To: Members, Renewable Energy Subcommittee, of the Energy and Environment
Commission
From: Angi Murphy, Senate Committee Operations
Re:Meeting Date/Time/Location
Meeting Date: 10/22/2009
Meeting Time: 10:00:00 AM
Meeting Location: Pittsylvania County Public Library--Gretna Branch at 207
Coffey Street, Gretna VA 24557
FOR INFORMATION, PLEASE USE THE FOLLOWING LINK -->
http://dela.state.va.us/Dela/ComOpsStudy.nsf/82965f555b18a72185256c330058a983/11D8A24A68C83B088525763C006011F1?OpenDocument
Showing posts with label Meeting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Meeting. Show all posts
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Time/Place Changes for October 6th meeting of the Virginia Commission on Energy and Environment
Take a look at the agenda...link is in the meeting text. Virginia Energy is set to lob a few over the net unopposed...unless there's a substantial turnout of citizens!
SENATE OF VIRGINIA
OFFICE OF THE CLERK
RICHMOND
| September 09, 2009 |
| CHANGE IN MEETING LOCATION |
| TO: | Members, Virginia Commission on Energy and Environment |
| FROM: | Patty Lung, Coordinator, Senate Committee Operations |
| RE: | Change in Meeting Date/Time/Location |
The time and location for the Tuesday, October 6th meeting of the Virginia Commission on Energy and Environment has been changed. The Commission will meet in conjunction with the Southern Virginia Bioenergy Conference at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, 150 Slayton Avenue, Danville, Virginia. Directions to the facility are on the Institute website. The conference begins at 9:00 a.m. and the Commission meeting is scheduled for 3:15 p.m. The agenda for the conference is posted on the Commission website. Additional information will be sent to Commission members as available. |
| Members: |
The Honorable Mary Margaret Whipple, Chair |
 |
| cc: | The Honorable Susan Clarke Schaar The Honorable Bruce F. Jamerson Ellen Porter, Division of Legislative Services Patrick Cushing, Division of Legislative Services Mail List, Virginia Commission on Energy and Environment |
Individuals requiring interpreter services or other special assistance should telephone Senate Committee Operations at (804) 698-7450, TDD (804) 698-7419. Persons making audio-visual presentations to the committee should call for specifications.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Big Crown [sic] Turns Out For McDonnell Town Hall Meeting
Tara Bozick/Register & Bee
Republican gubernatorial candidate Bob McDonnell (right) learns how giant reed could be a source product for biofuels in the region during Monday’s biofuel demonstration site tour guided by Kenneth Moss, chief operating officer of Piedmont BioProducts.
By Catherine Amos
Published: August 10, 2009
After a day of touring the Dan River Region’s success stories in technology and economic development, Republican gubernatorial candidate Bob McDonnell spoke with area residents at a town hall meeting in Danville Monday night.
About 200 people gathered at the Institute for Advanced Learning & Research for an hour and a half question-and-answer session after McDonnell gave a few opening comments on his platform, focusing heavily on job creation and improving Virginia’s economy, especially in Southside.
The former attorney general spoke about the staggering unemployment figures facing the Dan River Region — more than 20 percent in Martinsville — and the need for a state government that cultivates entrepreneurship and small business through low regulation and litigation.
“The most important thing facing Virginia is to grow jobs, grow opportunities,” McDonnell said. “That really is what I believe this election is all about. To me it starts with keeping a strong basis for economic development.”
McDonnell was greeted with a round of applause when he mentioned his plan to be “on the ground” in Southside Virginia at least once a month, meaning either he or the lieutenant governor will meet with local leaders on a regular basis.
After praising the technology and innovation at the Piedmont BioProducts plant in Gretna and indoor fishery Blue Ridge Aquaculture in Martinsville, McDonnell thanked Delegate Danny Marshall and the Tobacco Commission for “having the foresight to support” those ventures.
“Unbelievable,” McDonnell said of the biofuel plant. “You’ve got incredible biotechnology here. They’re using crops like switchgrass and hearty sugar cane in a process that is revolutionary and only here in Southside Virginia and turning that into green oil.”
In addition to promoting green and alternative energy, McDonnell supports Virginia being the first state to drill off the Atlantic coast in 2011, a position the crowd enthusiastically commended. If elected, he wants to use 80 percent of the state’s tax revenue from off-shore drilling for transportation and 20 percent for green energy research.
During the question-and-answer portion, McDonnell fielded more than a few questions about whether he would support uranium mining. He told the crowd multiple times that he would not vote on anything without the proper research and studies done on the safety and viability of mining, although he acknowledged the economic value for Virginia.
“I’ve been following the situation here at Coles Farm and I think there’s an estimated $10 billion in the market value in uranium,” he said. “Obviously there are any number of issues that need to be considered before uranium mining is permitted.”
Two people, including Danville Vice Mayor T. Wayne Oakes, asked about how McDonnell plans to attract more local students to local colleges and keep them working here after graduation. McDonnell supported local colleges opening more spots for Virginia students and improving economic development incentives to provide better jobs.
President Barack Obama’s cap and trade legislation was only mentioned once by McDonnell, who opposes it, and no one mentioned the controversial health care reform proposal. A few residents asked about illegal immigration; McDonnell supports stronger civil immigration laws.
Toward the end of the event, a teenage boy asked about the future availability of the green gas made in Gretna, and McDonnell applauded his participation in the event.
“I really appreciate seeing several young people that are here,” he said. “We cannot take democracy as a spectator sport … You have to care, you have to get involved.”
Perhaps the R&B reporter didn't hear all of the comments or questions regarding the proposed uranium mining or the proposed study. We're including contemporaneous notes taken during the meeting by one of the audience members, Karen Maute. Apparently Mr. McDonnell isn't staying current with the mining issue. We have edited the remarks for clarity and removed names of the individual speakers:
McDonnell's opening remarks were fairly generic and echoed what he's been quoted as saying at various venues. He stated that he felt Virginia should encourage tourism and the film industry as well as promoting agriculture. I found myself wondering how well we could promote these things if we were best known as the only uranium mining state east of the Mississippi?He stated we need to be an "energy leader", mentioning Areva and Northrop Grumman (vpap.org shows a sizable donation to his campaign of $25,000.00) which he says includes drilling off the coast and for gas, clean coal and nuclear power and that we should use every resource to become an "energy leader".Somewhere in the Q&A period he spoke of drilling off the coast and the ride we would have being the first eastern state to do so. He pointed to the Gulf Coast as an area where it had been done with little environmental impact.Also mentioned need for research and tax credits re: energy.He mentioned his transportation plan and protection of private property rights.The first question came from the facilitator of the meeting. The facilitator asked about uranium mining in Virginia. McDonnell praised the General Assembly for authorizing the study and said that was underway and said we should have their findings soon. He said that decisions should be made on the findings of the study.Others spoke re: uranium. Deborah Dix stated her opposition to uranium mining and read from a document that stated that no level of radioactive exposure could be deemed as safe. Again, McDonnell said he would look at the study committee's findings and any other credible studies that he might have before coming to a decision re: uranium mining.[Another] told McDonnell that the Coal & Energy Commission (not the General Assembly) had authorized the study, that it was not underway, and there is no indication as to who is going to conduct the study or pay for it. She then asked him who he thought should pay for it. He said he guessed she was asking if the industry paid for it that, perhaps, it would be perceived as a tainted study. He seemed to favor the state and/or private entities paying for the study. He was clearly taken aback by this speaker's information re: how the study was authorized and that there was no one under contract to conduct the study. He did not appear to be aware of these facts about the study.I asked about the low level radioactive waste compact of which VA is a member and whether, if we were mined, that would increase VA's chances of being the next host state for low level radioactive wastes since SC is no longer accepting it and NC [the state which was to become the next host for the region] reneged since its citizens did not want the dump situated there? This too (the LLRW Compact info) seemed to be something of which he was not very aware.
Friday, July 31, 2009
"Tom [Perriello] In Your Town" Events Come to Southside
During the August district work period, Congressman Perriello will be visiting every locality in the 5th District and hosting “Tom In Your Town” events.
"Tom In Your Town" is a chance for constituents to meet one-on-one with the congressman [Tom Perriello] to discuss policy issues, give suggestions, or to get help with federal programs like Medicare, Social Security, or veterans’ benefits.
All constituents are invited to come by anytime during the time period and sign in.
Meetings are first-come, first-served. After the constituent meets with the congressman, staff members will be there to follow up with any concerns.
This schedule can also be accessed at www.perriello.house.gov under “Newsroom,” then Upcoming Events.
Further media events will be announced at a later date.
August 3, 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Martinsville: Martinsville High School (Library), 351 Commonwealth Blvd.
August 4, 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Henry County: Laurel Park Middle School (Library), 280 Laurel Park Ave., Martinsville
August 5, 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Danville: O.T. Bonner Middle School (Auditorium), 300 Apollo Drive
August 6, 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Pittsylvania County: Chatham Middle School (Cafetorium), 11650 Hwy 29 N, Chatham
August 7, 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Halifax County: Halifax High School (Auditorium Balcony), 310 High School Circle, South BostonSunday, July 19, 2009
Top Obama Administration officials visit rural Virginia
July 19, 2009
Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and Secretary of Energy Steven Chu were in Pittsylvania County to hear from Virginia's rural areas as part of the White House's "rural tour".
