Earlier today (March 16), Xcel Energy and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) released statements concerning monitoring wells that tested positive for the presence of tritium, a hydrogen-based compound found naturally in the environment and commonly created in the operation of nuclear power plants.
Wright County has been in contact with health experts in this field to get assurances that there is no health risk for Wright County residents, and we have received those assurances. According to the MPCA, there is no risk to drinking water wells evident at this time, and the City of Monticello has indicated that there has been no impact to its drinking water system.
Wright County is mindful of the concerns the community may have regarding the statements from Xcel and MPCA. Citizens who have concerns should contact Xcel Energy or the MPCA directly. Contact information for those with questions can be found in the statements from Xcel Energy and the MPCA.
The MPCA news release can be viewed here: https://www.pca.state.mn.us/news-and-stories/minnesota-state-agencies-monitoring-cleanup-of-tritium-leak-at-xcel-energy-monticello-plant
The Xcel news release can be viewed here: https://mn.my.xcelenergy.com/s/about/newsroom/press-release/xcel-energy-reports-on-progress-to-recover-and-treat-water-leaked-at-monticello-MCH7GZ2C3G6ZCILHHZTJ7HWALYKM
The Xcel incident page can be viewed here: https://mn.my.xcelenergy.com/s/outage-safety/public-safety/monticello-groundwater