VDH Schedules More Public Discussions on Uranium

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) will hold a series of meetings to gather public input on the issues of water supply and recreational water to assess the impact of uranium mining and milling in Virginia. More specifically, VDH will collect public comments related to the following questions:

1. What are the public’s concerns about related to the impact of uranium mining and milling on water quality and quantity of private wells?

2. What are the public’s concerns related to the impact of uranium mining and milling on recreational use of surface water?

3. What role should VDH play in assuring that public health is protected in regard to private wells and recreational water use in regard to uranium mining and milling?

4. What safeguards should be in place to protect private wells and recreational water?

Evening meetings will be large meetings and VDH will receive comments from as many participants as time allows. Registration is not required to attend the public meetings that will be held in the evenings. Individuals who are unable to attend but want to submit comments or issues for consideration may do so at http://www.uwg.vi.virginia.gov/.

In addition to accepting comments in the public forum, VDH and other agencies will staff tables to provide information and collect questions and comments from the public. Staff will be available at these tables for one hour before the public meetings begin. Questions may be asked and comments made in the public forum, at the tables or both.

Schedule of VDH Large Group Meetings on Uranium Mining and Water:

August 7, 2012
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Chatham Circuit Court Building
3 North Main St. Chatham

August 15, 2012
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Warrenton The Barn, Lord Fairfax Community College
6480 College St. Warrenton

August 29, 2012
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Virginia Beach Meyera Oberndorff Library Auditorium
4100 Virginia Beach Boulevard Virginia Beach

Farm Bureau concerned about AgBMP Cost Share Funding

Creek crossover for cattle

Farm Bureau has raised concerns about the cuts to the local Soil and Water Conservation Districts. The Governor’s budget cut $2.046 million of support for operations and technical assistance distributed to the 47 local Soil and Water Conservation Districts.

This concerns Farm Bureau because of the water quality goals contained in the Watershed Implementation Plan for the Chesapeake Bay that apply to agriculture hinges on implementation of conservation practices by farmers. Local Soil and Water Conservation Districts are the “hands on the ground” in working with farmers in implementing voluntary and cost-shared conservation practices. Without a strong local delivery and reporting system, farmers may not be able to achieve the goals set forth that are applicable to agriculture.

Farm Bureau is encouraging its members to ask the members of the Virginia General Assembly to restore these funds and look at adequate and stable funding for this local delivery system.

Farm Bureau has also raised concerns about the funding available for farmers for implementation of agriculture best management cost share practices. While Farm Bureau appreciates the infusion of funding in the 2011 General Assembly, this infusion is not consistent for the next two fiscal years. Farm Bureau is awaiting the Secretary of Natural Resources Ag BMP Cost Share Needs Assessment analysis. Farm Bureau believes this analysis will show that this conservation practices cost share program will not be funded at a level in order to allow farmers to meet the water quality goals.