Vilsack and Chu discussed energy, agriculture and opportunities with residents at an open forum.
There were about 300 people at Buddy Mayhew's Farm in Blairs. Both Vilsack and Chu said it was a good experience to visit and say there is opportunity here.
"To be able to hear their stories, to understand their pain, particularly in rural areas, in the farming community, but I think they are pleased that we are aware of it and that we are trying to respond to it," said Secretary Vilsack.
"America has an incredible opportunity not 10 years from today or 20 years from today, but today and tomorrow to improve the wealth and the wealth in America to become our great agriculture resource," said Secretary Chu.
There are five more stops on the rural tour.
http://www.wdbj7.com/Global/story.asp?S=10749575&nav=menu368_2
Obama administration's 'rural tour' hits Va
GRETNA, Va. - The Obama administration's top energy and agriculture officials are in Southside Virginia for a rural community forum.
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Energy Secretary Steven Chu met with local residents Saturday to discuss the administration's efforts to rebuild and recharge rural America.
They pointed to funding headed Virginia's way under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The funding includes $94 million for weatherization programs, $70 million for renewable energy programs, and $60 million to develop and implement energy-efficient projects.
For farming, they said hundreds of millions of dollars are headed to Virginia for loans and development initiatives.
Saturday's stops include a tour of Windy Acres Nursery in Gretna and Buddy Mayhew's Farm in Blairs.
http://www.dailypress.com/news/virginia/dp-va--ruraltour0718jul18,0,6036435.story
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Energy Secretary Steven Chu met with local residents Saturday to discuss the administration's efforts to rebuild and recharge rural America.
They pointed to funding headed Virginia's way under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The funding includes $94 million for weatherization programs, $70 million for renewable energy programs, and $60 million to develop and implement energy-efficient projects.
For farming, they said hundreds of millions of dollars are headed to Virginia for loans and development initiatives.
Saturday's stops include a tour of Windy Acres Nursery in Gretna and Buddy Mayhew's Farm in Blairs.
http://www.dailypress.com/news/virginia/dp-va--ruraltour0718jul18,0,6036435.story
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Secretaries of Agriculture, Energy to visit Ringgold Saturday, July 18
Mark your calendars and make plans to be in Ringgold on Saturday, July 18! We'll bring you more details re: time and location as they're available. This is a stellar opportunity to approach these Cabinet members, President Obama's right-hand men, and make your thoughts known on nuclear energy as well as on true alternative/renewable energy! Please don't let this chance pass you by! Everyone with a stake in the future of Southside needs to be out in force to talk to Secretary Vilsack and Secretary Chu!
Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors chairman Coy Harville said the secretaries' visit is exciting news.
"This is a big plus, especially with the energy crunch we are in," said Harville.
"It speaks volumes about Virginia and speaks volumes about Pittsylvania County."
Freddie Wydner, the county's agricultural development director, agreed.
"I think the county should be proud that our advances in agriculture are being noticed," said Wydner.
Windy Acres in Gretna is producing "bio-crude" and Van Der Hyde Dairy in Chatham recently proposed installing the state's first anaerobic digester.
The county also is at the forefront in selling "carbon credits," the agriculture director said.
"All of these are a testament to the county and Virginia agriculture as a whole," said Wydner.
"Washington is taking note, and the farming community should feel pride knowing the Secretary of Agriculture wants to come here to talk about green energy and the green economy."
The president's office announced the "Rural Tour" last week, saying that over the course of the next few weeks and months, top administration officials, including cabinet secretaries, will "fan out across the nation to hold a series of discussions on how communities, states, and the federal government can work together to help strengthen rural America."
Vice President Joe Biden, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke, and Vilsack began the tour on July 1 by visiting Wattsburg, Pa., to discuss rural broadband.
"A healthy American economy depends on a prosperous rural America," Obama said. "Rural America is vast and diverse, and different communities face different challenges and opportunities.
"That's why we're going out to hear directly from the people of rural America about their needs and concerns and what my Administration can do to support them."
Administration officials participating in the tour will hear about challenges and opportunities facing small towns and rural communities.
They also will share some of the Obama administration's ideas about how to "nurture strong, robust, and vibrant rural communities."
They will report back to the president about the state of rural America and what the administration can do to strengthen it.
The events will serve as "listening sessions" on such issues as broad-based rural health, economic development, infrastructure, education, energy, natural resources, and agriculture.
Events will be held in Alaska, Louisiana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wisconsin.
Vilsack will hold listening sessions in additional states with local and state elected officials.
The rural tour is scheduled to end in September.
"The entire tour will provide an opportunity for the Obama administration to listen to diverse voices throughout rural America, and to highlight its broader vision for growth and prosperity in these regions of the country," a spokesman said.
|
| |
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu will visit Pittsylvania County later this month as part of President Obama's "Rural Tour."
Vilsack and Chu are scheduled to be in Ringgold on Saturday, July 18, to talk about green jobs and a new energy economy with a focus on weatherization and carbon sequestration.
Details of the cabinet secretaries' visit are still being worked out. A time and location have not been announced.
Todd Haymore, commissioner of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, said he is aware of the secretaries' visit, and hopes to receive more details soon.
"We've been hearing about this potential visit for months and were even asked to submit some ideas for his staff's consideration," said Haymore, a county native.
"We obliged and forwarded a number of suggestions: a combination of traditional agricultural operations mixed with those that either had current or future bio-energy potential."
"This is a big plus, especially with the energy crunch we are in," said Harville.
"It speaks volumes about Virginia and speaks volumes about Pittsylvania County."
Freddie Wydner, the county's agricultural development director, agreed.
"I think the county should be proud that our advances in agriculture are being noticed," said Wydner.
Windy Acres in Gretna is producing "bio-crude" and Van Der Hyde Dairy in Chatham recently proposed installing the state's first anaerobic digester.
The county also is at the forefront in selling "carbon credits," the agriculture director said.
"All of these are a testament to the county and Virginia agriculture as a whole," said Wydner.
"Washington is taking note, and the farming community should feel pride knowing the Secretary of Agriculture wants to come here to talk about green energy and the green economy."
The president's office announced the "Rural Tour" last week, saying that over the course of the next few weeks and months, top administration officials, including cabinet secretaries, will "fan out across the nation to hold a series of discussions on how communities, states, and the federal government can work together to help strengthen rural America."
Vice President Joe Biden, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke, and Vilsack began the tour on July 1 by visiting Wattsburg, Pa., to discuss rural broadband.
"A healthy American economy depends on a prosperous rural America," Obama said. "Rural America is vast and diverse, and different communities face different challenges and opportunities.
"That's why we're going out to hear directly from the people of rural America about their needs and concerns and what my Administration can do to support them."
Administration officials participating in the tour will hear about challenges and opportunities facing small towns and rural communities.
They also will share some of the Obama administration's ideas about how to "nurture strong, robust, and vibrant rural communities."
They will report back to the president about the state of rural America and what the administration can do to strengthen it.
The events will serve as "listening sessions" on such issues as broad-based rural health, economic development, infrastructure, education, energy, natural resources, and agriculture.
Events will be held in Alaska, Louisiana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wisconsin.
Vilsack will hold listening sessions in additional states with local and state elected officials.
The rural tour is scheduled to end in September.
"The entire tour will provide an opportunity for the Obama administration to listen to diverse voices throughout rural America, and to highlight its broader vision for growth and prosperity in these regions of the country," a spokesman said.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Stephen Walz, Senior Advisor for Energy Policy in Governor Timothy Kaine's Office to Open Virginia Clean Energy Summit in South Boston, VA
Stephen A. Walz, Senior Advisor for Energy Policy in the Office of Governor Timothy Kaine and Director of the Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy (DMME), will open the upcoming “Show Me the Energy Money” energy summit on Wednesday, July 15 at 9:00 a.m. at Riverstone Technology Park in South Boston. He will bring central focus to the discussion of opportunities for businesses and residents in Virginia to leverage the Governor's plans for energy, as well as the Tobacco Commission's plans for commercialization of emerging clean and renewable energy technologies.
Mr. Walz provides energy policy analysis and advice to the Office of the Governor and oversees state mine safety and mine environmental programs, state geologic services, and energy efficiency services at the DMME. He directs implementation of the Virginia Energy Plan, is Chair of the Governor’s Energy Policy Advisory Council, and served on the Governor’s Commission on Climate Change.
Mr. Walz has 29 years experience in program management, policy, and administrative duties at DMME. Prior to joining Virginia state government, Mr. Walz worked in energy and community development programs in Missouri and Nebraska. He has a BS in Civil Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester, Massachusetts.
So far this year, nearly $300 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds have been allocated to Virginia for energy-related programs, including $94 million for weatherization, $75 million for the Jefferson Laboratory, $70 million for the State Energy Program and $60 million in Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants.
The programs to be supported by these federal funds will create or preserve jobs, reduce consumption of energy from conventional sources, increase production of renewable energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduce energy costs. "In Virginia, we have dedicated 2009 as our Year of Energy and the Environment, and these funds could not come at a more appropriate time," said Virginia Governor Tim Kaine. "This money will not only help Virginians adopt efficient energy practices and technologies, it will also go a long way towards creating and maintaining jobs for many Virginians."
