Latest Va. uranium study stirs reactions

Posted to: Environment News Virginia
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The Associated Press
© December 16, 2011

DANVILLE

The Roanoke River Basin Association says the latest report on uranium mining in Virginia and other studies should be analyzed thoroughly over the next year before the state considers lifting a ban on mining the radioactive ore.

The association is reacting to a socioeconomic study released Thursday by RTI International. The study commissioned by the Danville Regional Foundation concludes that mining a 119-million-pound deposit in Southside Virginia comes with potential economic rewards and potential environmental risks.

While the association said Friday it had not thoroughly reviewed the latest report, it pointed to a section that stated detectable amounts of uranium would be released into the environment even if the mine and mill met regulatory standards.

Virginia has had a 30-year ban on uranium mining.

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