The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has made the Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) data from 2012 available to the public. TRI’s are required annually by various facilities in industries such as manufacturing, metal mining, electric utilities, and commercial hazardous waste.
The annual report for reporting year 2012 will provide the public with “critical information about their communities, including data on certain toxic chemical releases to the air, water, and land, as well as information on waste management and pollution prevention activities by facilities across the country”.
“Serving the public’s right-to-know is the first crucial step in reducing toxic chemicals in the places where we live, work, and raise children,” EPA Regional Administrator Ron Curry. “This report emphasizes the need for transparency and provides a powerful tool for protecting public health and the environment.”
This year, the report will include analyses for metropolitan and micropolitan areas of the U.S., as well as interactive maps. Also included is new information from industry about their methods of reducing pollution through green chemistry and other pollution prevention practices.
Overall, total disposal or other releases of toxic chemicals from TRI facilities decreased 12% from 2011 to 2012. This is mostly due to decreases in land disposal from metal mines. Releases to air decreased by 8%, which can be attributed to installation of control technologies at electric utilities and a shift from coal to other fuels.
Facilities required to comply under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) must submit their TRI reports to the EPA by July 1st of each year.
EES can prepare these reports for any type of facility, if you would like more information, please contact us.
To view the 2012 TRI National Analysis, click here.