Suncor Energy receives Notice of Violation for failing to comply with air emissions laws
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has partnered with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to stop a Commerce City refinery from allegedly violating air emissions laws. After both organizations conducted separate investigations and inspections, they jointly issued a Notice of Violation (NOV) to Suncor Energy (U.S.A) Inc. According to the agencies, Suncor is improperly releasing hazardous air pollutants like benzene, which violates the Clean Air Act and the Colorado Air Pollution Prevention and Control Act.
What people are saying
In a recent quote, EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker said, “EPA remains unyielding in its efforts to ensure the Suncor refinery complies with laws and regulations that protect human health and the environment. Working with the state, we will continue to investigate these alleged violations and pursue all opportunities to improve conditions for the residents of North Denver, Commerce City and nearby communities.”
CDPHE Executive Director Jill Hunsaker-Ryan added, “We’re grateful for EPA’s partnership in this enforcement action, and we’re confident it will build upon our recent actions and improve the refinery’s operations. Through a comprehensive approach, we continue exploring all options to ensure Suncor complies with air quality requirements. This new joint enforcement action underscores our shared commitment with EPA to provide the communities near Suncor with the enhanced protections they deserve.”
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About the Author
Alexis GajewskiAlexis Gajewski
Senior Content Strategist
Alexis Gajewski is a manufacturing writer and editor with nearly 20 years of experience covering the people, practices, and technologies that keep industrial facilities running. For more than a decade, she served as Senior Content Strategist for Plant Services, creating content for plant managers, engineers, and maintenance professionals on a variety of industrial topics.
During her tenure, Alexis worked to develop the brand’s digital strategy and helped launch and produce Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast. She also created The Lighter Side of Manufacturing, a weekly blog that explored the inventive and sometimes humorous side of the industry.
Alexis co-founded Influential Women in Manufacturing, a recognition program that honored 49 women in its first two years, earned an industry award for Best Product Launch, and received a proclamation from Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and a commendation from U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth.
She also led newsroom operations and development at a large media company where she set editorial standards, developed training curriculum, and helped support AI adoption for more than 150 editors across 80+ brands spanning manufacturing, industrial processing, automation, and more.
Additionally, Alexis works as a freelance writer and editor, and her areas of interest include continuous improvement, the skilled workforce, and the role of emerging technology on the plant floor.
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