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Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors' Legislative Committee met last week to explore tightening the county's zoning ordinance and a possible ban on uranium mining.
The committee, chaired by Staunton River District Supervisor Marshall Ecker, tabled the ban, but is expected to schedule a work session with the county's attorney to determine if a ban is even possible.
"I think we need to address the issue and look at it closely and not make any hasty decisions one way or the other," said Ecker.
"Right now, I don't have a strong opinion either way. I want to look at the facts," he said.
The committee also includes Banister District Supervisor William Pritchett and Chatham-Blairs District Supervisor Henry "Hank" Davis Jr.
Davis recently pushed for a stronger resolution from supervisors on uranium mining.
The resolution was sent to the Virginia Coal and Energy Commission's Uranium Mining Subcommittee, which is conducting a comprehensive study on the dangers and benefits of uranium mining.
The Coles Hill uranium deposit about six miles northeast of Chatham is one of the largest deposits in the United States.
The subcommittee will meet Tuesday, March 24, at 2 p.m. in Richmond to receive recommendations on the scope of the study from Dr. Michael Karmis, a professor in the Department of Mining and Minerals Engineering and director of the Virginia Center for Coal and Energy Research at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg.
The idea for a ban on uranium mining was suggested by Karen Maute of Danville, a well-known zoning and environmental advocate.
"I brought this to the board's attention because I feel like we're losing control over our own destiny," said Maute, who cautioned against rolling out a "welcome mat" for uranium mining.
"I don't think the Coal and Energy Commission has our best interest at heart," she added. "I'd like for that to come from this board."
Maute attended last week's Legislative Committee meeting along with other uranium opponents, Eloise Nenon and Gregg Vickrey, both of Chatham.
Nenon is a founding member of Southside Concerned Citizens, which began 30 years ago when the prospect of uranium mining first surfaced.
Vickrey is chairman of a new local rights-based organization called The Alliance.
Virginia Uranium Inc., which was formed more than two years ago to mine the Coles Hill deposit, was represented by Henry Hurt and the company's lawyer, Neal Keesee.
"Our company firmly believes we're on the right track with the study," said Hurt.
Even if the Coal and Energy Commission determines uranium mining can be done safely, the General Assembly would have to lift the state's moratorium, which has been in place since 1982.
"All of these steps involve public input and public participation," said Hurt. "Some people are confused that the study gives us the go-ahead."
John Light, the county's attorney, said he doesn't know if the county has the authority to ban uranium mining.
"Whether or not the county will have the authority to prohibit uranium mining if the commonwealth lifts the moratorium ultimately depends on the manner that the moratorium is lifted, and whether the county is granted that authority by the General Assembly, either expressly or by implication," he said.
The board's chairman, Westover District Supervisor Coy Harville, said it's a state issue.
"Right now all we can do is listen," he said. "The state has a moratorium and I respect that. They have more authority than we do."
The Legislative Committee also is looking at a minerals tax for the county.
Maute said the county should consider taxing undeveloped minerals deposits, like Coles Hill, which is worth between $8 billion and $10 billion.
At present, mineral deposits are assessed with real estate by the commissioner of revenue, and the county receives little if any additional revenue on what's beneath the ground.
Ecker supports a minerals tax, but said it's not likely the county will tax anything, including uranium, unless it is mined.
Hurt pointed out the uranium is worthless unless it can be taken out of the ground.
tim.davis@chathamstartribune.com
http://www.wpcva.com/articles/2009/03/11/chatham/news/news52.txt
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