For eight years Sharyn Cunningham and her family drank from a well contaminated by radioactive and toxic waste. It wasn't until the local uranium mill wanted to bring in toxic material from New Jersey that they became aware it was still operational.

Having purchased their home in 1993, Cunningham says her family was never told about the potential contamination of ground water because of long-time leaking tanks at the mill located near Canon City. Recently the mill’s owner, the Cotter Corporation, submitted a proposal for cleaning up their leaking tanks, but Cunningham says it's too little too late.

Tuesday Cunningham, as part of Citizens Against Toxic Waste (CCAT), joined with Environment Colorado, local elected leaders, and businessmen to announce a new piece of legislation lawmakers will be given in the next few weeks.

The act has four major parts. It requires uranium mills to clean up any toxic waste before applying to expand or re-open; it requires that residents are notified on an annual basis about potential contamination to ground water; it addresses licensing for taking care of toxic materials from sources other than the uranium they are milling; and finally, it would allow for more scrutiny on bonding, so that if the company were to fold, taxpayers would not be on the hook for cleaning up the mess.

Supporters of the act say it's long overdue. "Taxpayers have given a $1 billion bailout to uranium milling companies to clean up past mill sites, just in the state of Colorado," says Matt Garrington, spokesman for Environment Colorado.

Right now, radioactive and toxic waste is suspected to be contaminating the ground water beneath the golf course downhill from the mill. Just a few miles away, is the Arkansas River. The potential movement of contaminated water to the river has many businessmen and recreational outdoors enthusiasts concerned.

"I'm interested in them cleaning up their mess, and we want to keep them around to clean up their mess and hold them accountable for cleaning up their mess. And that's what it is, it's a mess," says local businessman Bill Edrington.

The proposed legislation is being sponsored by Representative Buffie McFadyen (D - Pueblo West) and Senators Ken Kester (R- Las Animas) and Bob Bacon (D - Fort Collins.) Supporters of the act are pleased that it has bi-partisan sponsorship and have high hopes for it passing.