This fall, we marked the one-year anniversary of a new pipeline connection for local crude oil supply to the Commerce City refinery.
After years of planning and collaboration across Suncor and with the local community, the first barrels began to flow through the pipeline on Oct. 2, 2020. The new pipeline has improved traffic safety and reduced vehicle emissions, while enhancing operational capability and reliability for the refinery.
“This pipeline project truly shows how we are stronger together,” said Randy Lowry, manager of engineering for Suncor Energy (U.S.A.) Pipeline Company. “The new pipeline connection supports the refinery’s ability to deliver quality products to the region while reducing transportation costs.”
Through a partnership with Rose Rock Midstream, connection to the new pipeline can deliver nearly 70 thousand barrels per day from their Platteville, CO crude oil receipt terminal to existing pipelines for delivery to the Commerce City refinery. This project has reduced crude trucks by an estimated 150 per day.
Notable improvements resulting from the new pipeline connection include improved reliability of crude oil delivery in the winter and during other extreme weather conditions, increased access to local crude oil productions sources, and direct access to pipelines leaving the region.
