Xcel Energy: Monticello leak fixed, plant to reopen soon
A faulty pipe that allowed water containing a radioactive isotope of hydrogen to leak at a Minnesota nuclear power plant has been repaired, a spokesperson for the energy company said Tuesday.
Monticello nuclear leak: Worries, questions within a mile of power plant
Officials announced a tritium leak at the nuclear reactor on March 16. According to Xcel Energy, the leak occurred in November 2022 but because there was no immediate risk to the public they did not announce it.
US lawsuit seeks to protect endangered coral reef species
An environmental organization is suing the U.S. government and accusing it of failing to protect 12 endangered coral species across the Caribbean and the Pacific Ocean that have been decimated by warming waters, pollution and overfishing.
170 trillion pieces of plastic are in the Earth’s oceans, study finds
"We’re breathing it in. We’re drinking it in our water … eating microplastics in our foods. We’re literally eating and drinking our trash."
Canada pledges nearly $306M to help improve Great Lakes water quality
"The Great Lakes are a source of drinking water for 40 million people, and this shared resource needs to be protected," Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said.
Wisconsin factory farm, state DOJ reach $215k pollution settlement
A factory farm has agreed to pay the Wisconsin Department of Justice $215,000 to settle pollution allegations.
Monticello residents question Xcel Energy spill details at public meeting
In November, Xcel Energy's nuclear plant in Monticello leaked 400,000 gallons of water containing Tritium, a radioactive by-product, but the utility only told the public last week.
Xcel nuclear plant leak: Minneapolis' plan if tritium leak gets to Mississippi River
The City of Minneapolis is partnering with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) on a plan in the event the tritium leak from the Xcel Energy nuclear plant in Monticello makes its way into the Mississippi River, which is the source of the city's drinking water.
Xcel Energy’s plan to fix leak at Monticello nuclear plant
Xcel Energy announced its plan to take the Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant offline to make permanent repairs after two tritium water leaks were reported.
Xcel to power down Monticello nuclear plant after new contaminated water leak
Xcel Energy is working to power down the Monticello nuclear power plant on Friday to make repairs after a new leak of radioactive water was reported this week.
Why capturing 30 invasive carp on Mississippi River near Winona is significant
This marks the largest number of invasive carp captured at one time this far upstream on the Mississippi River.
U of M biophilia design exhibit looks at impact on personal and community health
A University of Minnesota Design School exhibit is looking at how the way you decorate your home and your neighborhood might help keep you healthy.
Emerald ash borer found in Faribault County for the first time
Emerald ash borer has now been confirmed in 40 Minnesota counties.
Evidence of PFAS, ‘forever chemicals,’ found in toilet paper, study says
PFAS don’t degrade in the environment and are linked to a broad range of health issues, including low birthweight and kidney cancer.
See it: Rare loggerhead turtle washes ashore dead in Oregon with whole ecosystem traveling with it
The 75-pound loggerhead was discovered Saturday morning on the south end of Manzanita Beach, according to the Seaside Aquarium, which recovered the animal.
'Climate time bomb is ticking': UN report warns world running out of time to reverse effects of climate change
The rate of temperature rises in the last 50 years is the highest in 2,000 years, and concentrations of carbon dioxide are the highest in at least 2 million years.
UN climate report warns world is on 'thin ice'
“Humanity is on thin ice — and that ice is melting fast,” United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said. “Our world needs climate action on all fronts — everything, everywhere, all at once.”
Inver Grove Heights residents with wells told to buy expensive kits if they want radium tests
Dakota County is telling homeowners with private wells in Inver Grove Heights they will need to buy a pricey test kit if they want to check their own water for radium after the city announced elevated levels of the radioactive metal in the public water supply.
Minnesota nuclear plant leak didn’t require public notice: Regulators
Minnesota regulators knew four months ago that radioactive waste had leaked from a nuclear power plant in Monticello — but they didn’t announce anything about the leak until this week.
Oldest sea reptile remains from 2 million years ago found on Arctic island
Paleontologists found the fossils after nearly 190 years of searching.