France lifts water ban from spill at nuclear site

MARSEILLE, France (AP) -- Authorities in southern France have lifted a ban on water sports and fishing in two rivers that was imposed after a leak at a nearby nuclear site.

Other bans on drinking well water in three towns or watering crops from the Gaffiere and Lauzon rivers are also being lifted.

The bans had been in place since July 8, after liquid contaminated with unenriched uranium spilled from a tank being washed at the Tricastin nuclear site near Avignon.

Authorities in the Vaucluse and Drome regions said Tuesday that nuclear and health experts agree the pollution has diminished sufficiently to lift the bans. However, surveillance is to continue.

The incident was one of two problems at French nuclear facilities in recent few weeks.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)