The Christmas Eve fire at Suncor Energy’s Commerce City refinery injured two workers and was caused by a vapor cloud leaking from an unused pump valve, according to a federal investigation. The facility was being shut down due to extreme cold causing equipment failures when the explosion occurred.
The report detailed that the vapor was released from a pump that had not been functional or properly inspected in seven years, increasing the likelihood of injury for employees exposed to these hazards. Suncor was fined $15,625 for a serious violation of federal safety standards in connection with the fire.
The majority of the 1,090-page report was redacted, leaving unanswered questions about the circumstances surrounding the fire. Suncor has since repaired and replaced the equipment related to the fire and is identifying, inspecting, and testing all dead legs in the unit where the fire occurred.
The investigation raises questions about how Suncor manages the inspection of “dead legs,” an industry term for pipes that are no longer used. The explosion occurred after a cold front caused an extreme and fast temperature drop, leading Suncor officials to shut down the refinery for about a week. The facility remained closed until early April while it was being repaired, causing over a 50% jump in gas prices in Colorado.
During the shutdown, the refinery exceeded the amount of hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide, and visible emissions allowed under its air permits. The air division is currently investigating air pollution violations that occurred during the shutdown. The Suncor refinery has over 200,000 flanges and valves that require inspection, and the report provided to The Post was redacted, leaving questions about oversight leading to the explosion.
Historically, Suncor’s operations at the Commerce City refinery have faced scrutiny for environmental regulations and accidents. It’s important to note that this incident is not an isolated one and is part of a larger pattern of safety and environmental concerns at the refinery. The explosion during the shutdown and the subsequent air pollution violations highlight the need for proper oversight and regulation in the industry.
In summary, the Suncor refinery in Commerce City continues to be under investigation for environmental violations and suffered a significant fire during a shutdown due to extreme weather. The incident highlights the need for better safety and environmental management in the oil and gas industry.
WhatsApp Group
