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Aerial view of Rocky Flats plant near the mountains

THE STORY DIDN'T END WHEN THE PLANT CLOSED.

Rocky Flats was a nuclear weapons plant that operated from 1952 to 1989—surrounded by a rapidly growing Colorado community. Learn what happened there, why questions remain, and how that history may connect to you.

UNDERSTAND ROCKY FLATS

For nearly four decades, Rocky Flats was part of the nation's nuclear weapons complex, manufacturing plutonium components for nuclear weapons just northwest of Denver.

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The plant operated beside rapidly growing Colorado communities. Its history includes fires, releases, environmental contamination, a federal investigation, shutdown, cleanup—and questions that continue today.

Vintage aerial view of an industrial plant and buildings
Educate: Understand Rocky Flats. Learn more button.
Educate: Understand Rocky Flats with book icon over mountains
Family viewing mountain landscape with Connect text
People looking at a valley, Connect icon, Learn More
Advocacy call to action featuring the Colorado State Capitol building.
Advocate: The work isn't finished. Learn more.

COULD ROCKY FLATS BE PART OF YOUR STORY?

If you lived, worked, or went to school near Rocky Flats, your history may connect you to the Downwinder community.

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Explore the geography, learn how people have connected their own experiences to Rocky Flats, and find out where your story fits.

Map of Rocky Flats contamination plume near Denver
Map of Rocky Flats site near Denver with orange plume area.
Office table cluttered with maps, notebooks, and plans.
Office table with maps, notebooks, and a mug near a window

ABOUT ROCKY FLATS DOWNWINDERS

Rocky Flats Downwinders is a community-led nonprofit working to keep the human history of Rocky Flats visible and to support people who lived, worked, or went to school near the former plant.

Through education, community connection, health research and mapping, public awareness, and advocacy, RFD helps people understand the history, find credible information, share their experiences, and stay connected to questions that remain unresolved.

NEWS & KNOWLEDGE

Current developments, historical context, research, records and community stories from Rocky Flats Downwinders.

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