Xcel Energy Media Relations
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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.

September is National Senior Center Month: Discover Monticello’s Today!

The Monticello Senior Center is located in the Monticello Community Center at 505 Walnut Street. The senior center is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Some popular activities at the center include pickleball, card tournaments, billiards, and their bike group. In addition to fun, social activities, the center offers a wide variety of programs to the community. Including their HOME program, IT/Tech support, the Noon Dinner Program, and caregiver services.

HOME Program

The senior center HOME Program offers a variety of services for people ages 60+ including personal technology assistance, handyperson services, home safety checks, housekeeping, lawn care/snow removal and more. The HOME Program offers affordable services with rates based on the participant’s monthly income and ability to pay. The service area includes Monticello and a number of surrounding communities.

Noon Dinner Program

Noon meals are served at the Monticello Senior Center Tuesday through Friday. Tuesday meals are provided by Chin Yuen, Wednesday meals by American Legion Post 260, Thursday meals by VFW Post 8731, and Friday meals by the Cornerstone Café. The meal cost is $5 and anyone age 55+ and spouse (regardless of age) are welcome to dine at the center. Participants need to sign up at the senior center at least one day in advance by noon and pay for the meals they order.

Caregiver Services

If you’re helping an older adult in your life, you are a caregiver. Licensed Social Worker Becky Allard can help you get the support you need to sustain your ability to provide help and maintain your own life balance. Contact Becky at 612-804-0968 to make a one-on-one appointment for individualized support, guidance, or advice. You can also attend a Caregiver Support Group at the senior center on the second Thursday of each month from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser

The Monticello Senior Center is hosting a breakfast fundraiser on Sunday, October 22, 2023 in the Monticello Community Center gym from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. This all-you-can-eat event includes scrambled eggs, sausage, pancakes, ham, donuts, milk, juice, and coffee. The cost is $9 in advance ($10 at the door) for people ages 13 and up, $5 for kids ages 6-12 and kids under age 6 eat free.

Craft Sale Fundraiser

The Monticello Senior Center is sponsoring a Craft Sale fundraiser on Saturday, November 4, 2023 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The sale will be held at the Monticello Community Center, 505 Walnut Street. Thousands of craft items will be available for purchase. The senior center will also be serving a delicious sloppy jo lunch during the sale for only $6.