Brane Space: Suncor Energy Operating for Years On "Expired Air Pollution" Permit - So What Oversight Was There? Essentially None

The Suncor refinery in late 2019

Suppose, for the sake of argument, that polluting refineries and related facilities were allowed to operate without air pollution permits and little if any oversight? That now seems to be the case with the notorious Suncor refinery (in Adams County, CO) . As I posted about just over two years ago- Suncor had reported an "opacity event"- for which details were posted on the company’s Facebook page . It then claimed that "company tests showed air quality in surrounding neighborhoods were within acceptable levels." But what does that mean exactly when the company has been operating with an expired air pollution permit since before then? (As reported in The Denver Post, March 13, p. 1B)

Questions were especially needed, in the wake of that December 11, 2019 event, after the South Adams County Fire Dept got a call to investigate a strange odor. And oh yeah, kids at Adams City Middle School were advised to "shelter in place" even as vehicles in Commerce City were being covered in ash. (Late in the afternoon, Suncor Energy admitted the ash had emanated from its facility.)

Incredibly, the Colorado Dept. of Public Heatlh (CDPH) further found it necessary to elaborate on the company's esoteric terms ("operational upset") and relations to the event itself, e.g.

What is an operational upset?

"Operational upset" is a term used by Suncor - companies usually define it to mean that equipment failed to operate in a normal and expected manner. We do know there was unusual activity, and that's why we are investigating the incident and will be reviewing the activity logs. We will also require Suncor to give us any data they have."

What was in the ash that fell on people's cars?

"Suncor has stated that the material is catalyst from one of the units at the refinery. We are conducting an investigation to confirm the details and verify Suncor's statements, but based on the information we have now, it was likely clay-like particulate matter. We control emissions of particulates like these to protect health and visibility. Excess emission are not acceptable."

Was that ash dangerous for them to be near?

"Particulate matter is a pollutant, and it can cause health problems at high levels. Based on the state's best air monitoring data in that area, the particulate matter was not at levels that exceeded the national ambient air quality standards, which are set to protect public health."

Is Suncor working with the state to remedy the problem?

"The state has ordered Suncor to provide information and data as part of the investigation. So far, Suncor is complying and has been providing updates on the status of the refinery. Right now, the company is keeping the state informed of their activities around this event. Suncor will be held accountable if it violated any laws or regulations. We are requiring a full accounting of what occurred and will pursue appropriate action."

Has this happened before?

"There have been other incidents and violations at the Commerce City facility, and the Air Pollution Control has fined Suncor before. We are already in he midst of our investigation and enforcement for prior events and violations.."

In the most recent update (D. Post, ibid.) we have learned that early last month the Air Quality Control Division sent a "proposed permit renewal to the Environmental Protection Agency for approval." Fair enough, but what can we expect? The residents of Commerce City, and Adams County and the whole of the state of Colorado? Well, according to the Post account, "the EPA will finish its review on March 26 and send the draft version back to the state with any recommended revisions," So far so good, but will it be enough to halt the Suncor 'operational upsets' and 'opacity events'?

Evidently, according to the Post account the permit renewal is "already being criticized by community activists because it won't be more restrictive on Suncor's operations and also allow the company to continue to violate the Federal Clean Air Act". Inquiring minds want to know how this can be given the company's checkered history with polluting events.

The state itself has given a mixed response and not entirely satisfactory. We read for example: "The state has said the proposed permit will crack down on some emissions while increasing the limits for others."

Say again? Increasing the limits for others? How so? For what chemicals? Well, if the EPA approves the permit renewal Suncor would be allowed to get away with releasing more "volatile organic compounds" which form ground level ozone. The current limit would be increased by 138 tons a year, while particulate soot (of the sort that is no good for my bronchiecstasis) can be increased by 11 tons a year. On the positive side, the new permit will limit the amounts of sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide that can be emitted by its refinery. So I guess we ought to be grateful for small mercies. Especially, given it provides so many jobs as part of the fracking industry.

Another positive outcome relates to Colorado working on a new water quality permit for Suncor. This would (hypothetically) put tighter restrictions on the company when it comes to water contamination - especially given the facility sits along Sand Creek in Adams County. Can the company be trusted to toe the line for any such waste dumping into the Creek? Most residents don't buy it insisting the company has already shown itself too willing to cut corners in any self regulation schemes.

Thus, "even with new monitoring and more restrictive permits neighbors remain leery of Suncor's willingness to change." According to one resident:

"Self-regulation does not work. Self-monitoring does not work. They've been doing that for a century."

Well, hope springs eternal in Colorado citizens' hearts and we hope to see a long time energy scofflaw finally turn changeling this year. But we aren't going to hock the farm to make any bets!

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