The Chicago metropolitan area had similar TRI releases compared to the national averages. In 2009, nationwide the releases of 313 toxic chemicals decreased by 12% from 2008. The analysis, which includes data on approximately 650 chemicals from more than 20,000 facilities, found that nationally total releases to air decreased 20% since 2008, and releases to surface water decreased 18%, and to land 4% since 2008.
The EPA analysis shows decreases in the releases of persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT) chemicals including lead, dioxin, and mercury. Total disposal or other releases of mercury decreased 3% and total disposal or other releases of both dioxin and lead decreased by 18%. Seven percent few facilities reported to TRI from the previous year, continuing a trend from the past few years.
EPA added 16 chemicals to the TRI list of reportable chemicals in November. These chemicals are reasonably anticipated to be human carcinogens, and represent the largest chemical expansion of the program in a decade. Data on the new TRI chemicals will be reported by facilities on July 1, 2012.
Caltha LLP provides specialized expertise to clients in Illinois in the preparation of EPCRA 313 Toxic Release Inventory reports, developing chemical tracking procedures, and preparing cost-effective EH&S management programs.
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