Uranium Mining Could Leave Toxic Waste in Occoquan Watershed

Lifting Virginia's ban on uranium mining could open the door to toxic and radioactive waste in the Potomac and Occoquan Watersheds, according to a recent study by the Fairfax County Water Authority.

Though mineral mining occurs throughout the U.S. near water supplies, the study said, "[U]ranium mining and milling represent unique risks that require additional process controls to prevent impacts from toxic and radioactive byproducts."

Without good facility design, operation, and standards, "uranium mining and milling activities initiated in the Potomac and/or Occoquan watersheds have the potential to increase the risk of negative impacts to Fairfax Water's source water quality and water supply reliability."

The Washington Post reported that the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering also found that "steep hurdles" would need to be crossed before the ban should be lifted.

"A study commissioned by the Danville Regional Foundation also came out this month," the Post article read. "It concluded that uranium mining could have economic benefits but also environmental risks."