The Suncor Energy refinery in Commerce City, Colorado, recently spilled an excessive amount of cyanide into Sand Creek, according to a notification from the company. The spill was discovered during routine testing on Feb. 25, with cyanide levels found to be above the permitted level of 17 parts per billion. A water sample two days later showed the refinery was back in compliance with its water pollution permit. The notification was sent out to those enrolled in the refinery’s alert system via phone calls, text messages, and emails.
The spill is now under investigation by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. The cyanide was released into Sand Creek through Outfall 20, the main wastewater discharge point for the refinery, which pours 3.5 million gallons of water per day into the creek, a tributary to the Platte River. The Platte River serves as a source of drinking water for residents and irrigation for farmers in northern Colorado and Nebraska.
This incident raises concerns about the impact of industrial operations on water quality and the environment. The refinery’s response to the spill and measures taken to prevent future incidents will be closely monitored. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
