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Nuclear Preparedness Drill Planned In Monticello

MONTICELLO, Minn. (AP) -- Federal, state and local officials are conducting a full-scale nuclear preparedness exercise at the 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.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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