In 2020, we moved to Commerce City, Colorado, a location known for its proximity to the Rocky Mountain Arsenal,
its industrial landscape, and its reputation for high crime rates and pollution. Commerce City, located just north of
Denver, borders the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, a site with a dark legacy of chemical weapons production and environmental contamination. The Arsenal, while partially transformed into a wildlife refuge, contin-
ues to cast a long shadow over the area, influencing the lives of those who live nearby.
Commerce City’s industrial roots are deeply embedded in its identity, with numerous factories and refineries shaping
both the landscape and the health of its residents. One of the most prominent industrial players in the area is the Suncor
Energy oil refinery. Suncor has been a focal point of environmental concern, contributing to the region’s poor air quality and health issues. In 2020, for example, Suncor’s operations were linked to the release of harmful chemicals such as ben-
zene, a known carcinogen, which raised alarms among community members and environmental activists⯑5†source⯑.
The pollution from Suncor, combined with the lingering contamination from the Rocky Mountain Arsenal, has created a hazardous environment for Commerce City residents. The Arsenal’s history of producing chemical weapons left behind a toxic legacy that continues to affect the area, despite decades of cleanup efforts. The site was designated a Superfund site by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), highlighting the severity of the contamination and the challenges associated with remediation.
In addition to environmental hazards, Commerce City has long struggled with a high crime rate. As of 2020, the city’s crime rate was significantly higher than the national average, with violent crimes and property crimes being particularly prevalent. The presence of gang activity, drug trafficking, and other forms of organized crime has contributed to the sense of danger in the area, making it one of the more challenging places to live in the Denver metropolitan area.