State Emergency Responders to Participate in Simulated Nuclear Incident Exercise Near Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety announced Monday, June 10 that state emergency responders will be participating in a "simulated nuclear incident exercise" June 11. 

"Residents near Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant should not be alarmed," DPS wrote in a press release stating, "The exercise will test the capabilities of all responsible agencies to take decisive action in the event of an emergency."

Field Activities will take place in proximity to the Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant in Sherburne and Wright Counties. Participating agencies include the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Division of Homeland Security and    Emergency Management, Xcel Energy and other Minnesota state agencies, including the departments of Agriculture, Health, Human Services, Natural Resources and Transportation. Sherburne and Wright counties will be participate in the exercise as will the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Officials from DHS will be evaluating the participating responders during the exercise, according to the press release.