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Thread: Transformer leak outside CME/Dolve?

  1. #1
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    Default Transformer leak outside CME/Dolve?

    Xcel Energy had a transformer oil leak outside CME during finals week (May 10 or so).

    It went across ground and onto a sidewalk and into storm drains. Can't get worse?

    It was tested and found to contain PCBs. (PCBs? WTF Xcel? Is this 1985?)

    And it got tracked (shoes) into CME and Dolve. Ouch.

    I heard they were going to have to shut down the buildings (no power) during the dirt remediation and before setting a new transformer. And they had to power (steam?) clean some storm drains.

    How's the remediation going? I assume it's done by now.


    PS - This is not on NDSU; this is all on Xcel. There should be no transformers with PCBs out there in today's world.

  2. #2
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    Default Re: Transformer leak outside CME/Dolve?

    1st we've heard about it.
    NDSU TO FBS. HAVEN'T WE WON ENOUGH?

  3. #3
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    Default Re: Transformer leak outside CME/Dolve?

    Quote Originally Posted by The_Sicatoka View Post
    Xcel Energy had a transformer oil leak outside CME during finals week (May 10 or so).

    It went across ground and onto a sidewalk and into storm drains. Can't get worse?

    It was tested and found to contain PCBs. (PCBs? WTF Xcel? Is this 1985?)

    And it got tracked (shoes) into CME and Dolve. Ouch.

    I heard they were going to have to shut down the buildings (no power) during the dirt remediation and before setting a new transformer. And they had to power (steam?) clean some storm drains.

    How's the remediation going? I assume it's done by now.


    PS - This is not on NDSU; this is all on Xcel. There should be no transformers with PCBs out there in today's world.
    The transformer could be older then 1985
    They are participating in the clean up
    What do you really want
    TRUST THE PROCESS

  4. #4
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    Default Re: Transformer leak outside CME/Dolve?

    I'm on an NDUS listserv. That's how/where I first found out.
    (Strange that InForum.com has no story on this hazardous release. Why are they protecting Xcel? Again, this is not NDSU's fault.)


    I'm not a fan of Xcel Energy.
    I try to keep track of their shortcomings that put people at risk.
    Some of their overhead lines in older parts of Fargo and GF are not well maintained.
    Other power companies have changed out those PCB transformers decades ago --> PCBs = public risk.

    I personally know an ND PSC member (the new one, the UND grad).
    They'll be getting those listserv emails showing Xcel still having PCBs on a campus.

  5. #5
    taper's Avatar
    taper is offline Senior Member Gets their mail at the West Parking Lot
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    Default Re: Transformer leak outside CME/Dolve?

    EE here. PCBs are still a lot more common than they should be. There's no legal requirement to remove existing ones, just can't use it in new ones decades ago. Ironically PCBs are really good at their job so the stuff made with them tends to last a long time.

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    Default Re: Transformer leak outside CME/Dolve?

    Quote Originally Posted by taper View Post
    PCBs are still a lot more common than they should be.
    You are correct.

    Quote Originally Posted by taper View Post
    There's no legal requirement to remove existing ones ...
    There should be, but lead times for transformers right now is anywhere from 50 to 150 weeks (depending on kVA) so no one is up for that conflict.

  7. #7
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    Default Re: Transformer leak outside CME/Dolve?

    Quote Originally Posted by taper View Post
    EE here. PCBs are still a lot more common than they should be. There's no legal requirement to remove existing ones, just can't use it in new ones decades ago. Ironically PCBs are really good at their job so the stuff made with them tends to last a long time.
    If xcel drag their feet long enough I’m sure that the Supreme Court will get around to abolishing the EPA and presto problem solved.
    I have the honor to be Your Obedient Servant - B.Aud

    We all live in stories... It seems to me that a definition of any living vibrant society is that you constantly question those stories... The argument itself is freedom. It's not that you come to a conclusion about it. Through that argument you change your mind sometimes... That's how societies grow. When you can't retell for yourself the stories of your life then you live in a prison... Somebody else controls the story. - S. Rushdie

  8. #8
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    Default Re: Transformer leak outside CME/Dolve?



    I blame the FargoDome's paucity of bathrooms.

  9. #9
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    Default Re: Transformer leak outside CME/Dolve?

    Quote Originally Posted by tony View Post
    I blame the FargoDome's paucity of bathrooms.
    Masterfully played.

  10. #10
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    Default Re: Transformer leak outside CME/Dolve?

    Quote Originally Posted by tony View Post

    I blame the FargoDome's paucity of bathrooms.
    That's what I had envisioned from the thread title due to my 80's childhood. The thread has been a disappointment until this.
    Team Cinzano Tested. Team Cinzano Approved



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