Please note: If you would like to request a Spanish interpretation, please email cdphe_apcd_outreach@state.co.us and indicate “Suncor refinery translation request” as the subject of your message.
Tenga en cuenta: Si desea solicitar interpretación al español, envíe un mensaje por correo electrónico a cdphe_apcd_outreach@state.co.us e indique “Suncor refinery translation request” como asunto de su mensaje.
The Suncor refinery, located on Brighton Boulevard near Sand Creek in Commerce City, is the only major petroleum refinery in Colorado. Suncor is classified as a "major source" based on its pollutant emission levels, so it is required to maintain a Title V Operating Permit. The facility is frequently a subject of significant public attention. In an effort to be transparent and responsive, the Air Pollution Control Division created this webpage to house the most up-to-date information.
Suncor performance analysis
In 2021, CDPHE’s Air Pollution Control Division requested an analysis on Suncor’s performance to identify areas for improvement. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency agreed and completed the analysis in June 2023. The data includes the number of air quality violations and the operating and maintenance practices.
Press releases
June 9, 2023: EPA report finds Suncor refinery having more air pollution incidents compared to other refineries
Apr. 29, 2023: Significant air pollution detected during Suncor malfunction, elevated levels expected to last throughout today.
Apr. 12, 2023: State health department found higher-than-normal air pollution emissions in area near Suncor refinery.
Aug. 18, 2022: State health department requires changes to Suncor’s fenceline monitoring plan.
Jul. 12, 2022: Air Pollution Control Division prioritizes community outreach and feedback in development of Suncor permits.
Mar.10, 2022: CDPHE seeks public feedback on plan to monitor for air pollutants and disclose more data from Suncor refinery.
Mar. 1, 2022: State health department to hold public hearings on fenceline monitoring plan for Suncor refinery.
Feb. 16, 2022: State health department sends Suncor air quality permit to EPA for review.
Sept. 23, 2021: State health department to hold public meeting to discuss fenceline monitoring plans for Suncor Refinery and other facilities on Sept. 28.
Apr. 13, 2021: State health department receives report on root cause of violations at Suncor refinery in Commerce City.
Mar. 6, 2020: State health department announces an historic $9 million enforcement package.
Additional information
- CDPHE Response to Enclosure B - Additional EPA Concerns Related to Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's Clean Air Act (CAA) Title V Permit 95OPAD108 Suncor Energy, Inc. Plant 2
- APCD letter to Suncor regarding March 17, 2020 event
- Area air monitoring data
- Enforcement Actions
- Third Party Root Cause Investigation Documents
- Suncor SEP Process
- Suncor permits
- Hydrogen Cyanide Questions and Answers
- Commerce City-North Denver storyboard
- Information regarding Suncor's monitoring activities (links to a webpage managed by Suncor).
- The public comment for Suncor’s draft fenceline monitoring plan period closed on April 5, 2022. All public comments received are available here (this link will take you to CDPHE’s database - “ONBASE").