"As a result of this mining there are sediment ponds," Commissioner Rives Manning said during today's meeting. "Being in a flood plain if the dams break the river basin and lakes can become contaminated."
Manning said another problem is because the county sells water, it would have to pay for any cleanup. "We would have to pay for someone else's mistake."
Board Chair James Pierce said Norfolk and Virginia Beach have a vested interest in protecting the water supply here since they draw from Lake Gaston.
The resolution supporting continuing the ban says a Virginia Beach study concludes cell failure in mining operations would be washed downstream and affect water quality in the Kerr Lake Reservoir and Lake Gaston, "Resulting in radiation levels in the water 10 to 20 times above the Safe Drinking Water Act levels."
While the event in the Virginia Beach model is rare, the resolution notes, "The magnitude of potential impacts on the basin's eco-system and the communities is too great to leave it to chance."
The basin, the resolution says, "Serves as a drinking water source for over one million people who could face increased risks associated with uranium mining, milling and storage of radioactive waste."
In other matters today the board:
Recognized the retirement of Clifton Cobb from the planning and development department.
Recognized the retirement of Evelyn Whitaker from the county's Human Resources Management Department.
Approved a resolution supporting the 2011 Take Pride in Lake Gaston Clean-up Day, which is Saturday.
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