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Review Of Rocky Flats Says Protections Are Working

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colo. (AP) — The latest government review of the former nuclear weapons plant Rocky Flats says precautions put in place after a 10-year cleanup are protecting people and the environment.

rocky flats national wildlife refuge
(credit: CBS)

The U.S. Department of Energy released the review Wednesday on the most contaminated portion of the site west of Denver.

LINK: Department Of Energy Rocky Flats Review

Federal law requires a review every five years.

Rocky Flats manufactured plutonium triggers for nuclear warheads until it closed in 1989 because of safety and environmental concerns.

CBS4 NEWS SPECIAL REPORTS: Rocky Flats: Colorado's Nuclear Shadow

The review covered the central part of the property where manufacturing took place. It's off-limits to the public.

The outer parts of the site are now a wildlife refuge managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Activists have sued in an attempt to prevent the service from building a visitors center and trails.

(© Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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