Nuclear leak runs into French rivers

Liquid containing traces of uranium leaked at a nuclear site in southern France today with some of the solution running into two rivers, the country’s nuclear safety agency said.

Authorities banned the consumption of well water in three nearby towns and the watering of crops from the two rivers.

Swimming, water sports and fishing were also banned by authorities.

A spokeswoman for the nuclear safety agency, Evangelia Petit, said about 30,000 litres (7,925 gallons) of solution containing uranium leaked at a factory at the Tricastin nuclear site. It is about 25 miles from the historic city of Avignon.

The factory handles materials and liquids contaminated by uranium, the fuel for nuclear power plants.