“Show Me The Energy Money” summit dates are Tuesday, July 14, from 4:00pm-8:30pm at Berry Hill Resort and Conference Center and Wednesday, July 15, from 8:00am-4:30pm at Riverstone Technology Park in South Boston VA. Joining Mr. Walz are Drew Bond, Vice President, Battelle; Katherine Hamilton President, Gridwise Alliance; Henry McGuire, Vice President, Tetra Tech; Timothy Cook, Vice President, Alion Science and Technology; Charles Bonnucceli, Partner, Argy, Witse & Robinson, PC, and; James F. Groelinger, Executive Director, Clean Energy Alliance.
Registration is $225 and includes Summit presentations, Opening Welcome Reception and Dinner at Berry Hill Resort on July 14, and Presentations, Breakfast and Lunch at Riverstone Technology Park on July 15. To register and for additional information, please visit online at www.virginiaenergynetwork.com or call the Incubator Offices at 434-575-7766.
Mr. Walz provides energy policy analysis and advice to the Office of the Governor and oversees state mine safety and mine environmental programs, state geologic services, and energy efficiency services at the DMME. He directs implementation of the Virginia Energy Plan, is Chair of the Governor’s Energy Policy Advisory Council, and served on the Governor’s Commission on Climate Change.
Mr. Walz has 29 years experience in program management, policy, and administrative duties at DMME. Prior to joining Virginia state government, Mr. Walz worked in energy and community development programs in Missouri and Nebraska. He has a BS in Civil Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester, Massachusetts.
So far this year, nearly $300 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds have been allocated to Virginia for energy-related programs, including $94 million for weatherization, $75 million for the Jefferson Laboratory, $70 million for the State Energy Program and $60 million in Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants.
The programs to be supported by these federal funds will create or preserve jobs, reduce consumption of energy from conventional sources, increase production of renewable energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduce energy costs. "In Virginia, we have dedicated 2009 as our Year of Energy and the Environment, and these funds could not come at a more appropriate time," said Virginia Governor Tim Kaine. "This money will not only help Virginians adopt efficient energy practices and technologies, it will also go a long way towards creating and maintaining jobs for many Virginians."
“Show Me The Energy Money” summit dates are Tuesday, July 14, from 4:00pm-8:30pm at Berry Hill Resort and Conference Center and Wednesday, July 15, from 8:00am-4:30pm at Riverstone Technology Park in South Boston VA. Joining Mr. Walz are Drew Bond, Vice President, Battelle; Katherine Hamilton President, Gridwise Alliance; Henry McGuire, Vice President, Tetra Tech; Timothy Cook, Vice President, Alion Science and Technology; Charles Bonnucceli, Partner, Argy, Witse & Robinson, PC, and; James F. Groelinger, Executive Director, Clean Energy Alliance.
Registration is $225 and includes Summit presentations, Opening Welcome Reception and Dinner at Berry Hill Resort on July 14, and Presentations, Breakfast and Lunch at Riverstone Technology Park on July 15. To register and for additional information, please visit online at www.virginiaenergynetwork.com or call the Incubator Offices at 434-575-7766.
Show Me The Energy Money!
Tuesday, July 14, 4:00pm - 8:30pm - Berry Hill Resort and Conference Center
Wednesday, July 15, 8:00am - 4:30pm – Riverstone Technology Park
South Boston, Virginia
Hosted by
The Virginia Clean Energy Incubator
A Program of the Virginia Tech Modeling and Simulation Center for Collaborative Technologies
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Uranium hearing Tuesday to ban uranium exploration and mining
More public testimony planned for proposed uranium amendment
Public testimony is scheduled Tuesday night for the second month in a row on proposed amendments to the Fremont County Master Plan that would ban uranium exploration and uranium mining in certain instances.The public hearing that began June 2 will continue before the Fremont County Planning Commission at 7 p.m. Tuesday, in the lower level of the County Administration Building, 615 Macon Ave. The panel will listen to new public testimony only.
Planners heard more than three hours of testimony and conflicting legal opinions during the initial hearing regarding the Master Plan amendment, which was offered by the government affairs committee of the Tallahassee Area Community. The amendment would establish a two-mile buffer zone between uranium activity and residential areas in Fremont County’s Mountain Districts.
Residents testified in June that they believe health and safety issues are at stake, as well as economic and environmental issues.
Planning Commission Chairman Tom Piltingsrud said the panel was not prepared to make a decision last month, because members had volumes of material and legal opinions to review.
Because of the heightened interest in the proposed Master Plan amendment and the large crowd that attended the first hearing in June, Tuesday’s meeting will be televised on local public access channel 19 on Bresnan Cable.
Review of the Urban Growth Boundary Area map also is on Tuesday’s agenda. The map, prepared by the planning staff of Cañon City, was referred to the planners by the Cañon City Council. According to Piltingsrud, the question is whether future growth areas targeted outside the city limits of Cañon City would be subject to the city’s subdivision and development regulations when reviewed by county officials.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Just a Reminder...Attendance is Encouraged: Virginia Roanoke River Basin Advisory Committee Meeting
Originally posted Friday, June 26, 2009...this is just a reminder. We believe that Walter Coles' continued service on this Committee should be kept under close scrutiny as he simply does not appear to be someone who genuinely represents the best interests of agriculture, forestry, or water.
Directions to Cool Branch Rescue Squad, Penhook, VA 24137 (Thanks to John Lindsey!)
*From Roanoke & Vicinity: US 220 South to Rocky Mount; Take 2nd Rocky Mount Exit to Rt. 40 East; Follow Rt. 40 East 16 miles through Redwood, Glade Hill and Union Hall to Penhook; Left on Rt. 645 one and a half miles to Stop at Rt. 626; Left on 626 1/2 mile to Squad on the Right.
*From Bedford & Vicinity: Rt. 122 South across Hales Ford Bridge to Westlake; At Traffic light, Left on Rt. 616 1/2 mile; Pass the Dairy Queen 200 yards, then (on the curve), Right on Rt. 634, Brooks Mill Road; Follow Brooks Mill Rd about 10 miles to Rt. 40 East, turn Left and follow as above.
*From Gretna & Vicinity: Rt. 40 West 12 miles (Before you get to Penhook), Right Turn on RT 626, go 3 miles, Rescue Squad is on your Right.
Lunch will not be served, but John reports that there are several restaurants in the general vicinity you might enjoy following the meeting.
We look forward to seeing you at the meeting.
Scott Kudlas
Director
Office of Surface and Ground Water Supply Planning
Tammy D. Stephenson
Senior Water Supply Planner
Virginia Department of Environmental Quality
Office of Surface and Ground Water Supply Planning
Blue Ridge Regional Office - Roanoke
3019 Peters Creek Road
Roanoke, Virginia 24019
PH (540) 562-6828
FAX (540) 562-6725
http://www.deq.virginia.gov/watersupplyplanning/homepage.html
Committee Members
Senator Wm. Roscoe Reynolds
Walter Coles, Sr., Chatham (This appointment still baffles me...SB)
Senator Frank M. Ruff
John H. Feild, Mecklenburg
Delegate Kathy J. Byron
Haywood J. Hamlet, Phenix
Delegate Thomas C. Wright, Jr
Evelyn Janney, Floyd
Delegate Onzlee Ware.
Bob Jean, Brookneal
Delegate Charles D. Poindexter
Russ Johnson, Wirtz
Representative Tom Perriello
John Lindsey, Penhook
Mike McEvoy, Chairman, Roanoke
Billy Martin, Sr., Blue Ridge
Tim Pace, Collinsville
Robert H. Conner, Vice-Chair, Ebony
Mark Wagner, Huddleston
Read Charlton, Vice-Chair, Charlotte Court House
cc: Hon. Susan Clarke Schaar
Hon. Bruce Jamerson
Other Interested Parties
VIRGINIA ROANOKE RIVER BASIN
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Meeting Agenda
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Cool Branch Rescue Squad, Penhook, VA
A. Call meeting to order
B. Welcome; Recognition of Members and Guests
C. Minutes of February 2, 2009 Meeting
D. Organizational Issues
1. Review and Consider By Laws
2. Consider Committees and Assignments
E. Update on Bi-State Commission Meetings - Mike McEvoy, Chairman
F. Next Meeting Date/Topic
G. Other Business
H. Adjournment
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Meeting Agenda
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Cool Branch Rescue Squad, Penhook, VA
A. Call meeting to order
B. Welcome; Recognition of Members and Guests
C. Minutes of February 2, 2009 Meeting
D. Organizational Issues
1. Review and Consider By Laws
2. Consider Committees and Assignments
E. Update on Bi-State Commission Meetings - Mike McEvoy, Chairman
F. Next Meeting Date/Topic
G. Other Business
H. Adjournment
Directions to Cool Branch Rescue Squad, Penhook, VA 24137 (Thanks to John Lindsey!)
