Spain's government Tuesday vowed to take tough action against a nuclear plant after the country's safety watchdog recommended a multi-million-euro fine over a radioactive leak.
Industry Minister Miguel Sebastian Tuesday vowed to deal "firmly in sanctioning the company, if it is proven, as the (nuclear safety body) believes, that there was a serious error."
The leak at the Asco I plant in the western province of Tarragona occurred last November, but it was not detected until March 14 and the plant's managers notified the nuclear safety body, the CSN, on April 4.
Thousands of people were subsequently tested for radiation poisoning, although the CSN said there appeared to be little danger to the local population or the staff at the plant, owned by Spanish energy group Endesa.
On Monday, the CSN recommended the plant be fined between 9.0 and 22.5 million euros (13 to 33 million dollars) for a series of infractions, including failing to immediately report the leak.
Spain's Socialist government has vowed to phase out the country's seven ageing nuclear power plants.
Nuclear power is unpopular in Spain and the government has instead focused on developing renewable energy like wind and solar power.
