In the ongoing pursuit of clean air and environmental justice, a collaborative project involving Boulder A.I.R. and Cultivando has emerged as a beacon of hope. This groundbreaking initiative aims to measure air pollution levels and their impacts on communities, particularly in areas near industrial facilities like the Suncor refinery in Commerce City.
Cultivando, a nonprofit organization dedicated to community empowerment, spearheaded the project's implementation. Partnering with Boulder A.I.R., a local air quality contractor owned by atmospheric scientist Detlev Helmig, they took proactive steps to monitor air quality in north Denver and Commerce City.
Utilizing advanced air monitoring technology, Boulder A.I.R. set up stationary and mobile monitors in strategic locations. The stationary site near the refinery and the mobile monitor provided comprehensive data on pollution levels, enabling researchers to assess the extent of air pollution exposure in affected communities.
This collaboration brought additional expertise and resources to the project. Together, these partners conducted rigorous analysis and interpretation of the monitoring data, shedding light on the environmental health risks faced by residents living near the refinery.
In March 2023, Cultivando released the results from the first year of monitoring, confirming residents' concerns. The findings revealed that individuals living near the refinery are exposed to higher levels of harmful air pollutants such as benzene and particulate matter compared to other communities along the Front Range. Additionally, the results suggested the Suncor facility could be a consistent source of airborne radioactivity, raising further concerns about public health and safety.
This collaborative effort exemplifies the power of community-driven research and partnership. By combining scientific expertise with grassroots activism, the project seeks to advocate for policy changes, hold polluters accountable, and ultimately, protect the health and well-being of all residents.
As we move forward, it is imperative that we continue to support initiatives like this one, which prioritize environmental justice and equitable access to clean air for all communities. Together, let us build a healthier, more sustainable future for generations to come.
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