Federal, state, local officials to conduct full-scale nuclear preparedness exercise Aug. 26 at Xcel Energy's Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant in Monticello, Minnesota

Rachel Carter

MONTICELLO, Minnesota , August 23, 2011 (Associated Press) – Officials conduct nuclear preparedness exercise at Xcel Energy's plant in Monticello

Federal, state and local officials are conducting a full-scale nuclear preparedness exercise at Xcel Energy Inc.'s Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant.

The exercise will take place Tuesday in and around the plant. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety says residents should not be alarmed if they see emergency responders during the drill.

The goal is to test how agencies will take action and protect residents in the unlikely event of a nuclear incident. Participants will react to a scenario, chosen at random.

State officials, Xcel Energy, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the Federal Department of Homeland Security and Wright and Sherburne counties will participate.

Exercises like this are required every other year and the Department of Homeland Security will evaluate the response. A briefing will be made public Friday.

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