The Prairie Island Nuclear Plant has since its opening in 1973 has troubles the public due to its close proximity to indigenous land and its potential for disastrous consequences. In recent years, it has become abundantly clear that Nuclear Energy production has tangible environmental consequences but also induces health risks to the indigenous population it surrounds.
Garnering national coverage from the New York Times, Prairie Island continues to raise concerns about its concerning practices that disproportionately affect the Prairie Island Indigenous community.
- In the past decades, chronic flooding and nuclear waste has encroached on indigenous land, reducing them to about a third of their original size
- Points out government negligence to potential dangers posed to the tribe as they continuously allowed nuclear waste to be stored so close to the reservation
- Nuclear waste comes within 600 yards of residents homes
- Discusses plan to add land to reservation and expand inland
A major concern of the public is the lack of transparency and vagueness that continues to surround Nuclear Energy productions, which becomes increasingly alarming as reliance on nuclear energy increases.
- Statement sent directly to WCCO News
- “The NRC Resident Inspectors responded to the site in response to the issue and verified that the plant was in a safe condition and that plant personnel were operating in a manner consistent with protecting the health and safety of the public. They will continue to monitor the licensee’s investigation and repair efforts. The resident inspectors will also observe and monitor the reactor plant restart following completion of repair activities.”
- Reassurance of public safety and explanation for shutdown due to malfunction and fire alarm without tangible steps visible to the public
As nuclear energy grows in popularity and presence, there is increasing awareness of concerning events in nuclear development. Local new sources capture this disconnect between corporations that control nuclear energy, like Xcel Energy, and the local populations that are affected by nuclear development. Should this rift continue, there will be a rise in opposition to the development of nuclear energy.