ML24155A247
| ML24155A247 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Monticello  |
| Issue date: | 06/03/2024 |
| From: | Public Commenter Public Commenter |
| To: | NRC/NMSS/DREFS |
| NRC/NMSS/DREFS | |
| References | |
| 89FR31225 | |
| Download: ML24155A247 (2) | |
Text
From:
Lauren Robinson <laurenzaros@gmail.com>
Sent:
Monday, June 3, 2024 8:42 AM To:
MonticelloEnvironmental Resource
Subject:
[External_Sender] Comments on Monticello Nuclear Reactor License Extension-NRC-2023-0031
Dear NRC RE:
Monticello Reactor Jessica Umana,
Dear Jessica,
I am reaching out to share my profound concern about the proposed extension of the license for the Monticello nuclear reactor, which is owned by Xcel Energy. The recent disclosure of a substantial 829,000-gallon radioactive leak, coupled with Xcel's insufficient response, should render any thought of extending the reactor's license obsolete. I am deeply troubled by the potential environmental and public health implications associated with this leak, and I urge you to reconsider any plans for extending the reactor's license.
The Monticello reactor, located on the Mississippi River, is one of the oldest in the United States at 53 years old. Xcel Energy first reported finding leaked radioactivity in onsite groundwater in November 2022. Despite the severity of the leak, which was later estimated to be over 800,000 gallons of contaminated water, Xcel failed to inform the public until March 2023.
This radioactive contamination poses a significant threat to public health, the environment, and the Mississippi River ecosystem. Tritium, a radioactive form of hydrogen found in the leaked water, can cross the placenta, increasing the risk of birth defects and cancer. Additionally, other radioactive chemicals in the wastewater pose similar risks to those seen in nuclear disasters like Chornobyl and Fukushima.
The city of Minneapolis relies on the Mississippi River for its drinking water, pumping approximately 57 million gallons every day. Any discharge of tritiated groundwater into the river is unacceptable and poses a direct threat to the health and safety of millions of people.
Xcel's plan to continue operating the Monticello reactor until it is 80 years old is reckless and ignores the numerous age-related issues identified by federal regulators. We cannot afford to prioritize profits over public health and safety.
I urge the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to reject Xcel's application for a license extension for the Monticello reactor. The public comment period is open until June 10, 2024, and I implore you to listen to the voices of concerned citizens and prioritize public health over corporate interests.
Sincerely, Lauren Robinson 1528 Grantham St St Paul, MN 55108
Federal Register Notice:
89FR31225 Comment Number:
282 Mail Envelope Properties (a808c09f-3af3-41b8-b832-ad16909e01d5)
Subject:
[External_Sender] Comments on Monticello Nuclear Reactor License Extension-NRC-2023-0031 Sent Date:
6/3/2024 8:42:22 AM Received Date:
6/3/2024 8:42:29 AM From:
Lauren Robinson Created By:
laurenzaros@gmail.com Recipients:
"MonticelloEnvironmental Resource" <MonticelloEnvironmental.Resource@nrc.gov>
Tracking Status: None Post Office:
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