Suncor Energy is coughing up $10.5 million to settle pollution violations at its refinery in Commerce City, Colorado outside of Denver—-the largest such fine in state history.
Suncor was accused by the Colorado Air Pollultion Control Division of hundreds of unpermitted air releases at the refinery between July 2019 and June 2021. The Canadian oil and gas giant reportedly emitted excessive sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfie and other dangerous gases.
Colorado Public Radio reported the emissions came during power failures at the refinery. As part of the settlement, Suncor will have to spend $8 million in improving its power reliability. It will have to provide plans and submit them to the state by July 1 and make the improvements by the end of 2026.
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