DENVER (CBS4) – At least 13,000 and possibly as many as 15,000 residents living near the former Rocky Flats Nuclear Weapons Plant may be entitled to approximately $12,000 each. It’s part of a class action lawsuit filed 26 years ago against Dow Chemical and Rockwell International.

Those entitled to money must have owned property near the former site as of June 7, 1989. That’s when the FBI raided the plant and found plutonium releases.

The money is compensation for chemical and radioactive material produced at the plant that is said to have impacted property values in the area.

Kathleen Genoff owns a condo in the impacted area.

United States Department of Energy Rocky Flats Plant in Colorado (file photo credit: CBS)

“I never expected to live long enough to see a settlement,” said Genoff.

When asked, “Has justice been served?” She replied, “I think what’s important is that the contractor and the government be held accountable.”

Merill Davidoff, the lead attorney for the plaintiffs, said the people entitled to money should be able to receive it by the first half of 2017. He’s devoted the bulk of his career fighting for the clients in this case.

Still, some residents in the area impacted say they won’t take the money.

“I bought next to Rocky Flats, why would I try to get money from it?” said Pat, who didn’t want her last name used.

United States Department of Energy Rocky Flats Plant in Colorado (file photo credit: CBS)

She said she voluntarily worked and lived near Rocky Flats.

Additional Information:

Settlement and Claims Administrator: 1.844.528.0187.

United States Department of Energy Rocky Flats Plant in Colorado (file photo credit: CBS)

Suzanne McCarroll is a general assignment reporter at CBS4. Her stories can regularly be seen on CBS4 News at 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. Connect with her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter @SuzanneCBS4.