Data from air monitoring during production, cleanup, closure, and post-closure confirmed that radionuclides were at levels considerably lower than the federal standards for unacceptable exposure, including during several wildland fires that occurred on-site. Levels monitored at Rocky Flats were reported at such low levels for an extended period of time that CDPHE and DOE, with input from EPA, agreed to end air-monitoring programs and not require air monitoring as part of the long-term monitoring of the site. Nothing has changed at the site since closure that would increase radiological exposure from wind and fire.
BACKGROUND & OVERVIEW
An environmental air monitoring program began at the Rocky Flats Plant in the early 1950s and a large-scale, continuous program was underway by 1971. The program was designed to protect plant workers; quantify potential public exposure to radionuclides and other contaminants of concern, such as beryllium, that might result from Rocky Flats activities; and track compliance with applicable regulatory limits. Through the years, the air monitoring program at Rocky Flats evolved in response to new regulatory requirements and closure activities.
Air quality was monitored at various locations, including the perimeter of the plant and in surrounding communities, for radionuclides and other contaminants of concern. At its peak, the radioactive ambient air-monitoring network included approximately 60 samplers operating continuously both on- and off-site, producing about 10,000 samples per year.
DOE’s air monitoring program continued through 2006 to confirm continued low levels of airborne contaminants.
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Monitoring
CDPHE monitored for a variety of pollutants at and adjacent to Rocky Flats at various times in the site’s history. CDPHE stopped sampling in July 2001, citing contaminant levels consistently below regulatory standards.
For more, see CDPHE’s frequently asked question How was air quality measured? Is air quality currently monitored?
This was last updated .