Xcel Energy Media Relations
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Minneapolis, MN 55401
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Construction activities at the Monticello nuclear plant

For the next several weeks, there will be some visible and audible construction activity at the plant. Xcel Energy is constructing an underground barrier wall along the edge of the plant’s boundary with the river. That barrier will improve the plant’s ability to manage groundwater flow and will impede interaction between the river water and groundwater at the plant. The construction work will primarily take place during daylight hours on normal working days, weather and construction circumstances permitting. Work on weekends may also take place.

The design and analysis phases of the project are now complete, and construction is scheduled to begin sometime between August 18-21. Constructing the barrier wall is another step the company is taking to try and ensure that the small amount of tritium still present in the groundwater remains within the plant boundaries and can be safely recovered, stored and reused on site. These additional efforts will help make the company’s groundwater remediation efforts more effective.

The company appreciates the community’s understanding throughout this process. Xcel Energy also makes regular updates to this website on the topic, and encourages the public to check it for the latest information:

Monticello Groundwater | Public Safety | Xcel Energy

Overhead view of construction activities:

DATE:             May 23, 2023
                         For Immediate Release

CONTACT:      Haley Foster
                          (763) 271-3202 | Haley.Foster@ci.monticello.mn.us

City to Receive State Funding for Water Treatment Facility

The City of Monticello will receive $11 million for construction of a new water treatment facility through the 2023 Bonding Bill passed by the State of Minnesota.

State funding was critical for accelerating the timeline for building the facility and its associated utility infrastructure in our community. While the municipal drinking water meets all federal and state regulatory requirements, tests have shown Monticello’s five municipal wells have higher levels of manganese than what is recommended by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH).

While manganese occurs naturally in drinking water and people need some to stay healthy, emerging evidence indicates too much can be harmful. Based on what scientists have learned about the effects of high levels of manganese, MDH established recommendations for the maximum concentration in drinking water. This remains a guideline rather than a mandate, but Monticello has been proactively working to address the manganese levels.

After implementing the most immediate short-term response by taking the municipal well with the highest level of manganese out of service, Monticello elected to complete a feasibility study that recommended constructing a centralized water treatment facility. While homeowners have options for at-home solutions like water filters to reduce manganese levels, a treatment facility ensures drinking water is treated before being distributed to the public.

The new facility will be constructed at a city-owned site on Chelsea Road that houses existing utility infrastructure. The state funding contribution will not cover the full cost of construction, estimated at $28 million. However, it is a vital financing component that will reduce the amount Monticello needs to bond for and repay through utility rates. City leaders also continue to seek funding support from additional sources, including assistance from the federal government.

Providing safe drinking water to the public is one of our fundamental responsibilities to the public, and we’re committed to enhancing this service so you can feel confident every time you turn on the tap.