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‘It’s a community issue’; Pictou County citizens’ group will hand out bottles for uranium testing in water
A grassroots group concerned about the lifting of the ban on uranium mining is holding an event later this month to promote water testing.
It’s the first official public event for Citizens of Pictou County Against Uranium Development.
“We're asking people if they want to test their water for uranium …. to let them know No. 1 if they need another water source right now and, and then if there is development in the future to have it tested again after that, of course,” said Karen Ewing.
The idea is to see if test holes have increased the amount of uranium in the water supply and water table.
“All uranium has to do is be disturbed and it can get into the water supply,” Ewing said.
People who want to get their water tested can attend the event at the River John Food and Community Health Centre on Station Road June 17 from 4-7 p.m.
The testing for uranium content costs $20 plus tax, but higher if people want the water tested for other chemicals.
Ewing said she got involved out of concern.
“We're concerned about the lifting of the ban and the effect that it could have on people and the environment. We were interested that when the ban got lifted and also of course with everything with fracking and everything that may end up happening here (in Pictou County),” she said.
“Hopefully there will be other events to try to help just keep people aware of what the risks of uranium development.”
The group will have 40 bottles on hand for testing.
“If we run out, that's a good problem to have. We want people to be aware,” she said. |Read more|