New state permit hopes to reduce ‘forever chemicals’ found in drinking water

State Regulators Impose Stricter Water Quality Permit for Suncor’s Commerce City Refinery

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has issued a new water quality permit for Suncor’s Commerce City refinery, requiring the facility to significantly reduce the release of toxic chemicals into nearby water sources. The permit, which spans 82 pages, is the most protective water quality permit ever issued for Suncor in Colorado.

Key Requirements of the Permit

1. Suncor must reduce the amount of PFAS or “forever chemicals” released into Sand Creek, a nearby water source. This is the first time the state has imposed a limit on PFAS release by Suncor.
2. The Burlington Ditch, which runs through Suncor property and serves as an important source of drinking water, must be inspected twice a month and after every rainfall or snow event.
3. Suncor is required to limit the release of other toxic chemicals, such as benzene and arsenic.
4. The facility must send text notifications whenever spills occur, ensuring prompt response and mitigation.

Nicole Rowan, the division director of CDPHE’s water quality control division, expressed her satisfaction with the permit, stating that it will hold Suncor accountable for its operations and contribute to cleaner and safer water in the surrounding community. She emphasized that this achievement is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and reflects the collaborative efforts of stakeholders.

The previous permit for Suncor’s Commerce City refinery was issued in 2012. The new permit will take effect on May 1, 2024, providing ample time for the facility to implement the necessary changes and meet the stricter requirements.

Impact on Sustainable Development Goals

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – The stricter water quality permit aims to ensure cleaner and safer water in the surrounding community by reducing the release of toxic chemicals.
• SDG 14: Life Below Water – By limiting the release of PFAS and other toxic chemicals into water sources, the permit contributes to the preservation and protection of marine life.
• SDG 15: Life on Land – The inspection requirements for the Burlington Ditch help safeguard the ecosystem and biodiversity in the area.

This new water quality permit marks a significant environmental win for Colorado and sets a precedent for other industrial facilities to prioritize sustainable practices and protect water resources.

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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

   • Target 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping, and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials.
   • Indicator: Reduction in the amount of toxic chemicals released into nearby water sources.

2. SDG 14: Life Below Water

   • Target 14.1: Prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds.
   • Indicator: Limit on the amount of PFAS or “forever chemicals” released into Sand Creek.

3. SDG 15: Life on Land

   • Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.
   • Indicator: Inspection of the Burlington Ditch twice a month and after every rainfall or snow event.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

The article highlights the new water quality permit issued for Suncor’s Commerce City refinery in Colorado. The permit aims to address the release of toxic chemicals into nearby water sources, specifically targeting the reduction of pollution and hazardous materials. This aligns with SDG 6, which focuses on clean water and sanitation. The specific target under SDG 6 that can be identified is Target 6.3, which aims to improve water quality by reducing pollution and minimizing the release of hazardous chemicals and materials. The reduction in the amount of toxic chemicals released into nearby water sources serves as an indicator to measure progress towards this target.

In addition, the article mentions the introduction of a limit on the release of PFAS or “forever chemicals” into Sand Creek, a water source. This aligns with SDG 14, which focuses on life below water. The specific target under SDG 14 that can be identified is Target 14.1, which aims to prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds. The limit on the amount of PFAS released into Sand Creek serves as an indicator to measure progress towards this target.

The article also highlights the inspection requirements for the Burlington Ditch, which runs through Suncor property and serves as an important source of drinking water. This aligns with SDG 15, which focuses on life on land. The specific target under SDG 15 that can be identified is Target 15.1, which aims to ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services. The inspection of the Burlington Ditch twice a month and after every rainfall or snow event serves as an indicator to measure progress towards this target.

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: 9news.com

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