Documentary exposing the dangers of uranium mining features at Cinema Arts Theatre

Cinema Arts Theatre, five minutes from Fairfax campus, hosts free documentary (photo courtesy of Cinema Arts Theatre).

Cinema Arts Theatre on Main Street held a free screening and Q&A of an environmental documentary titled “Hot Water,” written and produced by Lizabeth Rogers.

The event, held on Nov. 14, was sponsored by the We the People Campaign. It exposed the possible hazards of uranium mining in the United States.

Nuclear power plants have a legacy of both financial and environmental strain through uranium mining, leaving behind enough chemical residues to contaminate local air, food, and water supplies.

“Hot Water” focuses on a South Dakotan community suffering from cancer rates far higher than the national average. Rare forms of cancer, tumors, breathing issues and premature death are all common in the community due to the radiation in the supply.

Though arguably beneficial in terms of job creation and energy sources, uranium mining presents great environmental and health risks for both employees and citizens. After these power plants have exhausted their resources, they often file bankruptcy and shut down. Maintenance and cleanup is then funded by tax dollars. The result is a financial and economic mess that lasts for generations.

Virginia may soon face this reality.

In a Q&A session following the movie, Rogers discussed how companies are currently bidding to lift a 30 year ban against uranium ore mining in Northern Virginia.

This has sparked protest within the community. Lifting the ban could cause permanent consequences for the state's drinking water and health risks would ensue.

As a result, the We the People Foundation has incorporated “Hot Water” in its Keep the Ban campaign.

Rogers and her team hope to gain support from Virginian citizens to  vote or volunteer in some way. They will continue to push for community involvement through petitions, fundraisers and multiple showings of the film across the country.