Radioactive Sludge Removed From Water Treatment Plant
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (CBS4) - Low level radioactive sludge is being removed from a water treatment plant in Englewood, following a CBS4 investigation.
Some workers believe the sludge at the Charles Allen Water Filtration Plant at Windermere Street and Layton Avenue may have given them cancer.
Linda Black's husband Jim worked at that water treatment plant for 20 years until he died.
"I believe he strongly felt the sludge was the reason for the number of employees who had cancer," she told CBS4.
Three employees have died from cancer. Others may have cancer, like Ken Kloewer.
"Now they have discovered a lump in my neck and I'm scared to death about what's going on," he told CBS4 earlier this year.
The city maintains the radiation in the waste is of a low level and tests show it does not pose a threat.
Eric Keck, the Englewood City manager, also told CBS4 earlier this year, "We are working within the realm of what is acceptable for not only our employees but our residents."
A 1998 risk assessment warned the dust particles, if inhaled, may release radioactive particles into the lungs.
Linda Black says her husband was worried.
"He did not want to see anyone else at the plant come down with cancer," she said.
Last Month City Councilwoman Laurett Barrentine challenged the Englewood director of utilities on the issue.
"We're going back with something that I have from the community claiming it is a carcinogen in our community not being properly handled," she said at a city council meeting.
He assured her they were in compliance with the regulations.
The sludge is going to a secure burial vault.
CBS4's Rick Sallinger is a Peabody award winning reporter who has been with the station more than two decades doing hard news and investigative reporting. Follow him on Twitter @ricksallinger.
