If the #MarshallFire enters Rocky Flats, especially the still-off-limits central operable unit, where the worst radioactive pollution occurred, it would be reasonable to wonder if the smoke plumes carried plutonium contamination.
https://twitter.com/USFWSRFL_Alert/status/1476711259701612546
Independent analyses have identified plutonium particles even along Indiana Street, part of which is under evac orders. There's not much debate about whether there's plutonium in the soil, the point of contention is how much.
Advocates have argued against controlled burns at Rocky Flats precisely out of fear they would spew radioactive smoke into nearby neighborhoods.
Yes, the Superfund site Rocky Flats was "cleaned up," but contamination of the grounds was horrible. In the plant’s first decade, few restrictions governed the handling of hazardous waste. Radioactive material was often simply buried in the ground.
A fire at the plant in 1957 launched radioactive particles into the air and strong winds likely blew plutonium more than a dozen miles to downtown Denver. This situation — a grass fire — is MUCH MUCH different. But I think asking what the risks are is prudent.
Just noticed @HeidiBeedle was thinking about this hours before me.
https://twitter.com/HeidiBeedle/status/1476713271939854336
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
