(MENAFN) A state regulator in Minnesota has revealed that hundreds of fish have died in the wake of a radioactive leak at the Xcel Energy Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant near Minneapolis. According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), the shutdown of the plant following the leak caused an estimated 230 fish to die, not as a result of radioactive contamination, but due to the sudden cessation of warm water from the plant that the animals had become accustomed to. The regulator stated that the fish kill was an unfortunate but expected consequence of the shutdown, and that the affected species included bass, channel catfish, common carp, and one or more species of sucker fish.

This is not the first time that the Monticello plant has experienced a breach. Last year, hundreds of thousands of gallons of contaminated water were spilled into the environment after a leak occurred. While a temporary repair was attempted, it failed, leading to further contamination of the surrounding land. Monitoring equipment at the site has revealed that hundreds of gallons of contaminated water have been released since the initial repair attempt.

The plant was taken offline on Friday to allow for repairs to be carried out in response to the latest leak. Despite the fish kill, the MPCA has stated that there is no indication that the shutdown has resulted in any radioactive contamination of the surrounding area. It remains to be seen how the authorities will address the ongoing issues at the Monticello plant and prevent further harm to the environment and wildlife.

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