Xcel Energy Leaked 400,000 Gallons of Radioactive Water from Monticello, MN Facility

An Xcel Energy facility in Monticello, MN reportedly leaked 400,00 gallons of radioactive water containing tritium back in November of last year.

State agencies have reported that the leak has not effected any drinking water sources and it was stopped before it entered the Mississippi River.

According to the MN Pollution Control Agency, “Tritium is a naturally occurring radioactive form of hydrogen that is produced in the atmosphere. It is a byproduct of the production of electricity by nuclear power plants.”

Xcel reported the leak and it has been monitored by The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, as well as the Minnesota Department of Health, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Kirk Koudelka, MPCA assistant commissioner for land and strategic initiatives stated, “Our top priority is protecting residents and the environment, and the MPCA is working closely with other state agencies to oversee Xcel Energy’s monitoring data and cleanup activities.”

Koudelka continued, “We are working to ensure this cleanup is concluded as thoroughly as possible with minimal or no risk to drinking water supplies.”