Overview
Suncor Commerce City Refinery - East Plant is an operational oil refinery in Commerce City, Colorado, United States. It processes crude oil into petroleum products and operates under EPA CAA Refinery MACT regulations.
Suncor Commerce City Refinery - East Plant is a petroleum refinery located at 5801 Brighton Blvd in Commerce City, Colorado, within Adams County. The facility is operational and plays a key role in the regional fuel supply chain, processing crude oil into gasoline, diesel, and other refined products. As part of the Suncor Energy network, it is one of the major refineries in the Rocky Mountain region. The refinery operates under the regulatory framework of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including the Clean Air Act (CAA) Refinery Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) standards, which govern emissions of hazardous air pollutants. The facility's NAICS codes (324110 for petroleum refineries and 424710 for petroleum bulk stations) indicate its integrated refining and distribution operations. Typical refining processes include distillation, catalytic cracking, and hydrotreating, though specific unit configurations are not detailed. Located near Denver, the refinery serves a growing metropolitan area and supports local transportation and industrial sectors. Its proximity to the South Platte River and urban areas necessitates robust environmental management practices, including spill prevention and air quality controls. The facility's operational status underscores its ongoing contribution to regional energy security and economic activity.
Environmental context
The refinery is situated in an urban-industrial area near the South Platte River, which flows into the Mississippi River system. This location presents potential risks of water contamination from spills or runoff, requiring adherence to Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) plans. Air emissions from refining operations, including volatile organic compounds and sulfur dioxide, are regulated under the EPA CAA Refinery MACT. The facility's Nelson complexity index, if moderate to high, would indicate significant environmental management challenges.
Frequently asked questions
The refinery is located at 5801 Brighton Blvd, Commerce City, Colorado 80022, United States, in Adams County near Denver.
It is an operational petroleum refinery that processes crude oil into refined products such as gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel, serving the Rocky Mountain region.
As a major refinery in the region, it likely processes tens of thousands of barrels per day.
The refinery must comply with the EPA Clean Air Act Refinery MACT standards for air emissions, the Clean Water Act for water discharges, and SPCC regulations for spill prevention.
The refinery provides fuel and employment to the Denver metropolitan area but also poses potential environmental risks, including air pollution and water contamination, which are managed through regulatory compliance.
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