Nuclear waste map of France published by Greenpeace

The map was published online this week, with the NGO aiming to “compile in a single place” all of the information it has on the location of radioactive material, to let people know how close they may be living to the waste.

The map categories include storage centres (at which the waste will be stored for 300 years minimum); nuclear centres that generate all forms of nuclear waste; more than 200 old uranium mines, operational up to 2001; factories and other plants; and radioactive waste from more than 70 military sites.

The data was collected from records of radioactive waste agency l’Agence Nationale pour la Gestion des Déchets Radioactifs (Andra).

The map does not include waste from medical use or research.

Greenpeace is hoping to raise awareness and prompt debate over the extent of nuclear waste, and ask questions on the potential impact it may have. This also includes the impact of transporting nuclear waste by road or rail.

The group is also seeking to gather signatures and support for its national campaign on the issue, which it will later address to French ecology minister François de Rugy.

The map features a button saying “Agir! (Act!)”, allowing members of the public to add their support.

A public debate is set to be held on September 25 on this exact question - the issue of nuclear waste in France. It will be held on a platform via which the public will be able to ask for further information and have their say.

Nuclear waste disposal is also expected to be on the agenda at the G20 summit being held in Japan next month.