From CBSDenver.com:
“Our focus right now is to try to contain it onto Suncor’s property,” [Robert Beierle with the Colorado Department of Health and Environment] said. The health department says they were notified of the problem’s start last February. “Of the pipeline that failed pressure testing, which was thought to be probably the source or one of the sources of this material we’re migrating off site right now,” Beierle said. “It’s the only source were aware of and it’s certainly in their best interest to stop it on their property.”
Suncor hasn’t confirmed where the gasoline-like leak began but is cooperating with all aspects of the clean-up, according the health department. Once the trench is complete the Canadian-based energy company will then move back onto their property to install a second trench.
Suncor says they do not believe there is any leak at this time.
More coverage from Carlos Illescas writing for The Denver Post. From the article:
Suncor Energy crews are working on a collector trench on property owned by Metro Wastewater, trying to stop the black gunk flowing from under its refinery north of Denver from reaching Burlington Ditch, Sand Creek and the South Platte River. An access agreement was reached last week, and Suncor started work on the trench Monday, said Suncor’s vice president for refining, John Gallagher. The goal, Gallagher said, is to prevent more petroleum-based contaminants from reaching the Metro Wastewater Reclamation District’s property, which is adjacent to the refinery and the waterways…
Gallagher said the trench should be completed by the end of the month. The company also is working to complete an underground clay wall at the refinery to block toxic material from leaving the Suncor property, which has been home to oil-refining activities since the 1930s. “We’ll do everything we can to make this situation right,” Gallagher said Tuesday.