Radioactive Chemical Leak Contained and Cleaned Up at Monticello Nuclear Plant

State agencies are monitoring a nuclear power plant in Monticello, Minnesota, after 400,000 gallons of water containing a radioactive chemical leaked into the ground at the site. The leak involves tritium, a naturally occurring radioactive form of hydrogen that is produced in the atmosphere and is a byproduct of electricity production by nuclear power plants. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) agency says the leak hasn't left the facility or contaminated drinking water sources. Xcel Energy is pumping contaminated water through extraction wells, some of which are being reused on the site. The MPCA, MDH, and Minnesota Department of Natural resources are reviewing data, well sampling results provided by Xcel Energy, and overseeing remediation efforts.