Oil from Monticello nuclear plant leak reaches Mississippi River

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Xcel Energy said a "small amount" mineral oil appeared as a sheen near the shoreline of the Mississippi River following a 200 gallon leak.  (FOX 9)

MONTICELLO, Minn. (FOX 9) - Xcel Energy confirmed on Wednesday that some of the estimated 200 gallons of mineral oil that leaked from equipment at the Monticello nuclear power plant ended up in the Mississippi River.

Oil sheen found on Mississippi River

What we know:

The plant, located roughly 40 miles northwest of Minneapolis, has been shut down since Feb 20 for scheduled maintenance. Xcel said its first indication of abnormal oil levels in equipment came Monday afternoon, a day earlier than initially reported in the company’s first public statement.

The issue stemmed from a motor that helps circulate cooling water through the plant. Xcel said a component designed to keep lubricating oil separate from water failed, allowing the two to mix. The company estimated about 200 gallons of mineral oil left the equipment before it was shut down.

A portion of the oil entered the plant’s discharge canal, which connects to the Mississippi River. Earlier, the company said no oil had reached the river. In an updated statement on Wednesday, Xcel said it observed a "small amount" of mineral oil appearing as a sheen near the shoreline.

What they're saying:

"There’s always a possibility that a small amount of mineral oil seeped past the containment system," the company said in a statement Wednesday. "Our teams are regularly inspecting the Mississippi River and did not observe any mineral oil on the river until today."

Xcel said containment and absorbent booms were placed in the discharge canal and on the river Tuesday morning. The company believes nearly all the mineral oil has been contained within the discharge canal on the plant property. Crews are implementing cleanup measures where the sheen is present.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency previously told FOX 9 it is "aware of this situation and working with Xcel to understand the impact."

What we don't know:

Xcel said it will continue monitoring the area and working with MPCA as cleanup efforts continue. 

Xcel did not say how much oil is believed to have entered the Mississippi River or how far downstream the sheen was observed. 

MPCA, MDH, DNR joint statement

What they're saying:

Officials with MPCA, the Minnesota Department of Health and the Minnesota DNR released this joint statement Thursday evening:

"The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are committed to protecting our state’s environment, wildlife, and the health of all Minnesotans. 

"MPCA became aware of a lube oil leak at the Xcel Energy nuclear facility near Monticello Tuesday when Xcel Energy contacted the state duty officer. Since then, Xcel Energy workers and private citizens have reported a visible sheen on the Mississippi River downstream from the facility. MPCA is leading the investigation and response, continues to monitor the work onsite, and will ensure pollution is cleaned up by responsible parties. MPCA's emergency response team confirmed that the leak has been identified, isolated, and sealed.

"MDH is monitoring the situation to ensure public health is prioritized and protected throughout the investigation, response, and clean-up. MDH is also working directly with downstream communities that utilize the Mississippi River for municipal water supplies. There is currently no known risk to public health."