The VA Dept. of Environmental Quality Office of Environmental Impact
Review will accept comments regarding environmental concerns
associated with Dominion's application to build a 3rd nuclear reactor at Lake Anna until March 18. This is an opportunity to speak out against North Anna Unit 3. Please send your emails to: Elirons@deq.virginia.gov
Here are a few good talking points:
1) There is insufficient water in the watershed to support a third
reactor given recurring drought cycles we've been experiencing in Central VA.
2) Lake temperatures have been recorded over 89 degrees F and up to
104 degrees F. Water in the Lake is used to cool the reactors and
Dominion treats a portion of the Lake as a waste heat treatment
facility. This is illegal under the Clean Water Act as the Lake is
"surface waters of the United States." Currently there is a lawsuit scheduled to be heard in the VA Supreme Court regarding this issue.
Why the hurry to permit a third reactor when the first two remain in
noncompliance of Federal legislation?
3) Downstream impacts on the North Anna, Pamunkey and York Rivers due to increased water use to cool a third reactor have not been studied.
4) State and federal agencies are allowing Dominion to apply for permits with a piecemeal approach. There is little or no coordination. The big picture is not addressed. At the least VDEQ should require a water management system that balances the water requirements of the Lake residents with those of communities and agricultural interests
downstream and which does not negatively impact downstream flora and
fauna.
6) Dominion switched to a Pressurized Water Reactor (from a Boiling Water Reactor) in its Construction and Operating License application last June. This change should require a new environmental assessment.
7) Finally, the earthquake in Japan and the resulting breach to the Fukushima nuclear reactor containment building, the possibility of meltdown and the continuing release of radioactivity is cause for alarm. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), and VDEQ permits and certifications need to be put on hold until the environmental impacts associated with the Japanese reactor are evaluated and understood.
For more information, please contact Elena Day at (434) 296-2494.
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Hunting Bears!?
The public has another month to comment on proposed changes to hunting and trapping regulations, including the creation of a license to hunt bear.
The Board of Game and Inland Fisheries is proposing to establish a special license to hunt bears, which would cost $25 for residents and $150 for nonresidents.
The board also has proposed several other changes to hunting and trapping laws.
That public comment period runs through April 15.
Wildlife biologists with the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries will host a series of public input meetings across the state.
Citizens also can find the proposals and comment on them at the department's website.
Revenue, Hunting and Trapping Regulations Public Input Meeting
Date: March 23, 2011
Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries
4010 West Broad Street
Richmond,
Purpose: Accept public input regarding proposed increases in certain license fees, and proposed changes to hunting and trapping regulations for 2011-12
Staff Contact: Glen Askins, 804-829-6580, glen.askins@dgif.virginia.gov
www.dgif.virginia.gov/regulations/public-meetings/
Events!
Today at 5:30pm: Defend the Dream Rally at Monroe Park in front of the Landmark Theater (onenationpda.org)
Saturday, March 19
Pre-event briefing
8:30-10:30 am
St. Stephen’s Church, 1525 Newton Street NW (corner of 16th)
Rally
12:00 pm, Lafayette Park, H and 16th Streets NW
Speakers: Elliott Adams begin_of_the_skype_highlighting end_of_the_skype_highlighting Chantelle Bateman, Brian Becker, Medea Benjamin, Zachary Choate, Ryan Endicott, Ayesha Fleary, Chris Hedges, Kathy Kelly, Mike Malloy, Michael McPhearson, Caneisha Mills, Ralph Nader, Debra Sweet, Ann Wright, Kevin Zeese
Civil Resistance at the White House
1:00 pm
For more detailed information email stopthesewars@gmail.com.
Housing will be available Saturday night at St. Stephen’s Church, 1525 Newton Street NW (corner of 16th Street). You must leave the church by 7 am Sunday morning. Anyone staying at the church must be respectful of whatever else may be going on there at the time.
You will need a sleeping bag. There are no secure provisions for leaving belongings at St. Stephen’s. If you need to leave personal belongings somewhere, we will have a room at the Harrington Hotel for that. More details later.
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