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Federal Center health concerns

Thursday, October 25 at 12:01 AM

This Speakout has not been edited.

By Mike Burns

I am writing in regards to the plans in Lakewood to turn the Federal Center into a multi- family, mixed-use mass transit corridor. With the new hospital anchoring the entire development, I thought the citizens should be made aware of the potential problems that might arise from this development. I am not trying to be an alarmist, I just think that everyone who doesn’t know a little of the history of the Federal Center, that it should be brought to their attention.

Did you know that Radium was once processed at this site? Did you know that it was once a very large facility for the Remington Arms Co? Did you know that at one time it was considered one of the most polluted square miles in the country? Did you know that there is a small nuclear reactor that is operational to this day, and that a few years back they actually had a leak of radioactive material on that site? Did you know that there have been a number of toxic spills of various chemicals, that to this day, are still just soaking in the ground, and going who knows where. But for sure they are seeping downhill and into our groundwater? Did you also know, that as recently as the newly extended east section of the Cold Springs Park and ride, that surveying crews were told not to put their survey stakes any deeper than six inches? There certainly is more, but I’m telling you this out of concern for the health of you and your families.

When the developers go in and start construction on the hospital, and the condos, and the strip malls, and the light rail and all the other projects that are going to be associated with this massive development, I want all of you to be sure that you know, that with every bit of dirt and dust that gets stirred up and sent into the air, be very concerned what you and your children are breathing. I am not being an alarmist! This is fact, and much of it is on public record.

Make sure that your local Government officials are completely up front with you about all these issues, and if they aren’t, tell them to ask the Federal Government for all available information on every square inch of the Federal Center that is going to be up for grabs to Lakewood. The Feds aren’t giving it away for no reason at all! They want out from under this quagmire of pollution, and they are willing to give it away for pennies on the dollar. This is why they have been moving off that land for a number of years!

So again, when the dust starts flying, please, if nothing else, be concerned about the health and safety of your children.

Mike Burns is a resident of Lakewood.

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