EPA Releases 2023 Toxics Release Inventory Data Tracking Nationwide Chemical Waste and Pollution

On October 31, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released updated Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) data detailing toxic chemical waste management, including releases and pollution prevention activities from 2023. The data covers over 20,000 industrial and federal facilities nationwide, providing essential insights for communities, agencies, and companies.

Established under Section 313 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), TRI requires annual reporting from facilities in specific industry sectors that manufacture, import, process, or use a listed chemical in an amount that exceeds the given threshold for that chemical and activity (e.g., 25,000 lbs., 10,000 lbs. 100 lbs. etc.). TRI reports, known as "Form R" or "EPCRA 313," are due each year on July 1.

Updates from the 2023 Report:

The 2023 data report is submitted by facilities in sectors such as metal mining, electric power generation, chemical manufacturing, and hazardous waste treatment. This updated dataset is based on preliminary 2023 data from July 2024 and incorporates revised and late submissions received by EPA as of October 23, 2024.

With EPA's enhanced TRI Toxics Tracker, communities can now map TRI-reporting facilities and explore data on chemical releases, waste management practices, and pollution prevention efforts. A comprehensive analysis of the 2023 data will be available in next year’s TRI National Analysis, which will assess trends, industry-specific waste management, and pollution reduction activities.

The current report suggests that zinc and lead compounds topped the list of chemical releases, with 415 million and 354 million pounds, respectively. Inorganic lead compounds, classified by EPA as probable carcinogens, pose cardiovascular, developmental, neurological, and reproductive risks. Other carcinogens released by facilities include arsenic (5.6 million pounds) and chromium compounds (4.7 million pounds).

The environmental and health impacts of mining these metals are significant. High doses of ingested zinc can cause gastrointestinal distress, and long-term exposure may lead to anemia and reduced levels of good cholesterol. Chronic manganese exposure harms multiple organs, potentially causing neurotoxic effects such as cognitive impairment, Parkinson's-like symptoms, and movement disorders such as dystonia.

The TRI data highlights the threat mining poses to drinking water sources, fish habitats, and wildlife. Toxic runoff from mine waste often leaches heavy metals such as lead and cadmium, along with arsenic, into ground and surface water. This report serves as a critical resource for communities near mines, especially Indigenous populations, who are disproportionately impacted by metal pollution.

PFAS-Related Updates: 

For the fourth consecutive year, Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) data includes reporting on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), as mandated by the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). In 2023, facilities reported managing over 1.5 million pounds of PFAS-related waste, with 61 facilities submitting a total of 168 TRI forms covering 46 distinct PFAS compounds. In October 2023, EPA finalized a rule to enhance PFAS reporting by removing an exemption that previously allowed facilities to bypass reporting on PFAS when present in low concentrations. EPA expects expanded PFAS reporting in the 2024 TRI data.