*From Roanoke & Vicinity: US 220 South to Rocky Mount; Take 2nd Rocky Mount Exit to Rt. 40 East; Follow Rt. 40 East 16 miles through Redwood, Glade Hill and Union Hall to Penhook; Left on Rt. 645 one and a half miles to Stop at Rt. 626; Left on 626 1/2 mile to Squad on the Right.
*From Bedford & Vicinity: Rt. 122 South across Hales Ford Bridge to Westlake; At Traffic light, Left on Rt. 616 1/2 mile; Pass the Dairy Queen 200 yards, then (on the curve), Right on Rt. 634, Brooks Mill Road; Follow Brooks Mill Rd about 10 miles to Rt. 40 East, turn Left and follow as above.
*From Gretna & Vicinity: Rt. 40 West 12 miles (Before you get to Penhook), Right Turn on RT 626, go 3 miles, Rescue Squad is on your Right.
Lunch will not be served, but John reports that there are several restaurants in the general vicinity you might enjoy following the meeting.
We look forward to seeing you at the meeting.
Scott Kudlas
Director
Office of Surface and Ground Water Supply Planning
Tammy D. Stephenson
Senior Water Supply Planner
Virginia Department of Environmental Quality
Office of Surface and Ground Water Supply Planning
Blue Ridge Regional Office - Roanoke
3019 Peters Creek Road
Roanoke, Virginia 24019
PH (540) 562-6828
FAX (540) 562-6725
http://www.deq.virginia.gov/watersupplyplanning/homepage.html
Committee Members
Senator Wm. Roscoe Reynolds
Walter Coles, Sr., Chatham (This appointment still baffles me...SB)
Senator Frank M. Ruff
John H. Feild, Mecklenburg
Delegate Kathy J. Byron
Haywood J. Hamlet, Phenix
Delegate Thomas C. Wright, Jr
Evelyn Janney, Floyd
Delegate Onzlee Ware.
Bob Jean, Brookneal
Delegate Charles D. Poindexter
Russ Johnson, Wirtz
Representative Tom Perriello
John Lindsey, Penhook
Mike McEvoy, Chairman, Roanoke
Billy Martin, Sr., Blue Ridge
Tim Pace, Collinsville
Robert H. Conner, Vice-Chair, Ebony
Mark Wagner, Huddleston
Read Charlton, Vice-Chair, Charlotte Court House
cc: Hon. Susan Clarke Schaar
Hon. Bruce Jamerson
Other Interested Parties
Friday, June 26, 2009
Virginia Roanoke River Basin Advisory Committee Meeting - - June 30
VIRGINIA ROANOKE RIVER BASIN
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Meeting Agenda
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Cool Branch Rescue Squad, Penhook
A. Call meeting to order
B. Welcome; Recognition of Members and Guests
C. Minutes of February 2, 2009 Meeting
D. Organizational Issues
1. Review and Consider By Laws
2. Consider Committees and Assignments
E. Update on Bi-State Commission Meetings - Mike McEvoy, Chairman
F. Next Meeting Date/Topic
G. Other Business
H. Adjournment
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Meeting Agenda
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Cool Branch Rescue Squad, Penhook
A. Call meeting to order
B. Welcome; Recognition of Members and Guests
C. Minutes of February 2, 2009 Meeting
D. Organizational Issues
1. Review and Consider By Laws
2. Consider Committees and Assignments
E. Update on Bi-State Commission Meetings - Mike McEvoy, Chairman
F. Next Meeting Date/Topic
G. Other Business
H. Adjournment
Directions to Cool Branch Rescue Squad, Penhook, VA 24137 (Thanks to John Lindsey!)
*From Roanoke & Vicinity: US 220 South to Rocky Mount; Take 2nd Rocky Mount Exit to Rt. 40 East; Follow Rt. 40 East 16 miles through Redwood, Glade Hill and Union Hall to Penhook; Left on Rt. 645 one and a half miles to Stop at Rt. 626; Left on 626 1/2 mile to Squad on the Right.
*From Bedford & Vicinity: Rt. 122 South across Hales Ford Bridge to Westlake; At Traffic light, Left on Rt. 616 1/2 mile; Pass the Dairy Queen 200 yards, then (on the curve), Right on Rt. 634, Brooks Mill Road; Follow Brooks Mill Rd about 10 miles to Rt. 40 East, turn Left and follow as above.
*From Gretna & Vicinity: Rt. 40 West 12 miles (Before you get to Penhook), Right Turn on RT 626, go 3 miles, Rescue Squad is on your Right.
Lunch will not be served, but John reports that there are several restaurants in the general vicinity you might enjoy following the meeting.
We look forward to seeing you at the meeting.
Scott Kudlas
Director
Office of Surface and Ground Water Supply Planning
Tammy D. Stephenson
Senior Water Supply Planner
Virginia Department of Environmental Quality
Office of Surface and Ground Water Supply Planning
Blue Ridge Regional Office - Roanoke
3019 Peters Creek Road
Roanoke, Virginia 24019
PH (540) 562-6828
FAX (540) 562-6725
http://www.deq.virginia.gov/watersupplyplanning/homepage.html
Committee Members
Senator Wm. Roscoe Reynolds
Walter Coles, Sr., Chatham (This appointment still baffles me...SB)
Senator Frank M. Ruff
John H. Feild, Mecklenburg
Delegate Kathy J. Byron
Haywood J. Hamlet, Phenix
Delegate Thomas C. Wright, Jr
Evelyn Janney, Floyd
Delegate Onzlee Ware.
Bob Jean, Brookneal
Delegate Charles D. Poindexter
Russ Johnson, Wirtz
Representative Tom Perriello
John Lindsey, Penhook
Mike McEvoy, Chairman, Roanoke
Billy Martin, Sr., Blue Ridge
Tim Pace, Collinsville
Robert H. Conner, Vice-Chair, Ebony
Mark Wagner, Huddleston
Read Charlton, Vice-Chair, Charlotte Court House
cc: Hon. Susan Clarke Schaar
Hon. Bruce Jamerson
Other Interested Parties
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Uranium Mining Sub-Committee Has "Public Comment" Time Scheduled in Agenda for May 21st Meeting
I really hope that a HUGE delegation of Southside anti-uranium voices can attend. You want your comments on the record. Some of these committee meetings require advance notice of appearance before allowing citizens to speak. If that's the policy of this sub-committee, call one of the staff at the bottom of this post to get on the schedule.
Virginia Commission on Coal and Energy
Uranium Mining Sub-Committee
Thursday, May 21, 2009, 2:30 p.m.
House Room D, General Assembly Building
Richmond, Virginia
Agenda
I. Welcome & Call to Order
Delegate R. Lee Ware, Chairman
II. Final Scope of Study; Recommendations of the National Academy of Sciences
Presented by Dr. Michael E. Karmis, Director of Virginia Center for Coal &
Energy Research and Stonie Barker Professor, Department of Mining and
Minerals Engineering at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
III. Public Comment
IV. Recommendations and Discussion of Subcommittee
V. Adjourn
Staff
Ellen Porter, Division of Legislative Services, 786-3591
Marty Farber, Division of Legislative Services, 786-3591
Bill Owen, House Committee Operations, 698-1540
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Uranium Topic of the Day Thursday [Maybe]
By John Crane
Published: May 14, 2009
Virginia Uranium Ltd. hopes to formalize its merger with Canadian-based Santoy Resources Ltd. during a meeting next Thursday in Chatham. That’s the same day a state subcommittee convenes in Richmond to mull the final draft of a study that would determine whether uranium mining can be done safely in the commonwealth.
Walter Coles Sr., chairman of Virginia Uranium Inc., said the meeting among VUL shareholders was planned prior to the announcement of the subcommittee’s date and will probably be rescheduled.
“It was set long before the subcommittee (meeting),” Coles said Thursday. “We may change it.”
A 300-page circular for the meeting also gives notice of a regular meeting of Santoy’s shareholders on the same day. VUL’s meeting in Chatham will be closed to the public.
Virginia Uranium Ltd. is the funding arm for Virginia Uranium Inc.’s proposed project at Coles Hill, where VUI hopes to mine and mill a 119-million pound uranium ore deposit about six miles northeast of Chatham. Virginia has had a moratorium on uranium mining since 1982.
The Virginia Coal and Energy Commission’s Uranium Mining Subcommittee is overseeing a study, to be conducted by the National Academy of Sciences, to determine whether the practice can be performed safely in the state. The subcommittee is holding a meeting at 2:30 p.m. Thursday in Room D at the General Assembly Building in Richmond.
Once the merger between Virginia Uranium Ltd. and Santoy Resources Ltd. is finalized, the merged company will be referred to as Newco and will appear on the Toronto Stock Exchange. It will provide funding for Virginia Uranium Inc.
A 300-page circular, outlining the merger’s aspects, including risks, was drawn up for the meeting. The circular mentions that Virginia Uranium Holdings, or Holdco, which owns 100 percent of VUI, has bought and has an option to buy more properties surrounding Coles Hill to provide “sufficient setback from local residents” to minimize impact of mining operations on those areas.
Coles said there are no plans in the near future to purchase additional land around Coles Hill, and they would depend on how the uranium mine and mill would be designed. Coles said a circular is routinely provided during mergers to outline all aspects of the transaction to shareholders, including investment risks such as possible drops in share prices, project delays and other issues.
