In a recent move by Virginia's farmers, they're requesting that a National Academy of Sciences panel reviewing uranium mining in Virginia include a section on the potential impact on agriculture in its final report.
Over 5 water and environmental groups and 36 farmers have requested the panel include potential contamination risks to the food chain in its final report, which is expected to be released by the end of 2011.
Farmers are concerned about the possible impact that uranium mining may have on their products' marketability, according to the The Danville Register and Bee.
Not surprisingly, Virginia Uranium project manager Patrick Wales claims there are examples across the world where uranium mining and agriculture "thrive." However, uranium mining has never been done in a wet climate like Virginia's.
Given the nature of uranium mining and the ease with which radioactive particles can spread, it seems to stand to reason that surrounding agricultural and water supplies will not be negatively affected.
Also, given the novelty of mining for uranium in a climate like Virginia's, the certainties or uncertainties about its affects can be little more than speculation.
While scientific studies can claim that there is a certain potential for risk, their models usually leave out many real world nuances that could have a grave effect on the risks involved.
All this however also leaves out the issue of what to do with the discarded "tailings."
Bottom line, Virginia has gotten along just fine without uranium mining and if we come together to find better and more innovative solutions, I know we continue to get along without it. |
