Danville Regional Foundation Uranium Study Proposals Now Online
The Danville Regional Foundation (DRF) announced today it has
received proposals from two nationally-known groups Resources for the
Future and RTI International to conduct an independent socio-economic
study on the regional impact of uranium mining.Abstracts
of these proposals are online and available for public
comments for 30 days through DRF’s Uranium
Blog. Registered, public comments submitted online will
be reviewed and used in selecting the organization to conduct the study.
Selection is expected to be announced in August with the final study due
by year end, 2011.The proposed study will examine the potential effects of uranium
mining and milling, and long-term waste management on people,
institutions and economies within 50 miles of the proposed site.Specific
means of determining the socio-economic benefits and risks, such as
impact on property values, taxes and institutions, are outlined in the
abstracts.In the state of Virginia, there are currently four uranium mining,
milling and tailings storage studies currently under way, or planned.
Each has different purposes. A brief summary is online.The Foundation received statements of interest from eight
organizations in April, 2010, and invited three to submit full
proposals. Battelle International withdrew from the process in June due
to a potential conflict of interest.“We do not have a position on uranium mining, milling and waste
management in Pittsylvania County, VA.,” said Karl Stauber, DRF CEO and
President. “The Foundation is sponsoring an independent study so the
citizens of the Dan River Region can better understand the implications
of uranium mining, milling and waste storage.”A uranium
deposit at Coles Hill, approximately six miles northeast of Chatham, was
discovered in the early 1980s and is estimated to be worth severalbillion dollars, depending on demand and cost of production.DRF makes long-term investments to foster education, economic
development, as well as health and well-being of residents in the City
of Danville, Pittsylvania and Caswell Counties. Since its establishment
in July 2005, DRF has invested more than $40 million into the community
through over 40 grants to help position the Dan River Region as a
thriving area with great opportunities to retain present, and attract
future, residents.
