The Globe and Mail reports in its Wednesday edition that the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has announced a $10.5-million fine against Suncor's refinery in Commerce City, Colo., calling it the largest enforcement package against a single facility for air pollution in the agency's history (all figures U.S.). The Globe's Wendy Stueck writes that the regulatory action relates to air-pollution violations that occurred from July, 2019, to June, 2021. Under the package, Suncor will have to put at least $8-million toward projects meant to reduce air pollution resulting from power outages, which CDPHE said were linked to many of the company's violations. The enforcement package also includes penalties of $2.5-million, with $1.3-million earmarked for disproportionately affected communities through Colorado's environmental justice grant program. Under a separate action, Suncor must double the number of air-pollution monitors around the site compared with the refinery's original fenceline monitoring plan, the agency said. Suncor's Commerce City refinery processes 98,000 barrels of crude oil a day. Local groups have argued that toxic emissions are affecting the environment and area residents' health.
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