Commerce City Promotoras Fight Magellan Pipeline Expansion, Advocating for Environmental Justice in Their Community
Alarming air quality numbers in Commerce City, Colorado, with some of the highest levels of ozone and particulate matter in the state according to a 2022 CDPHE study, are now at the center of a heated battle. Residents and environmental groups are fiercely opposing the proposed expansion of the Magellan Pipeline storage tanks, located directly across the street from Dupont Elementary School. Their concerns stem from the potential for increased air pollution, particularly volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released during tank loading and unloading. Exposure to VOCs can irritate lungs, exacerbate respiratory problems like asthma, and even lead to cancer. These risks are especially concerning for young children whose lungs are still developing.
A Long History of Environmental Burdens
Commerce City, a working-class community located just north of Denver, is no stranger to environmental burdens. A nearby oil refinery and gravel pit have long been sources of air quality concerns for residents. A 2022 study by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) found that Commerce City has some of the highest levels of ozone and particulate matter in the state, both of which can exacerbate respiratory problems like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
The proposed Magellan expansion would significantly increase storage capacity for refined petroleum products, raising fears of even greater air pollution. Residents worry that the additional storage tanks will lead to more frequent offloading and loading of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), known carcinogens that can irritate the lungs and cause respiratory problems.
Community Voices Rise in Opposition - Promotoras of Cultivando Advocate for Community
Rufina Contreras, a long-time resident of Commerce City and a dedicated volunteer with Cultivando, a local environmental justice organization, expressed her strong opposition to the project. "The health of our community is already compromised by existing sources of pollution," she stated. "We simply cannot afford to have our air quality deteriorate further. This expansion poses a serious threat to the health and well-being of our families, especially our children who are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of air pollution."
Guadalupe Solís, Cultivando's Environmental Justice Programs Director, echoed Contreras' concerns. "This project represents a continuation of a troubling trend where environmental burdens are disproportionately placed on low-income communities and communities of color," she argued. "The expansion site's proximity to Dupont Elementary School is particularly concerning. Our children shouldn't have to breathe polluted air on their way to and from school. They deserve a healthy environment where they can learn and grow."
Environmental Justice Concerns Take Center Stage
The Magellan expansion proposal has reignited discussions about environmental justice in Colorado. Environmental justice principles advocate for the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. In the context of the Commerce City project, environmental justice advocates argue that the potential health risks posed by the expansion disproportionately burden a community that already faces a higher risk of environmental health problems.
Public Health Concerns Drive Opposition
The potential health impacts of the Magellan expansion are a central concern for residents and advocacy groups.
Exposure to air pollution, particularly VOCs, has been linked to a variety of health problems, including:
Respiratory illnesses such as asthma, COPD, and bronchitis
Heart disease
Cancer
Developmental problems in children
A growing body of research suggests that children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of air pollution. Their developing lungs are more susceptible to damage from harmful pollutants. Additionally, children spend more time outdoors than adults, increasing their exposure risks.
Seeking Alternatives and a Transparent Process
Residents and advocacy groups are urging the CDPHE to carefully consider the potential health impacts of the Magellan expansion before issuing a permit. They are calling for a comprehensive health impact assessment that takes into account existing air quality concerns and the cumulative effects of multiple pollution sources in the area.
Furthermore, they advocate for a transparent and inclusive public process that allows for meaningful community participation. Residents deserve a say in decisions that affect their health and environment. Alternative solutions, such as expanding storage capacity in less populated areas, should also be explored.
The Fight for a Healthy Future
The proposed Magellan expansion in Commerce City is a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for environmental justice in Colorado. The project highlights the need for stricter regulations on industrial facilities located near residential areas and schools. It also underscores the importance of prioritizing the health and well-being of communities that have historically borne the brunt of environmental burdens.
The fight against the Magellan expansion is a fight for the health of a community and the future of its children. Residents and advocacy groups are determined to protect their right to clean air and a healthy environment. They are calling for the CDPHE to deny the permit and for Magellan to explore alternative solutions that prioritize the health and well-being of all Coloradans.
The fight for a healthy future in Commerce City is far from over. The community needs your voice! Here's how you can get involved:
Join Cultivando's efforts: Cultivando’s local environmental justice organization is leading the charge. You can also visit our website or social media pages for updates and additional resources.
Make your voice heard: Contact the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and express your concerns about the potential health impacts of the expansion. You can find contact information on their website https://cdphe.colorado.gov/about-cdphe/contact-us.
Support the cause financially: Donate to Cultivando's efforts to fight the expansion and advocate for environmental justice in Commerce City - Donate here at Cultivando's Donation Page! Every contribution helps!
Stay informed and attend hearings: Public hearings on the project permit will be held soon. Stay tuned to Cultivando's social media pages or website for updates on hearing dates and locations. Attending these hearings and providing your written comments is crucial.
Spread awareness: Share this blog post and information about the fight against the Magellan expansion with your friends, family, and neighbors. The more people who are aware of this issue, the stronger the movement for environmental justice becomes.
Together, we can raise awareness and advocate for the health and well-being of the Commerce City community. By empowering residents and holding decision-makers accountable, we can work towards a cleaner, healthier future for all.
Additional Resources:
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (https://cdphe.colorado.gov/)
Environmental Protection Agency's Air Quality Information (https://www.airnow.gov/): This EPA website offers real-time air quality data, health advisories, and resources for understanding air pollution.