The Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) program is often described as one of the nation's most successful environmental statutes by making information about toxic releases publicly available on a neighborhood-by-neighborhood basis.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently released the 2020 Toxics Release Inventory data. EPA and Florida are required to annually collect data on toxic chemical releases and make the data available to the public in the TRI.
The Toxics Release Inventory contains information on releases of nearly 650 chemicals and chemical categories from various industries including manufacturing, metal and coal mining, electric utilities, and commercial hazardous waste treatment, among others.
Citizens can search for polluting facilities that are located within their zip code at http://www.epa.gov/tri/
The criteria used by EPA to evaluate toxic chemicals for addition to the list are: (1) The chemical is expected to cause significant adverse acute human health effects at concentration levels reasonably likely to exist beyond facility site boundaries as a result of releases; (2) The chemical is expected to cause human cancer, birth defects, nervous system effects, gene mutations that can be passed on to the next generation or other chronic health effects–effects associated with repeated exposure to a chemical over a long period of time; (3) The chemical is expected to cause significant and sufficiently adverse effects on the environment due to its toxicity and persistence (its tendency to remain in an unchanged form, rather than breaking down into smaller chemical parts) or its toxicity and tendency to bioaccumulate (to become increasingly concentrated in plant and animal tissues).
However, the Toxic Release Inventory reporting requirements do not include all sources of toxic chemicals. As an example, industries whose chemical use falls below the thresholds established by law and facilities that have less than ten employees do not have to report their toxic releases.
Currently, the Toxic Release Inventory collects data only on annual quantities of toxic releases and transfers. Such data masks the patterns of releases during the year. The information does not disclose whether emissions are continued and released in regular amounts every day or happen in a "burst" because of a short-term process or an accidental release. These data are needed to accurately understand human health risks.
Local governments should develop programs to encourage industries to reduce toxic chemical releases. Reducing the use of toxins and reusing chemicals that are emitted into nearby areas is not only good for the environment, but it can also be profitable for businesses.
TRI On-site and Off-site Reported Disposed of or Otherwise Released (in pounds), for all 15 facilities, for facilities in All Industries, for All chemicals, Manatee County, Florida, 2020.
Glenn Compton is the Chairman of ManaSota 88, a non-profit organization that has spent over 30 years fighting to protect the environment of Manatee and Sarasota counties.
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