New Toxics Release Inventory Data Reported

Summary:

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released the 2022 Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) National Analysis, highlighting a 21% decrease in environmental releases of TRI chemicals from facilities covered by the program since 2013. Key findings include:

A 26% decrease in air releases
94% of waste managed through preferred methods (treatment, energy recovery, and recycling) in Region 2 (New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and eight Indian Nations)
* 11% of facilities in Region 2 implemented new pollution prevention activities, with the most common being changes to operating practices and training

The report also highlights the importance of PFAS reporting, with 50 facilities managing 1.2 million pounds of PFAS waste in 2022, representing an 8% decrease compared to 2021. The EPA has published a final rule to improve PFAS reporting, requiring facilities to disclose releases and waste management of these chemicals.

Facilities implemented 3,589 pollution prevention activities in 2022, with process and equipment modifications being the most common. The EPA offers grant opportunities to state and Tribal technical assistance providers to help prevent pollution.

The 2022 TRI National Analysis is available on the EPA website, featuring visualizations and analytical tools to make data more accessible to communities.