Suncor Energy consents to a $10.5 million settlement for numerous air pollution violations in Colorado, marking a historic penalty.
Sam Brasch reports for Colorado Public Radio.
In short:
- Suncor Energy's settlement addresses unpermitted air releases between July 2019 and June 2021, including harmful gases like sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide.
- The agreement mandates Suncor to invest $8 million in power reliability improvements and pay $2.5 million in direct penalties, with a portion aiding affected communities.
- Additional penalties are under consideration for violations post-June 2021, highlighting ongoing regulatory scrutiny and environmental concerns.
Key quote:
"The community should feel that we are both holding them accountable and addressing and avoiding future additional impacts."
— Trisha Oeth, director of environmental health and protection, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
Why this matters:
This case underscores the balance between industrial activity and environmental health, spotlighting the need for stringent regulatory oversight to safeguard public health and air quality.
Exposure to air pollution has a significant impact on rates of cancers typically associated with smoking, according to a recent study.
