Rocky Flats Right to Know
Rocky Flats Right to Know is an organization dedicated to educating the public about environmental and health risks stemming from the Rocky Flats nuclear weapons facility. Originally founded by two grandmothers from Arvada (Bonnie and Marian), it has evolved into a collective of groups dedicated to addressing the ongoing challenges posed by Rocky Flats. The organization's mission is to provide a central platform for people to learn, engage, and take action.
The collective draws on a wealth of expertise and experience, including scientific research, firsthand accounts, advocacy dating back to the1970s, and the work of nonprofits and community activists. Rocky Flats Right to Know serves as a vital resource for anyone seeking to understand the history and continuing impacts of Rocky Flats, connect with related organizations, and participate in their efforts.
What is Rocky Flats?
Rocky Flats was the United States’ primary nuclear weapons production facility, responsible for manufacturing an estimated 70,000 plutonium “triggers” for thermonuclear bombs. During its operation, the plant experienced numerous accidents, including fires, leaking barrels, and improper waste disposal that spread contamination beyond its boundaries. Despite a multi-billion-dollar cleanup of the "Central Operable Unit"—an ongoing Superfund Site off-limits to the public—large portions of the site, now a national wildlife refuge, and surrounding areas remain contaminated with plutonium and other toxins, posing ongoing environmental and health risks.
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COMMUNITY MEETING ON DOWNWINDERS DAY
Rocky Flats Right to Know is hosting a community meeting on National Downwinders Day, January 27th, in Arvada. Join local advocates and experts for a critical discussion about the ongoing concerns surrounding Rocky Flats.
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Rocky Flats Downwinders Community Health Survey
Rocky Flats Downwinders is actively conducting a community driven health survey with the following objectives:
-To obtain an idea of the health of the community surrounding the Rocky Flats Nuclear Weapons Plant with consideration of the time frames during operation, during “clean up” and post “clean up”.
- To provide a forum for Rocky Flats Downwinders to document their health issues and the health issues of family members.
- To collect data in order to map cancers, epilepsy, autoimmune diseases and other health and reproductive problems near Rocky Flats.
RFD Community Driven Health Survey Study Boundaries
Highway CO-7 on the north, I-25 on the east, I-70 on the south, and Highway 93 on the west, between 1952 and the present.
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Urge Action Against the Rocky Mountain GreenwaY
The proposed Rocky Mountain Greenway project raises serious concerns for public health and safety at Rocky Flats:
Exposure Risks: The Indiana Street bridge access will lead citizens into a heavily contaminated area of Rocky Flats, where plutonium has recently been detected in the air.
Construction Hazards: Building the bridge and tunnel could disturb radioactive material.
Misleading Perception: Completion of this project with local government’s blessing may falsely imply the area is clean or “safe.”
Your voice can encourage Arvada, Jefferson County, and Boulder to follow Westminster's lead in opposing the project and prioritizing public safety.
Arvada City Council: council@arvada.org
Jefferson County Commission: EMAIL FORM
Boulder County Commission: commissioners@bouldercounty.gov
Boulder City Council: EMAIL FORM
In-person and virtual public meetings listed in CALENDAR
Planned Rocky Mountain Greenway trail crossings (Points A & B) are currently under construction. Community members are encouraged to urge Arvada, Jefferson County, and Boulder to oppose this project and prioritize public safety.
The Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge (5,000+ acres) and surrounding lands (20,000+ acres) have not been remediated. The 1,300-acre Superfund Site inside the refuge is also not protective, with concerns of PFAS contamination in creeks that flow offsite and into drinking water supplies.
Dr. Michael Ketterer’s air samples collected on April 6, 2024, revealed that plutonium particles become airborne and entrained in the wind. The sampling was conducted near the site of the proposed Rocky Mountain Greenway Bridge.
A short-lived sign cautioning residents about plutonium contamination near Rocky Flats. Photographed by Scott Bergers on October 23rd, 2024.
The plotted points indicate areas contaminated with weapons-grade plutonium-239, originating from the 903 Pad at Rocky Flats. This contamination resulted from barrels containing plutonium-laden waste that leaked into the soil. Over time, wind activity redistributed the radioactive particles, spreading them across a wider area and posing ongoing environmental and health risks.
Recent reportable conditions for plutonium highlight ongoing risks from the 903 Pad at Rocky Flats. Erosion of contaminated soil is likely during high wind events, as demonstrated on April 6, 2024, by Dr. Michael Ketterer’s air sampling. Despite these findings, the U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE) has refused requests from regulators to implement measures to control the migration of contamination or to install air monitors.
Remaining subsurface features at Rocky Flats include slabs, basements, tunnels and foundations.
Remaining infrastructure at Rocky Flats include pits and trenches, landfills, ponds, etc.
Three earthen dams (A4 Pond, B5 Pond, C2 Pond) are slated for demolition without dust suppression or air monitoring. These ponds have a history of contamination, and demolishing the dams could release hazardous materials into the environment.