A wide range of risks is included in a circular to make sure the transaction is not fraudulent, Coles said.
“In this day and age of full disclosure, it’s important to be upfront and conservative,” said Patrick Wales, VUI geologist and spokesman.
Eloise Nenon, a board member of Southside Concerned Citizens, which opposes uranium mining, said it was “strange” that VUL would schedule its meeting the same day as the subcommittee’s. She said Santoy is investing in uranium mining here because there is a strong push to ban the practice in Canada.
The Coles and Bowen families currently own 78 percent of Holdco, but will have 71 percent after the merger is finalized, Coles said. VUL currently has 12 percent ownership of Holdco. After the merger, Newco will have a 20 percent share in Holdco, which owns all of Virginia Uranium Inc.
http://www.godanriver.com/gdr/news/local/danville_news/article/uranium_topic_of_the_day_thursday/11015/
Published: May 14, 2009
Virginia Uranium Ltd. hopes to formalize its merger with Canadian-based Santoy Resources Ltd. during a meeting next Thursday in Chatham. That’s the same day a state subcommittee convenes in Richmond to mull the final draft of a study that would determine whether uranium mining can be done safely in the commonwealth.
Walter Coles Sr., chairman of Virginia Uranium Inc., said the meeting among VUL shareholders was planned prior to the announcement of the subcommittee’s date and will probably be rescheduled.
“It was set long before the subcommittee (meeting),” Coles said Thursday. “We may change it.”
A 300-page circular for the meeting also gives notice of a regular meeting of Santoy’s shareholders on the same day. VUL’s meeting in Chatham will be closed to the public.
Virginia Uranium Ltd. is the funding arm for Virginia Uranium Inc.’s proposed project at Coles Hill, where VUI hopes to mine and mill a 119-million pound uranium ore deposit about six miles northeast of Chatham. Virginia has had a moratorium on uranium mining since 1982.
The Virginia Coal and Energy Commission’s Uranium Mining Subcommittee is overseeing a study, to be conducted by the National Academy of Sciences, to determine whether the practice can be performed safely in the state. The subcommittee is holding a meeting at 2:30 p.m. Thursday in Room D at the General Assembly Building in Richmond.
Once the merger between Virginia Uranium Ltd. and Santoy Resources Ltd. is finalized, the merged company will be referred to as Newco and will appear on the Toronto Stock Exchange. It will provide funding for Virginia Uranium Inc.
A 300-page circular, outlining the merger’s aspects, including risks, was drawn up for the meeting. The circular mentions that Virginia Uranium Holdings, or Holdco, which owns 100 percent of VUI, has bought and has an option to buy more properties surrounding Coles Hill to provide “sufficient setback from local residents” to minimize impact of mining operations on those areas.
Coles said there are no plans in the near future to purchase additional land around Coles Hill, and they would depend on how the uranium mine and mill would be designed. Coles said a circular is routinely provided during mergers to outline all aspects of the transaction to shareholders, including investment risks such as possible drops in share prices, project delays and other issues.
A wide range of risks is included in a circular to make sure the transaction is not fraudulent, Coles said.
“In this day and age of full disclosure, it’s important to be upfront and conservative,” said Patrick Wales, VUI geologist and spokesman.
Eloise Nenon, a board member of Southside Concerned Citizens, which opposes uranium mining, said it was “strange” that VUL would schedule its meeting the same day as the subcommittee’s. She said Santoy is investing in uranium mining here because there is a strong push to ban the practice in Canada.
The Coles and Bowen families currently own 78 percent of Holdco, but will have 71 percent after the merger is finalized, Coles said. VUL currently has 12 percent ownership of Holdco. After the merger, Newco will have a 20 percent share in Holdco, which owns all of Virginia Uranium Inc.
http://www.godanriver.com/gdr/news/local/danville_news/article/uranium_topic_of_the_day_thursday/11015/
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Uranium Mining Subcommittee to meet on issue May 21 in Richmond
Look at this...does it say anything about Coles Hill or Southside specifically? Nope...it's all state-wide. The public hearing...the request for Chambers of Commerce to participate in developing questions and identify areas of concern? All because Coles Hill has been identified as the first area that will be mined, not because anyone cares specifically about Southside. Folks, you've been duped!
By Staff
Published: May 9, 2009
The Virginia Coal & Energy Commission’s Uranium Mining Subcommittee has released the final draft of the first part of the study to be undertaken by the National Research Council to determine whether uranium can be safely mined and milled in the Commonwealth.
The Virginia Coal & Energy Commission’s Uranium Mining Subcommittee will meet regarding the final draft at 2:30 p.m. May 21 in the General Assembly Building in Richmond.
There has been a statewide moratorium on uranium mining and milling since 1982, but restricted uranium exploration has been allowed in Virginia since 2007. Virginia Uranium Inc. hopes to mine and mill a 119-million pound uranium ore deposit at Coles Hill, about six miles northeast of Chatham.
The NRC study will examine the scientific, technical, environmental, human health and safety, and regulatory aspects of uranium mining, milling and processing. A draft for the second part of the study, dealing with the socioeconomic aspects of uranium mining, has not been decided upon by the Uranium Mining subcommittee.
According to the Virginia Coal and Energy Commission, the study will:
Review global and national uranium market trends.
Identify and briefly describe the main types of uranium deposits worldwide, including, for example, geologic characteristics, mining operations, and best practices.
Review the geologic, environmental, geographic, climatic, and cultural settings and exploration status of uranium resources in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Review the primary technical options and best practice approaches for uranium mining, milling, processing and reclamation that might be applicable within the Commonwealth of Virginia, including discussion of improvements made since 1980 in the design, construction and monitoring of tailings impoundments.
Review the state and federal regulatory framework for uranium mining, milling, processing and reclamation.
Review federal requirements for secure handling of uranium materials, including personnel, transportation, site security and material control and accountability.
Assess the potential short- and long-term occupational and public health and safety considerations from uranium mining, milling, processing and reclamation, including the potential human health effects from exposure to “daughter’ products of radioactive decay of uranium.
Identify the issues that may need to be considered regarding the quality and quantity of groundwater and surface water and the quality of soil and air from uranium mining, milling, processing and reclamation. As relevant, water and waste management and severe weather effects or other stochastic events may also be considered.
Assess the potential ecosystem issues for uranium mining, milling, processing and reclamation.
Identify baseline data and approaches necessary to monitor environmental and human impacts associated with uranium mining, milling, processing and reclamation.
Briefly characterize a potential public education and outreach program in the Commonwealth of Virginia for a uranium mining operation (for example, health and safety issues, inspection and enforcement, community right-to-know, emergency planning.).
The study will take about two years. If the study finds uranium can be mined and milled safely in the Commonwealth, the General Assembly would decide whether to lift the moratorium on the practice.
Notice of Special Shareholders' Meeting -- Santoy Resources LTD and Virginia Uranium LTD
This is a very large file...12MB...330 pages.
http://www.santoy.ca/i/pdf/2009-04-28_SANInfoCirc.pdf
Is it just a coincidence that the shareholders' meetings are on the same day as the Uranium Mining Subcommittee's?
Here are the meeting announcements only (emphases original):
http://www.santoy.ca/i/pdf/2009-04-28_SANInfoCirc.pdf
Is it just a coincidence that the shareholders' meetings are on the same day as the Uranium Mining Subcommittee's?
Here are the meeting announcements only (emphases original):
NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL AND SPECIAL MEETING For SHAREHOLDERS OF SANTOY RESOURCES LTD. To be Held on Thursday, May 21, 2009 AND NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING For SHAREHOLDERS OF VIRGINIA URANIUM LTD. To be Held on Thursday, May 21, 2009 AND NOTICE OF HEARING OF PETITION To be Held on Friday, May 22, 2009 AND JOINT INFORMATION CIRCULAR April 24, 2009
NOTICE TO CANADIAN AND UNITED STATES SHAREHOLDERS
THE SANTOY COMMON SHARES AND SANTOY INCENTIVE WARRANTS TO BE ISSUED UNDER THE ARRANGEMENT HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY ANY CANADIAN SECURITIES REGULATORY AUTHORITY NOR HAS ANY CANADIAN SECURITIES REGULATORY AUTHORITY PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS CIRCULAR. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS AN OFFENCE.THE SANTOY COMMON SHARES AND SANTOY INCENTIVE WARRANTS TO BE ISSUED UNDER THE ARRANGEMENT HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR SECURITIES REGULATORY AUTHORITIES OF ANY STATE OF THE UNITED STATES, NOR HAS THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR SECURITIES REGULATORY AUTHORITIES OF ANY STATE OF THE UNITED STATES PASSED ON THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS CIRCULAR. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE
CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENCE.
THE INFORMATION CONCERNING SANTOY AND VIRGINIA CONTAINED IN THIS CIRCULAR HAS BEEN PROVIDED BY SANTOY AND VIRGINIA, RESPECTIVELY, FOR INCLUSION IN THIS CIRCULAR.
