Nuclear Incident Drill Scheduled: Dakota County Involved

WELCH, MN — The Minnesota Department of Public Safety, along with other Minnesota and Wisconsin state, county and city agencies, will participate in a simulated emergency at the Prairie Island Nuclear Generating Plant Tuesday, June 5 and Wednesday, June 6.

The drill will test the capabilities of federal, state and local agencies in the event of an incident at the plant.

A variety of field activities will take place in proximity to the Prairie Island Nuclear Generating Plant in Dakota and Goodhue Counties of Minnesota and Pierce County in Wisconsin.

Agencies involved:

• Minnesota Department of Public Safety
• Wisconsin state agencies
• Xcel Energy, operator of the Prairie Island Nuclear Generating Plant
• Minnesota departments of:
  • Agriculture
  • Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board
  • Health
  • Human Services
  • Military Affairs
  • Natural Resources
  • State Patrol
  • Transportation
• Dakota, Goodhue and Pierce Counties
• City of Red Wing
• Prairie Island Indian Community
• FEMA Region V and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission
• Volunteer Agencies

Officials say in the unlikely event of a nuclear generating plant incident, emergency responders, state officials and plant operators will work together for an efficient and effective response.

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