Xcel: Radioactive Leak Has Reached Groundwater

(KNSI) – Xcel Energy is taking immediate steps to fix a leak that has dumped radioactive water into the environment after officials say it’s now reached groundwater.

The energy company powered down the nuclear plant on Friday to permanently repair a leaking pipe found in November. On Wednesday, officials say monitoring equipment at the plant located a new leak that had reached the water table. Upon investigation, operators discovered the temporary fix to keep the tritium-laced water out of the environment was no longer working.

The new leak is smaller than the one reported last week. Company officails say hundreds of gallons have leaked in the last few days. The initial leak resulted in 400,000 gallons of radioactive water getting out. The company says the new leakage will not significantly increase the amount of tritium the company is working to recover and does not pose any risk to health or the environment.

The schedule for resuming operation at the plant is still to be determined. The plant is also scheduled to begin refueling this spring, with maintenance and construction projects that can only be completed when the plant is not operating.

Members of the public who have questions about the leak or the plant powering down are invited to one of two open houses at the Monticello Community Center. The first is Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and Monday from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and Minnesota Department of Health are encouraged that Xcel Energy is taking immediate action to address the recurring issue of water containing tritium leaking from the Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant.

State agencies say they have no evidence to indicate a risk to the public and will continue to monitor groundwater samples. The MPCA says they will inform the public immediately if an imminent risk arises.

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