GROUND-WATER CONTAMINATION IN THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN ARSENAL AREA, DENVER, COLORADO
Improper waste-disposal practices at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal have seriously damaged the free ground-water aquifer throughout an area of approximately 6½ square miles. Contaminants include chlorates and 2,4-D-type compounds, both of which are effective herbicides. Contaminated ground water within the affected area is toxic to agricultural crops and unpotable for humans. Corrective measures have been taken to halt further contamination, but the area of toxicity is expanding owing to migration of the body of ground water already contaminated.