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Denver Energy Company Fined For Air Quality Violations

DENVER (AP) - A Colorado energy company has agreed to pay more than $2 million in fines for air quality violations.

Suncor Energy (USA) will pay for violations at its Commerce City refinery after state inspectors discovered violations of state and federal requirements during an inspection nearly two years ago.

The health department says the main violations involved benzene waste.

Part of the money will be used for environmental projects to protect public health and the environment.

The Suncor refinery near Denver has also been was blamed for oil seeping into nearby Sand Creek late last year. Benzene levels in Sand Creek on Dec. 22 were 134 times higher than the national drinking water standard.

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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