County: Longmont sugar mill a hazard

Boulder County health officials are warning people to stay away from the former Great Western Sugar Mill just outside Longmont.

The facility at 11939 Sugarmill Road, just southeast of Longmont in unincorporated Boulder County, is contaminated with asbestos and other potentially hazardous materials. The property also has physical hazards in the form of structurally unsound buildings, open pits and wells.

Health officials recommend that anyone who is authorized to enter the premises should wear a respirator and protective clothing.

Being on the property without the owner’s permission is trespassing, and the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office recently has ticketed several violators.

Boulder County Public Health spokeswoman Chana Goussetis said there recently have been incidents with transients on the site, as well as students talking photographs of the old buildings.

“We want people to know that it may be cool-looking, but it’s dangerous,” she said.

Boulder County Public Health Environmental Health Division Manager Joe Malinowski said there had been an increase in trespassing recently because several fences blocking access to the site were damaged. With the increase in trespassing, law enforcement agencies became concerned about their officers’ health, as well.

Malinowski said the owner will re-fence and repost signs warning people to stay off the property.