Last month, the Suncor Energy refinery in Commerce City reported a spill of excessive cyanide into Sand Creek, breaching the permitted level of 17 parts per billion with levels above 20 parts per billion discovered during routine testing on Feb. 25. The refinery promptly addressed the issue, and subsequent water samples showed compliance with the permitted levels.
Notifications regarding the spill were disseminated through the refinery’s alert system, reaching those who had enrolled in the program via phone calls, text messages, and emails. The incident is currently under investigation by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
The cyanide release occurred through Outfall 20, the primary wastewater discharge point of the refinery, which empties 3.5 million gallons of water daily into Sand Creek, a tributary to the Platte River. This river serves as a vital source of drinking water for residents and irrigation for farmers in northern Colorado and Nebraska.
While Suncor is authorized to release certain chemicals within specified limits through its water pollution permit, cyanide poses significant health risks to humans, causing cardiovascular and respiratory issues, as well as eye and skin irritation. The Environmental Protection Agency sets the standard for cyanide in drinking water at 200 parts per billion.
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