Prairie Island Indian Community concerned about nuclear plant

Wednesday, August 15, 2012  

The Prairie Island Indian Community of Minnesota said it was troubled by operations at a nuclear power facility next to its reservation.

The Prairie Island Nuclear Generating Plant was forced to shut down one of its reactors after two backup diesel generators failed. No radiation is expected to be released but the tribe was worried nonetheless.

"Despite these assurances, today's unplanned shutdown - and the unusual white steam clouds released throughout the day during the reactor shutdown - are ominous reminders of the fact that the 40-year old Prairie Island Nuclear Generating Plant operating a half-mile from our homes relies on aging technology," President Johnny Johnson said in a press release.

In June, the tribe won a court decision that said the Nuclear Regulatory Commission must conduct an environmental review of nuclear waste being stored at the plant.

Get the Story:
Prairie Island nuclear plant shuts down Unit 1; nearby tribal leader calls latest incident troublesome (The Republican Eagle 8/15)

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