Concerns Raised Over France Nuclear Leaks

Hot on the heels of last week's news that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission have stated that the designs for the next-generation (fourth? whatever happened to third?) of nuclear reactors has massive holes in [metaphorical holes you understand -- not literal ones a la Davis-Besse]; news from France.

The Independent Commission on Research and Information on Radioactivity (CRIIRAD) has released a report which condemns the French nuclear industry. Within the space of 15 days, four nuclear plant malfunctions have been reported, resulting in the contamination of 126 workers. So much for clean, green power.

On July 7th, 165 pounds of water containing radioactive uranium leaked out of the plant into local creeks and rivers, prompting a ban on fishing and watersports in this areas. Subsequent investigation revealed that this contamination may have been taking place for years.

On July 18th, at another nuclear facility, a broken pipe led to a release of radioactivity but "no damage to the environment". The plant's director, Alain Peckre, described the incident as "inconsequential."

"This is the first time I have seen so many people being contaminated in such a short period of time... This type of contamination is a recurring problem. But that many people in such a short period of time, this worries us." -- CRIIRAD Director: Corinne Castanier

Furthermore, the French nuclear operator EDF comes in for a pasting, for saying that the latest nuclear blunders had no impact on "peoples health" or "the environment" because the doses emitted fell short of the maximum limits set by international standards.

"The regulatory limits for radiation... do not mean there is no risk but relate to a maximum risk level that can be permitted"

A representative from CGT [Confederation generale du travail], asserted that the increased use of sub-contractors and reduction in maintenance was putting workers [and by extension members of the public] at risk in exchange for profits.

The news is particularly cutting, as France is often held up as the poster-child of the nuclear industry. More dependent than any other nation on nuclear power (with 80% of its electricity coming from nukes) bar Lithuania; whose population of 3.3 million is dependent on the single, Chernobyl-style RBMK reactor at Ignalia [more here -- scroll down for the English!].

This all comes at a time when French nuclear giant AREVA posts a 14.8% rise in first-half sales.

At a time when the French President, Nicholas Sarkozy is talking up the European Pressurized Reactor (EPR), this could not come at a worse time.

The Pickens Plan, an alternative energy vision for America, has come out and said that Nuclear power will not be ready in time to avoid energy poverty with the depletion of fossil fuels. The arguments that nuclear power is not an answer to climate change are fallacious, and well documented.

Neither Obama or McCain have come out against civil nuclear power; which is incestuously linked with the nuclear weapons industry. Unsurprising really, as Obama has accepted $275,000 over the course of his career from Exelon Corp , a major player in the nuclear industry $190,000 this campaign.

John McCain's hands are also irradiated with money from the nuclear industry, having accepted $107,000 from the nuclear industry.

When France can't make nuclear power safely, the question is how long will it be before public opinion in America turns against nuclear power?

Follow Gavin D. J. Harper on Twitter: www.twitter.com/gavindjharper

Comments

[Raven]

France has the highest rate of cancer of all of western Europe.

Coincidence? Likely not.