IN THE COMBINATION AGREEMENT EACH OF SANTOY AND VIRGINIA PROVIDED A COVENANT THAT NONE OF THE INFORMATION PROVIDED BY IT FOR INCLUSION IN THIS CIRCULAR WILL CONTAIN A MISREPRESENTATION OR ANY UNTRUE STATEMENT OF A MATERIAL FACT OR WILL OMIT TO STATE A MATERIAL FACT REQUIRED TO BE STATED THEREIN OR NECESSARY IN ORDER TO MAKE THE STATEMENTS THEREIN NOT MISLEADING IN LIGHT OF THE CIRCUMSTANCES
UNDER WHICH THEY WERE MADE.
NO PERSON IS AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION NOT CONTAINED IN THIS CIRCULAR, AND IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATION SHOULD NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED. THIS CIRCULAR DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL, OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO PURCHASE, THE SECURITIES TO BE ISSUED UNDER THE ARRANGEMENT, OR THE SOLICITATION OF A PROXY, IN ANY JURISDICTION, TO OR FROM ANY PERSON TO WHOM IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER OR PROXY SOLICITATION IN SUCH JURISDICTION. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS CIRCULAR NOR ANY DISTRIBUTION OF THE
SECURITIES TO BE ISSUED UNDER THE ARRANGEMENT WILL, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE ANY IMPLICATION OR BE TREATED AS A REPRESENTATION THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE INFORMATION SET FORTH HEREIN SINCE THE DATE OF THIS CIRCULAR.
FOR A PRESENTATION OF RISK FACTORS WHICH SHAREHOLDERS SHOULD CONSIDER BEFORE CASTING THEIR VOTES, SEE PAGE 20 OF THIS CIRCULAR.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
SANTOY RESOURCES LTD. 611 - 675 West Hastings Street Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 1N2 April 24, 2009
To: The Shareholders of Santoy Resources Ltd. ("Santoy")The board of directors (the "Santoy Board") invites you to attend an annual and special meeting (the "Santoy Meeting") of shareholders (the "Santoy Shareholders") of Santoy Resources Ltd. ("Santoy") to be held at 1:30 p.m. (Pacific Standard Time) on Thursday, May 21, 2009 at the Renaissance Hotel, 1133 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
On February 26, 2009, we entered into a combination agreement, which was amended and restated as of April 14, 2009 (the "Combination Agreement") with Virginia Uranium Ltd. ("Virginia"), VA Uranium Holdings, Inc. ("Holdco") and certain shareholders of Holdco, whereby, pursuant to a statutory plan of arrangement (the "Arrangement") and subject to the terms and conditions of the Combination Agreement, Santoy will acquire an interest in Holdco indirectly by acquiring all of the outstanding Virginia common shares (the "Virginia Common Shares") and directly by acquiring certain shares of Holdco, in each case in exchange for Santoy common shares ("Santoy Common Shares"). Holdco's wholly owned subsidiary, Virginia Uranium, Inc., a Virginia corporation, controls the leasehold development and operating rights of the Coles Hill uranium property in southside Virginia.
Under the Arrangement, (i) registered Santoy Shareholders immediately prior to the effective time of the Arrangement will be issued one-quarter (¼) of one (1) Santoy warrant (each full warrant, a "Santoy Incentive Warrant") for each Santoy Common Share held; and (ii) each one (1) issued Virginia Common Share will be exchanged for six (6) Santoy Common Shares. Each Santoy Incentive Warrant will be exercisable to acquire one (1) post-Arrangement Santoy Common Share at a price of $0.12 for a period of twelve (12) months following the closing of the Arrangement. To enable the Arrangement to be carried out, Santoy's corporate jurisdiction will, at the Santoy Meeting, be continued from Alberta to British Columbia (the "Santoy Continuance"). In addition, Santoy Shareholders will be asked to approve a consolidation of the Santoy Common Shares on a one (1) new for each five (5) old basis (the "Consolidation"). The Consolidation may be effected at such time as the directors determine is appropriate following the Arrangement.
Santoy Shareholders will be asked at the Santoy Meeting to approve the annual general meeting matters, the Continuance, the Arrangement and the Consolidation. The Santoy Board, other than an interested director, being Ronald Netolitzky, based, in part, on the unanimous recommendation of the Special Committee of Santoy comprised of independent directors (the "Special Committee") has, excluding an interested director, unanimously determined that the Arrangement is fair to the Santoy Shareholders and is in the best interests of Santoy and the Santoy Shareholders and recommends that Santoy Shareholders vote FOR the Arrangement. The determination of the Santoy Board is based on various factors, including the receipt by Santoy from its financial advisor, Toll Cross Securities Inc., of a fairness opinion in respect of the Arrangement, which are described more fully in the accompanying notice of annual general and special meeting and management information circular (the "Circular").
The Santoy Board has further determined that the Consolidation and Santoy Continuance are in the best interests of Santoy and the Santoy Shareholders and, excluding an interested director, unanimously recommends that the Santoy Shareholders vote FOR the Consolidation and Santoy Continuance.
To be effective, the Continuance and Arrangement must each be approved by special resolutions passed by at least 66 ⅔% of the votes cast by holders of outstanding Santoy Common Shares present in person or represented by proxy at the Santoy Meeting. The Consolidation must be approved by an ordinary resolution passed by greater than 50% of the votes cast as described above.
All of the directors, officers and holders of greater than 12% of the Santoy Common Shares, together holding approximately 7% of the outstanding Santoy Common Shares as at February 26, 2009, have entered into voting agreements with Virginia committing to support the Arrangement. Completion of the Arrangement is subject to the approval of the Supreme Court of British Columbia and the satisfaction of certain conditions and it is not possible at this time to determine precisely when or if the Arrangement will become effective. Subject to obtaining the approvals of the Santoy Shareholders, the Virginia Shareholders, the TSX Venture Exchange and the Supreme Court of British Columbia to the Arrangement, and to satisfying certain other conditions, the Acquisition is expected to close on or before May 26, 2009.
The Circular provides a description of the above transactions and includes certain additional information to assist you in considering how to vote on the resolutions. You are urged to read this information carefully and to consult your tax, financial, legal or other professional advisors.
We encourage you to complete, sign, date and return the accompanying form of proxy, or voting instruction form, in accordance with the instructions set out therein and in the Circular so that your Santoy Common Shares can be voted at the Santoy Meeting in accordance with your instructions.
Yours very truly,
/s/"Ronald K. Netolitzky"
Ronald K. Netolitzky
President and Chief Executive Officer
/s/"Ronald K. Netolitzky"
Ronald K. Netolitzky
President and Chief Executive Officer
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
SANTOY RESOURCES LTD.
611 - 675 West Hastings Street
Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 1N2
611 - 675 West Hastings Street
Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 1N2
NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL AND SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, pursuant to an order of the Supreme Court of British Columbia dated April 24, 2009 (the "Interim Order") and the Business Corporations Act (Alberta) (the "ABCA"), an annual general and special meeting (the "Santoy Meeting") of the holders ("Santoy Shareholders") of common shares ("Santoy Common Shares") in the
capital of Santoy Resources Ltd. ("Santoy") will be held at the Renaissance Hotel, 1133 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, British Columbia at 1:30 p.m. (Pacific Standard Time) on May 21, 2009 for the following purposes:
1. to receive and consider the report of the directors and the consolidated financial statements of the Company together with the auditor's report thereon for the financial year ended June 30, 2008;
2. to fix the number of directors at six (6);
3. to elect directors for the ensuing year;
4. to appoint the auditor for the ensuing year;
5. to authorize the directors to fix the remuneration to be paid to the auditor;
6. to approve Santoy’s new stock option plan as more fully set forth in the Circular accompanying this notice;
7. to consider and, if thought advisable, to pass, with or without variation, a special resolution (the "Continuance Resolution") to approve the continuance of Santoy from the Province of Alberta into the Province of British Columbia (the "Continuance"), including the adoption by Santoy of the Notice of Articles and Articles in the form to be presented at the Santoy Meeting, which Notice of Articles and Articles will, among other things, provide for a class of preferred shares and three series of preferred shares that are different than Santoy's existing class and single series of preferred shares, as more fully set forth in the Circular accompanying this notice;
8. pursuant to an Interim Order of the Supreme Court of British Columbia pronounced on April 24, 2009, to consider and, if thought advisable, to pass a special resolution (the "Arrangement Resolution") to approve the arrangement (the "Arrangement") under Section 288 of the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) (the "BCBCA"), as more fully set forth in the Circular accompanying this notice;
9. to consider and, if thought advisable, to pass, with or without variation, an ordinary resolution (the "Consolidation Resolution") to approve the consolidation (the "Consolidation") of the Santoy Common Shares on a one (1) new post-Consolidation share for each five (5) old pre-Consolidation shares basis; and
10. to transact such further and other business as may properly be brought before the Santoy Meeting or any adjournment thereof.
The full text of the resolutions described in items 7, 8 and 9 above are set forth in Appendices A1, A2 and A4, respectively, to the accompanying joint information circular dated April 24, 2009 (the "Circular"). The Continuance Resolution and the Arrangement Resolution must each be passed by not less than 66⅔% of the votes cast, and the Consolidation Resolution must be passed by greater than 50% of the votes cast, by Santoy Shareholders present in person or by proxy at the Santoy Meeting.
