Nuclear Waste Sites May Affect French Wine Region

Wine enthusiasts the world over beware. A recent report by ABC found that the champagne produced from France's illustrious Champagne region may have some radioactive elements in it.

Greenpeace, in association with ACRO, advises against the construction of nuclear waste sites in the wine producing region, says the report. The main problem with building the sites stems from the high level of supervision required in managing them. Should they undergo mismanagement, contamination of the grape plants is more likely. That champagne could then poison consumers.

Although there is no present danger to the champagne being produced, Greenpeace urges drinkers and production managers that the situation should not be taken lightly. In her interview with ABC, Rita Teuler states it will undoubtedly become a problem in the future. She tells reporter Bede Moore that the site is "in the beginning stages of leakage in the Champagne region. [The authorities] need to make sure [the waste] is not leaking. It should be above ground and frequently checked."

Teuler is referring to the site in Soulaine, which is located underground. The dump is said to house only short-life waste. However, its underground location disallows direct supervision.

Researchers of ACRO, an independent organization that monitors radioactivity in France, have found traces of tritium in the groundwater. Although tritium is a naturally occurring element, the EPA sets a low concentration standard and states over exposure can cause health effects.

As tritium undergoes radioactive decay, it can release radioactive properties into the atmosphere for people to inhale as well as drink. Greenpeace seeks to prevent such an occurrence from happening.

According to ABC, Bure will house the next dumping site-one intended for depositing higher-level radioactive waste.

France presently suffers from a nuclear waste problem, one reportedly caused by negligence and lack of direct supervision of the waste. The creation of additional waste sites leaves many to wonder if the nation will only suffer more.

Greenpeace campaigners argue the sites will affect commerce, ABC reports. In a statement made to ABC, Frederic Marillier claims Normandy's industry is experiencing ill effects from its dumping site.

The report further suggests the region's world-renowned wine may receive a blow in reputation as a result of the nuclear sites.

Presently, the sites pose no danger to the champagne, yet the possibility and inevitability of contamination threatens the region's industry and may even negatively impact French economy.

Bede Moore "Is Radioactive Bubbly in Our Future?" ABCnews.com URL http://abcnews.go.com/International/Story?id=3243192&page=1

US Environmental Protection Agency "Tritium" epa.gov URL http://www.epa.gov/radiation/radionuclides/tritium.htm#environment