Concerns over public health and environmental safety dominated the recent Westminster city council meeting, as residents voiced alarm over potential contamination from the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (RMMA) and the implications of the Greenway project.

One speaker highlighted alarming statistics regarding the increased cancer risk for young girls in the area, suggesting that signs should be placed on the overpass to warn families against taking children to the refuge near the airport. The speaker emphasized the need for greater awareness of the potential dangers posed by airborne pollutants, particularly plutonium, which could significantly impact the health of young residents.

Charlene Wiley, another concerned citizen, raised issues surrounding the contamination of the water supply, specifically citing the presence of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) at multiple sites in Westminster. She criticized the council for ignoring previous warnings about the contamination risks associated with RMMA, which is located just two nautical miles from Stanley Lake. Wiley pointed out that failure to address these issues could lead to costly cleanup efforts, referencing a recent lawsuit in Michigan where the cleanup cost reached $30 million for affected households.

Wiley also contrasted Westminster's water treatment infrastructure with that of nearby Brighton, which has invested in advanced filtration systems to combat PFAS contamination. She urged the council to engage with experts to develop a comprehensive plan to protect the community's water supply from further contamination.

Another resident, Bill Christopher, expressed frustration over the council's decision-making process, particularly regarding noise pollution from the airport. He criticized the council for dismissing community concerns and for not taking action on issues related to lead contamination from aviation fuel. Christopher called for transparency and accountability, questioning whether financial interests were influencing the council's decisions.

As the meeting progressed, it became clear that residents are increasingly concerned about the intersection of public health, environmental safety, and local governance. The discussions underscored a growing demand for proactive measures to safeguard the community against potential hazards linked to the airport and related projects.