The determination of Santoy Shareholders entitled to receive notice of and vote at the Santoy Meeting is the close of business on April 1, 2009 (the "Record Date"). Only Santoy Shareholders whose names have been entered in the register of Santoy Shareholders as of the close of business on the Record Date are entitled to receive notice of and vote at the Santoy Meeting. The Santoy Shareholders of record will be entitled to vote those Santoy Common Shares included in the list of Santoy Shareholders entitled to vote at the Santoy Meeting prepared as at the Record Date.
A Santoy Shareholder may attend the Santoy Meeting in person or may be represented by proxy. Santoy Shareholders who are unable to attend the Santoy Meeting or any adjournment thereof in person are requested to
- ii -
date, sign and return the accompanying form of proxy for use at the Santoy Meeting or any adjournment thereof. To be effective, the proxy must be received by Computershare Trust Company of Canada, by 1:30 p.m. (Pacific Standard Time) on May 19, 2009 or two Business Days prior to any adjournment of the Santoy Meeting.Santoy Shareholders who are planning to return the form of proxy are encouraged to review the Circular carefully before submitting the proxy form.
If you are an unregistered holder of Santoy Common Shares and have received these materials through your broker or through another intermediary, please complete and return the form of proxy or other document provided to you by your broker or other intermediary in accordance with the instructions provided therein.
Each registered Santoy Shareholder has the right to dissent pursuant to Section 189 of the ABCA in respect of the Continuance Resolution. A shareholder who dissents in the manner required by the ABCA with respect to the Continuance Resolution is entitled to be paid the fair value of such shareholder’s shares in accordance with the ABCA, subject to certain conditions. TAKE NOTICE THAT under the ABCA you may give Santoy notice of dissent with respect to the Continuance
Resolution. As a result of giving a notice of dissent you may, on receiving notice from Santoy under Section 191 of the ABCA that Santoy intends to act or has acted on the authority of the Continuance Resolution, require Santoy to purchase all of your shares in respect of which the notice of dissent was given. The dissent rights with respect to the Continuance
Resolution are described in the Circular and in Appendix G1 to the Circular. Failure to strictly comply with the requirements set forth in Section 191 of the ABCA may result in the loss of any right of dissent.
Persons who are beneficial owners of Santoy Common Shares registered in the name of a broker, custodian, nominee or other intermediary who wish to dissent should be aware that only registered holders of Santoy Common Shares are entitled to dissent. Accordingly, a beneficial owner of Santoy Common Shares desiring to exercise this right must make arrangements for the Santoy Common Shares beneficially owned by such person to be registered in his, her or its name prior to the time the written notice of dissent to the Continuance Resolution is required to be received by Santoy or, alternatively, make arrangements for the registered holder of Santoy Common Shares to dissent on his, her or its behalf.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF SANTOY RESOURCES LTD.
/s/"Ronald K. Netolitzky"
Ronald K. Netolitzky
President and Chief Executive Officer
/s/"Ronald K. Netolitzky"
Ronald K. Netolitzky
President and Chief Executive Officer
Vancouver, British Columbia
Canada
April 24, 2009
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
VIRGINIA URANIUM LTD.
231 Woodlawn Heights Road
Chatham, Virginia 24531
April 24, 2009231 Woodlawn Heights Road
Chatham, Virginia 24531
To: The Shareholders of Virginia Uranium Ltd.
The board of directors (the "Virginia Board") invites you to attend a special meeting (the "Virginia Meeting") of shareholders (the "Virginia Shareholders") of Virginia Uranium Ltd. ("Virginia") to be held at 2:00 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time) on Friday, May 21, 2009 at 231 Woodlawn Heights Road, Chatham, Virginia, United States.
On February 26, 2009, we entered into a combination agreement, which was amended and restated as of April 14, 2009 (the "Combination Agreement") with Santoy Resources Ltd. ("Santoy"), whereby, pursuant to a statutory plan of arrangement (the "Arrangement") and subject to the terms and conditions of the Combination Agreement, Santoy will acquire all of the outstanding Virginia common shares (the "Virginia Common Shares"). Under the Arrangement, (i) registered Santoy shareholders immediately prior to the effective time of the Arrangement will be issued one-quarter (¼) of one Santoy warrant (each full warrant, a "Santoy Incentive Warrant") for each Santoy common share ("Santoy Common Share") held; and (ii) each one (1) issued Virginia Common Share will be exchanged for six (6) Santoy Common Shares. To enable the Arrangement to be carried out, Virginia's corporate jurisdiction will be continued at the Virginia Meeting from the Yukon to British Columbia (the "Continuance").
Virginia Shareholders will be asked at the Virginia Meeting to approve the Continuance and the Arrangement.
The Virginia Board has unanimously determined that the Arrangement is fair to the Virginia Shareholders and is in the best interests of Virginia and the Virginia Shareholders and unanimously recommends that Virginia Shareholders vote FOR the Arrangement. The determination of the Virginia Board is based on various factors described more fully in the accompanying notice of special meeting and management information circular (the "Circular"). The Virginia Board has further determined that the Continuance is in the best interest of Virginia and the Virginia Shareholders and unanimously recommends that the Virginia Shareholders vote FOR the Continuance.
To be effective, the Continuance and the Arrangement must be approved by special resolutions passed by at least 66 2/3% of the votes cast by holders of outstanding Virginia Common Shares present in person or represented by proxy at the Virginia Meeting. All of the directors, officers and holders of greater than 12% of the Virginia Common Shares have entered into voting agreements with Santoy committing to support the Arrangement. Completion of the
Arrangement is subject to the approval of the Supreme Court of British Columbia and the satisfaction of certain conditions and it is not possible at this time to determine precisely when or if the Arrangement will become effective.
Subject to obtaining the approvals of the Virginia Shareholders, the Santoy Shareholders, the TSX Venture Exchange and the Supreme Court of British Columbia, and to satisfying certain other conditions, the Arrangement is expected to close on or before May 26, 2009.
The Circular provides a description of the above and includes certain additional information to assist you in considering how to vote on the special resolutions. You are urged to read this information carefully to consult your tax, financial, legal or other professional advisors.
We encourage you to complete, sign, date and return the accompanying form of proxy in accordance with the instructions set out therein and in the Circular so that your Virginia Common Shares can be voted at the Virginia Meeting in accordance with your instructions. We also encourage registered Virginia Shareholders to complete, sign, date and return the enclosed letter of transmittal in accordance with the instructions set out therein and in the Circular so that if the Arrangement is completed, the Santoy Common Shares to which you are entitled can be sent to you as soon as possible following completion of the Arrangement.
If you are an unregistered holder of Virginia Common Shares and have received these materials through your broker or through another intermediary, please complete and return the form of proxy or other document provided to you by your broker or other intermediary in accordance with the instructions provided therein.
Yours very truly,
/s/ "Norman Reynolds"
Norman Reynolds
Chief Executive Officer
/s/ "Norman Reynolds"
Norman Reynolds
Chief Executive Officer
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
VIRGINIA URANIUM LTD.
231 Woodlawn Heights Road
Chatham, Virginia 24531
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS231 Woodlawn Heights Road
Chatham, Virginia 24531
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, pursuant to an order of the Supreme Court of British Columbia dated April 24, 2009 (the "Interim Order") and the Business Corporations Act (Yukon) (the "YBCA"), a special meeting (the "Virginia Meeting") of the holders ("Virginia Shareholders") of common shares ("Virginia Common Shares") in the capital of Virginia Uranium Ltd. ("Virginia") will be held at 231 Woodlawn Heights Road, Chatham, Virginia, United States, at 2:00 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time) on May 21, 2009 for the following purposes:
1. to consider and, if thought advisable, to pass, with or without variation, a special resolution (the "Continuance Resolution") to approve the continuance of Virginia from the Yukon Territory into the Province of British Columbia, Canada (the "Continuance");
2. to consider and, if thought advisable, to pass, with or without variation, a special resolution (the "Arrangement Resolution") to approve an acquisition of all of the Virginia Common Shares by Santoy Resources Ltd. ("Santoy") pursuant to a plan of arrangement (the "Arrangement") under Section 288 of the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) (the "BCBCA") pursuant to which, among other things:
(a) Santoy will acquire all of the Virginia Common Shares through a merger of a wholly-owned subsidiary of Santoy with Virginia (which holds approximately 12% of the issued shares of VA Uranium Holdings, Inc. ("Holdco") in exchange for shares of Santoy ("Santoy Common Shares"), at the ratio of six (6) Santoy Common Shares for each one (1) Virginia Common Share;
(b) Santoy will acquire additional shares of Holdco common stock from certain Holdco shareholders in exchange for Santoy Common Shares, at the ratio of six (6) Santoy Common Shares for each one share of Holdco; and
(c) Santoy will issue one-quarter (¼) of one (1) warrant (each full warrant, a "Santoy Incentive Warrant") to the Santoy Shareholders, each Santoy Incentive Warrant entitling the holder to purchase one Santoy Common Share; and
3. to transact such further and other business as may properly be brought before the Virginia Meeting or any adjournment thereof. The full text of each of the above resolutions is set forth in Appendices A1 and A3 to the accompanying management information circular dated April 24, 2009 (the "Circular"), which is deemed to form part of this notice. The Continuance Resolution and the Arrangement Resolution must each be passed by not less than 66⅔% of the votes cast by Virginia Shareholders present in person or by proxy at the Virginia Meeting.
