energy Resources Inc.”; VAE’s shareholders receiving 0.1 of a share of VUL for each share of VAE held; an amalgamation between VAUH and Subco; VAUH’s shareholders receiving 0.1817 of a share of VUL for each share of VAUH held; and certain other exchanges of securities. The Arrangement is intended to divide VAE’s portfolio of exploration and development properties between VAE and VUL and consolidate the ownership of VAUH through VUL, whereby post-Arrangement VAE would focus on exploration while post-Arrangement VUL would focus on development. If the Arrangement is completed, then, among other things: shareholders of VAE as at the effective date of the Arrangement (the “Effective Date”) would be entitled to receive, for each common share of VAE (a “VAE Share”) held as at such date: 1/3 of a post-Arrangement common share of VAE (a “New VAE Common Share”); and 0.1 of a common share of VUL (a “VUL Share”); shareholders of VAUH as at the Effective Date would be entitled to receive 0.1817 of a VUL Share for each non-voting common share of VAUH held; all outstanding class B multiple voting subordinate shares of VAUH would be cancelled and the holders thereof will receive no consideration therefor; and Holders of outstanding VAE warrants (“Warrants”) immediately prior to the Effective Date would be entitled to receive, upon exercise of each such Warrant at the same original exercise price and in accordance with the terms of such Warrant: (a) 1/3 of a New VAE Common Share; and (b) 0.1 of a VUL Share, all in lieu of the one VAE Share that was issuable upon exercise of such Warrant immediately prior to the Effective Date. Assuming no currently outstanding convertible securities of VAE are exercised prior to the Effective Date, the issued capital of post-Arrangement VAE is expected to be approximately 32,504,746 New VAE Common Shares, 100% of which will be held by VAE shareholders as at the Effective Date. Assuming no currently outstanding convertible securities of VAE or VAUH are exercised prior to the Effective Date, the issued capital of post-Arrangement VUL is expected to be approximately 33,151,296 VUL Shares, of which approximately 29.4% will be held by VAE shareholders as at the Effective Date and approximately 70.6% will be held by VAUH shareholders as at the Effective Date. Corporate Organization Structure – After the Spinout Transaction and Holdco Acquisition Upon completion of the Arrangement, VUL would hold a 100% interest in the Coles Hill uranium project in Virginia  and the Otish project in Quebec and VAE would hold the Fir Island project in Saskatchewan as well as all of the other properties currently held by VAE, other than the Otish project and the Coles Hill uranium project. A copy of the Arrangement Agreement will be available under VAE’s profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. VAE and VAUH will be seeking shareholder approval of the Arrangement at the upcoming meetings of the companies’ respective shareholders scheduled to be held on August 13, 2012. The Arrangement will also be subject to approval from the Supreme Court of British Columbia, approval of the TSX Venture Exchange and the listing of the shares of VUL. http://keeptheban.org/?p=1583