Xcel Energy Continues Tritium Cleanup Efforts at Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant

(KNSI) — Xcel Energy says it is continuing efforts to recover tritium that leaked into the ground beneath the Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant following an equipment failure in late 2022.

Tritium is a compound that emits low levels of radiation, is naturally present in the environment and is commonly created in the operation of nuclear power plants.

A recent reading from one of the company’s monitoring wells near the Mississippi River showed a tritium concentration of 19,800 picocuries per liter, which is just below the Environmental Protection Agency’s drinking water limit of 20,000 picocuries per liter. The sample came from a well approximately 40 feet deep, far below the riverbed. Shallower wells in the same area have not detected tritium.

Although this reading is higher than previous samples at that location, it remains significantly lower than the highest readings observed elsewhere on-site, closer to the plant. No tritium has been detected in the Mississippi River above natural background levels, and nearby drinking water sources remain unaffected.

Xcel says it will continue groundwater recovery until all monitoring wells show levels within the EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards. In a press release, the company said it adjusted its pumping strategy to more effectively recover tritium near the river and expects some fluctuation in measurements as recovery continues.

The press release also explains that they have found cleanup efforts have reduced tritium concentrations in the groundwater by over 90% from initial levels, according to a press release from the utility.

___