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Public invited to meetings and to submit comments on Prairie Island nuclear spent fuel changes proposed by Xcel Energy
2/4/2022 10:32:03 AM
The Minnesota Department of Commerce is holding two public meetings and is asking the public to submit comments on the draft supplemental environmental impact statement that Commerce has prepared and issued for Xcel Energy’s proposed change in spent fuel storage technology at the Prairie Island Nuclear Plant.
Commerce will use the public’s comments to prepare the final version of the supplemental environmental impact statement. The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) will utilize that statement in making its decision on Xcel’s request for a change in spent fuel storage technology.
The meetings are February 16 and February 17, 2022. More information is posted below. The same information will be presented at both meetings. Comments from the public will be accepted through March 3, 2022.
PRAIRIE ISLAND NUCLEAR PLANT SPENT FUEL STORAGE
Xcel Energy proposes to use a different spent fuel storage technology in the Prairie Island nuclear plant. Xcel proposes to use any fuel storage cask approved by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission at the Prairie Island independent spent fuel storage installation, rather than being limited to the TN-40HT casks approved by the PUC in 2009. Xcel would select from cask designs approved by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission based on considerations including price and compatibility with future offsite storage facilities.
MEETING DETAILS:
- February 16 – 6 pm meeting in person at Red Wing Ignite, Community Development, City Hall Annex, 419 Bush St., Red Wing, MN.
- February 17 – 6 pm meeting online https://tinyurl.com/595vrhy5 Password: Commerce1
HOW TO COMMENT ONLINE:
Additional information about the public meetings and how to comment are included in the meeting notice, available:
• On the PUC’s website at mn.gov/puc, select eDockets, enter the year (08) and the docket number (510), and select Search.
• On Commerce’s website: mn.gov/commerce/energyfacilities, select Power Plants, and then select Prairie Island Nuclear Plant Spent Fuel Storage.
The draft supplemental environmental impact statement (SEIS) is available on the above-noted websites. Additionally, a copy of the draft SEIS is available at the Red Wing Public Library, 225 East Ave., Red Wing, MN 55066.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Mo Schriner, Communications Director
Minnesota Department of Commerce
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