Elevated Plutonium Found In Jefferson Parkway Soil Sample

JEFFERSON COUNTY, CO — Out of nearly 250 soil samples taken from the site of the planned Jefferson Parkway, one sample indicated elevated plutonium levels. A second test of soil from the same sample had a significantly lower result, which is consistent with all other test results received so far, Jefferson Parkway Public Highway Authority said.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has been notified of the inconsistent testing results.

“More tests are being conducted to better understand this single finding," said Jefferson County Commissioner Casey Tighe in a statement. "The public’s safety is our number one priority and we will continue to work closely with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.”

In preparation for construction of the future parkway, field tests to establish baseline soil conditions in the right of way have been ongoing since May. Final results of the nearly 250 soil samples are expected by the end of the year, the Jefferson Parkway Public Highway Authority said.

“Public safety is the number one priority for the Jefferson Parkway," said Bill Ray, the authority's executive director, in a statement. "We are committed to working closely with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment on the ongoing soil analysis and will follow their lead on next steps. Once the soil analysis is complete, the Jefferson Parkway Public Highway Authority Board of Directors will determine how our contractor procurement process will move forward.”

The Jefferson Parkway is a privately-funded, publicly-owned planned regional toll road. Three contractors have been named finalists to respond to a yet-to-be released RFP to design, finance, construct, operate and maintain the parkway, with the award of the contract and beginning of construction planned for 2020.