Emergency Response Agencies to Conduct Simulated Nuclear Incident Exercise Near Prairie Island Nuclear Plant on June 2
By Wikideas1 - Own work, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=148217415
Published: June 1, 2026.
RED WING, MINNESOTA - Residents living near the Prairie Island Nuclear Generating Plant are being advised not to be alarmed if they observe increased emergency response activity on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, as dozens of local, state, federal, and tribal agencies participate in a large-scale emergency preparedness exercise.
According to a media advisory issued by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division, the exercise will simulate an emergency at the Prairie Island Nuclear Generating Plant and test how agencies would respond in the unlikely event of an actual incident at the facility.
The drill will involve emergency responders, government agencies, and plant operators working together to evaluate emergency response procedures, communication systems, and public safety measures.
Exercise to Span Multiple Counties
Field activities associated with the exercise will take place in areas surrounding the Prairie Island Nuclear Generating Plant, which is located near Red Wing along the Mississippi River.
The exercise area will include portions of:
Dakota County, Minnesota
Goodhue County, Minnesota
Pierce County, Wisconsin
Officials said residents may see emergency vehicles, personnel, and other response activities throughout the day as agencies carry out various aspects of the simulated scenario.
The Department of Public Safety emphasized that the exercise is only a drill and that there is no actual emergency occurring at the nuclear generating plant.
Numerous Agencies Participating
The exercise will bring together a broad coalition of emergency management, public safety, health, transportation, and environmental agencies from across Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Participating organizations include:
Minnesota Department of Education
Minnesota Department of Corrections
Dakota County
Goodhue County
Pierce County, Wisconsin
City of Red Wing
Prairie Island Indian Community
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
FEMA Region V
Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Various volunteer agencies
Minnesota Department of Public Safety
Wisconsin state agencies
Xcel Energy, operator of the Prairie Island Nuclear Generating Plant
Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Minnesota Office of Emergency Medical Services
Minnesota Department of Health
Minnesota Department of Human Services
Minnesota Department of Military Affairs
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Minnesota State Patrol
Minnesota Department of Transportation
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
Federal Evaluators to Observe Response
Officials from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will evaluate the participating agencies during the exercise to assess preparedness and response capabilities.
Such exercises are regularly conducted at nuclear power facilities across the country to ensure emergency plans remain effective and that agencies can coordinate efficiently during a major incident.
The Prairie Island Nuclear Generating Plant is operated by Xcel Energy and is one of Minnesota's two nuclear power generating facilities.
The Prairie Island Nuclear Generating Plant is located about 6 miles north of Red Wing and about 12 miles south of Hastings, Minnesota, on the Mississippi River.
Purpose of the Exercise
Emergency management officials say the exercise is intended to verify that emergency responders, government officials, and plant operators can work together effectively to protect the public in the event of a nuclear plant emergency.
The drills evaluate numerous response functions, including:
Emergency communications
Public notification procedures
Protective action recommendations
Interagency coordination
Resource deployment
Public health and safety operations
Transportation and evacuation planning
Officials stress that incidents at nuclear generating facilities are extremely rare, but preparedness exercises are an important part of maintaining readiness and ensuring communities surrounding the plant remain protected.
Residents in the area should expect to see emergency personnel and equipment participating in the exercise throughout the day on June 2, but do not need to take any action unless instructed otherwise by authorities.
Written By: Will Wight