The determination of Virginia Shareholders entitled to receive notice of and vote at the Virginia Meeting is the close of business on April 1, 2009 (the "Record Date"). Only Virginia Shareholders whose names have been entered in the register of Virginia Shareholders as of the close of business on the Record Date are entitled to receive notice of and vote at the Virginia Meeting.
The Virginia Shareholders of record will be entitled to vote those Virginia Common Shares included in the list of Virginia Shareholders entitled to vote at the Virginia Meeting prepared as at the Record Date.
A Virginia Shareholder may attend the Virginia Meeting in person or may be represented by proxy. Virginia Shareholders who are unable to attend the Virginia Meeting or any adjournment thereof in person are requested to date, sign and return the accompanying form of proxy for use at the Virginia Meeting or any adjournment thereof. To be effective, the proxy must be received by Computershare Trust Company of Canada, by 2:00 p.m. (Pacific Standard Time) on May 19, 2009 or two Business Days prior to any adjournment of the Virginia Meeting. Virginia Shareholders who are planning to return the form of proxy are encouraged to review the Circular carefully before submitting the proxy form.
- ii -
If you are an unregistered holder of Virginia Common Shares and have received these materials through your broker or through another intermediary, please complete and return the form of proxy or other document provided to you by your broker or other intermediary in accordance with the instructions provided therein.Each registered Virginia Shareholder has the right to dissent pursuant to Section 193 of the YBCA in respect of the Continuance Resolution. A registered Virginia Shareholder who dissents in the manner required by the YBCA with respect to the Continuance Resolution is entitled to be paid the fair value of such registered Virginia Shareholder’s shares in accordance with the YBCA, subject to certain conditions. TAKE NOTICE THAT under the YBCA if you are a registered
Virginia Shareholder you may give Virginia notice of dissent with respect to the Continuance Resolution. As a result of giving a notice of dissent you may require Virginia to purchase all your shares in respect of which the notice of dissent was given. The dissent rights with respect to the Continuance Resolution are described in the Circular and in Appendix G to the Circular. Failure to strictly comply with the requirements set forth in Section 193 of the YBCA may result in the loss of any right of dissent.
Pursuant to the Interim Order, each registered Virginia Shareholder has been granted the right to dissent in respect of the Arrangement Resolution and, if the Arrangement becomes effective, to be paid the fair value of such holder's Virginia Common Shares in accordance with Sections 237 to 247 of the BCBCA, as modified and supplemented by the Interim Order. To exercise such right, (a) a written notice of objection to the Arrangement Resolution must be received by Lawson Lundell LLP, Suite 1600 Cathedral Place, 925 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 3L2, Fax: (604) 641-2814, Attention: John T.C. Christian, not later than 4:30 p.m. (Pacific Standard Time) on May 19, 2009, or two Business Days prior to any adjournment of the Virginia Meeting, (b) the Virginia Shareholder must not have voted in favour of the Arrangement Resolution, and (c) the Virginia Shareholder must have otherwise complied with the provisions of
Sections 237 to 247 of the BCBCA, as modified and supplemented by the Interim Order. The right to dissent is described in the Circular and the texts of the Interim Order and Sections 237 to 247 of the BCBCA are set forth in Appendices E and G3 respectively, to the Circular. Failure to strictly comply with the requirements set forth in Sections 237 to 247 of the BCBCA, as modified and supplemented by the Interim Order, may result in the loss of any right of dissent.
Persons who are beneficial owners of Virginia Common Shares registered in the name of a broker, custodian, nominee or other intermediary who wish to dissent should be aware that only registered holders of Virginia Common Shares are entitled to dissent. Accordingly, a beneficial owner of Virginia Common Shares desiring to exercise this right must make arrangements for the Virginia Common Shares beneficially owned by such person to be registered in his, her or its name prior to the time the written notice of dissent to the Continuance Resolution or the arrangement Resolution is required to be received by Virginia or, alternatively, make arrangements for the registered holder of Virginia Common Shares to dissent on his, her or its behalf.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF VIRGINIA URANIUM LTD.
/s/"Norman Reynolds"
Norman Reynolds
Chief Executive
/s/"Norman Reynolds"
Norman Reynolds
Chief Executive
Chatham, Virginia
U.S.A.
April 24, 2009
Thursday, May 7, 2009
VIRGINIA: Wide-Ranging Study of Uranium Mining Proposed
This meeting on May 21 is getting lots of press from lots of sources. I hope to see more articles that at least mention the fact that the health and safety of humans and the environment ranks very low on the list of items to be studied. I'd really like to see the importance of all things living moved to the top of the list by someone connected to the Commission but without a huge outcry, that won't happen. It's time to start raising hell about the short shrift life is getting by the study group.
ROANOKE, Va. — A study of proposed uranium mining in Virginia would range from market trends to technical practices to health risks, the National Academy of Sciences said in recommendations released Thursday.
A Virginia Commission on Coal and Energy subcommittee posted the academy's recommendations for the study online. The recommendations were made by the academy's working arm, the National Research Council. The Virginia panel will consider approving them at a May 21 meeting in Richmond.
http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20090507/NEWS01/90507072
ROANOKE, Va. — A study of proposed uranium mining in Virginia would range from market trends to technical practices to health risks, the National Academy of Sciences said in recommendations released Thursday.
A Virginia Commission on Coal and Energy subcommittee posted the academy's recommendations for the study online. The recommendations were made by the academy's working arm, the National Research Council. The Virginia panel will consider approving them at a May 21 meeting in Richmond.
Before uranium can be mined in Virginia, the General Assembly would have to lift a ban that has been in place since 1982.
The study has been requested as a first step to lifting that ban by Virginia Uranium Inc., which wants to mine a 119 million-pound Pittsylvania County deposit that is believed to be the largest in the nation. Its value is estimated at $7 billion to $10 billion.
"The study will provide independent, expert advice that can be used to inform decisions about the future of uranium mining in the Commonwealth of Virginia," the academy's statement said.
The study won't take a position for or against the mining, the academy said, nor will it assess Virginia Uranium's site near Chatham.
Environmentalists and residents who live close to the site near the Virginia-North Carolina state line are worried about hazards to human health and the environment from mining the radioactive material.
The academy proposed assessing short- and long-term health risks both to workers and the public.
The study would examine ecosystem issues and problems related to air and water pollution, the academy said.
Uranium in the U.S. has been mined only in the arid West, and opponents believe the more humid Eastern climate would increase adverse environmental effects.
Deborah Lovelace, whose farm is close to the deposit, was concerned the academy listed health and environmental issues after such topics as market trends, types of uranium deposits worldwide and technical mining options.
Effects on health and the environment should be studied before those other issues are addressed, she said.
"The study should be stopped if it's (mining) not safe," Lovelace said. "Why even spend the money?"
But Del. Kristen Amundson, a member of the panel charged with commissioning an independent study, said she would be concerned only if health or the environment were not included in the review.
"I think there are very serious issues that would have to be resolved about safety and about environmental protection," said Amundson, of Fairfax. "I would really like to see someone with a very strong science background analyze those issues."
A company called Marline Uranium explored mining Virginia uranium in the 1980s, but its interest waned as the price of the ore fell. A spike in the price recently has revived interest in the mining.http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20090507/NEWS01/90507072
What's on the agenda for the Uranium Mining Subcommittee's May 21 meeting?
The Uranium Mining Subcommittee will meet in Richmond on May 21.
At the subcommittee's March 24 meeting, Dr. Michael Karmis of the Virginia Center for Coal and Energy Research recommended that the uranium study be separated into two studies: a "technical" study and a social-economic study. The subcommittee agreed to first consider the technical study.
The subcommittee approved the first draft of the technical study scope as working document only. Dr. Michael Karmis wrote the first draft. He asked the subcommittee to let him get initial feedback from the National Academy before the subcommittee discussed any changes to his draft.
Discussion was cut short with the understanding that the real debate would come when a second draft - the draft from the National Academy - is available.
The subcommittee and Virginia citizens now have a chance to see this latest - not necessarily final - draft. The document will be available any day now for public review on the Coal and Energy Commission Web site: http://dls.state.va.us/cec.htm
This is the National Academy's first comment on studying the implications for the commonwealth of allowing uranium mining in Virginia.
The National Academy has tried to describe a study that the academy can do and that is what the Uranium Mining Subcommittee wants.
Dr. Karmis has represented the subcommittee in discussion with the National Academy. He has communicated what he thinks the subcommittee and Virginia citizens want studied.
The subcommittee can request changes to the academy draft. The academy process allows for multiple drafts in a back-and-forth process.
Only when there is mutual agreement does the academy develop a study budget. If the subcommittee then commits the funds, a contract can be signed.
The May 21 agenda does not mention the socio-economic study.
The subcommittee has not yet discussed the socio-economic study or who will pay for either study.
Katie Whitehead, Chairman
Dan River Basin Association Mining Task Force
Chatham
http://www.wpcva.com/articles/2009/05/06/chatham/opinion/opinion01.txt
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