Proposed uranium mine spurs Virginia Beach resolution

VIRGINIA BEACH

The City Council took a stand against uranium mining Tuesday night, adopting a resolution opposing a mine proposed for south central Virginia.

City officials fear uranium mining in Pittsylvania County - about 200 miles away - could contaminate Lake Gaston, the city's water source.

"We can't afford to risk appearing we don't oppose an activity that could ruin this water source," said Vice Mayor Louis Jones.

Uranium is used to power nuclear plants. The Pittsylvania deposit is estimated to be worth between $7 billion and $10 billion.

State Sen. Frank Wagner of Virginia Beach said in a letter to the City Council on Tuesday that the resolution was premature, suggesting the city wait until a study on the impact of uranium mining is done.

Walter Coles Sr., chairman of Virginia Uranium Inc., which is proposing the mine, said the City Council resolution contains "factual errors and alarmist rhetoric."

Feeding ducks in city now costs $25

Feeding ducks - or any wildlife - in city parks could cost you $25.

The City Council on Tuesday night passed an ordinance making the practice illegal. But staffers promised they wouldn't be ticketing youngsters who don't know the rules.

"Over my dead body, a child is not going to get a ticket for feeding wildlife," said Barry Frankenfield of the city's parks and recreation department.

Instead, offenders will get at least two warnings before a fine, he said.

Repeat offenders at the lake at Mount Trashmore Park spurred the move. Feeding ducks and geese is bad for the animals, makes them aggressive and pollutes waterways.

- Aaron Applegate