Updated:
Thursday August 28, 2008
I attended both four-hour forums sponsored by the federal Department of Homeland Security in connection with the proposed National Bio- and Agro-Defense Facility, and pored over the Draft Environmental Impact Statement, sharing the volume with others.
I firmly believe, on the basis of what was said during the public comment portions of the recent forums, that if DHS presenters really "had ears to hear," it should be abundantly clear NBAF will not be welcome in Athens-Clarke County.
Athens Banner-Herald | Story updated at 6:35 pm on 8/27/2008
Why would the University of Georgia and Athens-Clarke authorities offer the South Milledge Avenue site beside the State Botanical Garden for the National Bio- and Agro-Defense Facility? Stretching one-half to five miles eastward are thousands of homes, hundreds of student apartments, dormitories, five schools and many businesses.
Famed writers Richard Holbrooke and Laurie Garret have given currency to the term “viral sovereign,” used by health experts to refer to deadly viruses. These viruses are considered the sovereign property of nations - even though they cross borders and could pose a pandemic threat to other nations.
Pete, your beautifully written editorial [Pub Notes, Aug. 20], insightful if not inciteful, is greatly appreciated by more people in the Athens community than you might imagine, given the Banner-Herald’s propensity to minimize or even trivialize the NBAF opponents’ numbers and points of view.
I do wish to contest two points that the NBAF proponents like to emphasize, but which are not immutable truths. Points even in your wise commentary you seem to overlook or concede.
The National Bio and Agro-Defense lab offers more pros than cons for Athens.
The prospect of having the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility in our backyard has split Athens and the University community into two camps.
Supporters of NBAF cite the increase in employment and research opportunities the facility would bring to the University and to Athens-Clarke County. Opponents of the "Bio-Terror Lab" argue research with deadly pathogens and agents makes the facility unsafe.
By: GREG WILSON
August 26, 2008
Senators Fasano and Stillman Challenge Proposal to Upgrade Plum Island’s Bio Lab Facility
Senators: Population Density, Proximity to International Airports Make Long Island Sound
Too Dangerous for National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility
The Aug. 6 letter to the editor from C. Patrick Allen, director of community relations at the University of Georgia ("Local officials have been careful in evaluating NBAF"), claims that if the proposed National Bio- and Agro-Defense Facility is located in Athens, "it will deliver a very large potential return for a very small - and acceptable - level of risk."
BioRegion News is reporting that the N.C. Consortium is backing off its bid for the National Bio and Agro Defense Facility in Butner, citing strong opposition to the plan. (BioRegion's Web site requires registration to read the full story but is free.)