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Resident warns county of century‑old industrial dump at Buena Vista River Park
Summary
A Buena Vista resident told Chaffee County commissioners the River Park contains exposed industrial debris and concerning soil tests, urging the county to direct public‑health warnings and fencing. Commissioners said they are in conversation with the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE).
A Buena Vista resident warned the Chaffee County Board of Commissioners that a longtime industrial dump in River Park is an active public‑safety and contamination hazard and urged immediate county action.
"This estimated 100 year old site extends along the ridge between the drone park and the Sportsman's Club," resident Elaine Brown told commissioners during public comment, describing exposed iron pipes, industrial‑era electrical condensers and sparse vegetation she said indicates heavy‑metal contamination. Brown said she submitted CSU soil‑lab results to county records showing a composite lead concentration of "1,452" parts per million and argued that composite sampling could mask "hot spots" that she calculated could exceed "21,000" parts per million.
Brown asked the county to use its independent public‑health authority to order fencing and heavy‑metals warning signs at the site. Chair Lucrezia responded that "we are in touch with CDPHE in the town of Buena Vista" and said county staff and the state public‑health agency are in communication about next steps.
Commissioners did not adopt any immediate enforcement action during the meeting. Staff and commissioners said they would continue discussions with CDPHE and the town; Brown asked that the county use its authority to ensure residents — particularly children who use the site for sledding — are protected while testing and remediation options are evaluated.
