United States Solid Waste and _.
Environmental Protection Emergency Response
Agency (5305W)
EPA745-B-97-005
June 1997
&EPA
RCRA, Superfund & EPCRA
Hotline Training Module
Introduction to:
Toxics Release Inventory:
Using the
Toxics Release Inventory
(EPCRA §313; 40 CFR Part 372)
Updated June 1997
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DISCLAIMER
This document was developed by Booz-Allen & Hamilton Inc. under contract 68-WO-0039 to EPA. It is
intended to be used as a training tool for Hotline specialists and does not represent a statement of EPA
policy.
The information in this document is not by any means a complete representation of EPA's regulations or
policies. This document is used only in the capacity of the Hotline training and is not u$ed as a reference
tool on Hotline calls. The Hotline revises and updates this document as regulatory program areas change.
The information in this document may not necessarily reflect the current position of the Agency. This
document is not intended and cannot be relied upon to create any rights, substantive or procedural,
enforceable by any party in litigation with the United States. .
RCRA, Superfund & EPCRA Hotline Phone Numbers:
National toll-free (outside of DC area)
Local number (within DC area)
National toll-free for the hearing impaired (TDD)
(800) 424-9346.
(703)412-9810
(800) 553-7672
The Hotline is open from 9 am to 6 pm Eastern Time,
Monday through Friday, except for federal holidays.
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USING THE TOXICS RELEASE INVENTORY
j '- ' - - =_,_''
CONTENTS '
1. Introduction ....-.-. , :.............. 1
2. Regulatory Summary...... 3
2.1 Availability of TRI Data '.. 3
2.2 QA/QC of Data ,.' ,... 7
2.3 EPA Use of TRI Data .: .-. 9
2.4 Public Use of TRI Data ......... 11
3. Module Summary 13
4. Review Exercises .'.... .....15
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Using the Toxics Release Inventory- 3
1. INTRODUCTION
A major component of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know
Act (EPCRA) program is the national inventory of releases of certain toxic chemicals
into the environment. Under EPCRA §313, owners/operators of certain facilities
that manufacture, process, or otherwise use listed toxic chemicals must report
releases of these chemicals annually. Owners/operators who meet the thresholds
report the information using either a Form R or an abbreviated form, called a Form
A, in cases where the facility qualifies for the use of an alternate threshold.
Completed reporting forms are sent to the EPA and a designated agency in the state
(i.e., the State Emergency Response Commission (SERC)) where the facility is
located. Other modules approach the EPCRA §313 requirements from the
standpoint of a reporting facility, covering topics such as applicability and
exemptions, scope of various sections of the form, and calculations commonly used
to determine quantities released. Preparation and submission of a,form, however, is
only the first step in EPA's Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) program.
This module discusses the second step in the TRI program - using the data after .
they are collected. The basic purpose of EPCRA §313 is to make information about
chemical releases into the environment available to the public. Citizens can use the
information to become more familiar with the health and environmental risks in
their communities, and to urge facilities to reduce quantities of chemicals released.
Federal, state, and local governments can use the information in developing future
regulations and overall environmental strategies. When you have completed this
module, you will be able to identify how data gathered under TRI are compiled and
analyzed by EPA, and how the public and governmental agencies gain access to and
use this information. Use these objectives to check your knowledge of this topic
after you'complete the training session.
The information in this document is not by any means a complete representation of EPA's regulations or
policies, but is an introduction to the topic used for Hotline training purposes.
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2 - Using the Toxics Release Inventory
The information in this document is not by any means a complete representation of EPA's regulations or
policies, but is an introduction to the topic used for Hotline training purposes.
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Using the Toxics Release Inventory > 3
2. REGULATORY SUMMARY
The purpose of EPCRA §313 is to establish an inventory of releases of toxic
chemicals and to make the inventory accessible to the public. EPA has created a
database of TRI submissions and implemented procedures ensuring the accuracy
and consistency of submissions. Users may access TRI data by a variety of methods,
and in a variety of media. While the data have proven useful to the public,
government, and industry, users of the Toxics Release Inventory must be aware that
the data does have inherent limitations.
As discussed in the module entitled TRI: Reporting Requirements, manufacturing
facilities and federal facilities must complete a Form R or Form A for each chemical
or chemical category for which an activity threshold is exceeded during the calendar
year. A total of 73,311 forms were filed for Reporting Year (RY) 1995 by 21,951
facilities. Submitted information ranges from general data on facility locations and
industry codes to specific chemical quantities handled under various waste
management scenarios, including on-site and off-site disposal, energy recovery,
treatment, and recycling. Detailed descriptions of specific treatment technologies
and waste minimization efforts may also be submitted, if applicable. The value of
collecting such diverse data is that EPA and the public can use them to serve a
number of purposes. For example, the data can be sorted by location, which, enables
EPA and organizations such as the Chemical Manufacturers Association to gauge
national trends of toxic chemical releases, while also allowing a State Emergency
Response Commission (SERC) to gather data for facilities in one particular state.
Similarly, a community group can access data for local facilities that interest the
group. The data can also be sorted by industry, by media into which chemicals are
released (e.g., air, water, land), and by the ultimate disposition of the chemicals (e.g.,
disposal, incineration, solvent regeneration).
Using TRI data,,interested parties can conduct an infinite number of information
searches tailored to their specific needs. The use of this resource is the focus of this
module.
2.1 AVAILABILITY OF TRI DATA
EPCRA §313(j) states that the Administrator must establish and maintain a publicly
accessible computer database of national toxic chemical inventory data submitted by
the regulated community. To fulfill this requirement, EPA makes the TRI data
available through electronically accessible databases, computer software, and printed
materials.
The information in this document is not by any means a complete representation of EPA's regulations or
policies, but is an introduction to the topic used for Hotline training purposes.
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4 - Using the Toxics Release Inventory
TRIS DATABASE
The Toxics Release Inventory System (TRIS) contains information on annual
releases and treatment of listed toxic chemicals, as well as submitted information on
recycling and source reduction efforts at regulated facilities since 1991, as required
under §6607 of the Pollution Prevention Act. All data submitted to EPA under
EPCRA §313, with the exception of information claimed as trade secret, are entered
into the database. Information on reporting years 1987 through 1995 is already in
the system, and the 1996 data will be available in Spring 1998. TRIS was initially
designed to contain and protect trade secret data submitted pursuant to 40 CFR Part
350; however, confidential submissions are no longer contained in this database.
Use of the TRIS database is restricted to federal EPA employees and state agencies
receiving specific approval for access. No fee is imposed for using TRIS, and it can
be linked with other EPA systems for the evaluation of goals and strategies among
the various offices and environmental programs.
The public may access a version of the TRIS database through the Envirofacts data
collection on EPA's World Wide Web server at http://www.epa.gov/enviro/.
Users may query the database by geographical area, facility name, type of industry, or
chemical. Users may also specify output options, including facility location, public
contact information, reported toxic chemicals, and quantities of chemicals released
to various media and transferred to various locations.
TOXNET DATABASE
The database originally used for retrieval of TRI information by the general public is
the TRI database, operated by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) on the
TOXNET system. At the completion of data entry each year, NLM receives a file
from TRIS that includes all information submitted under TRI. TRIS and the TRI
database on the TOXNET system contain the same information.
The TOXNET system operator can be reached at (301) 496-6531, and direct on-line
access is available 24 hours a day using a personal computer and modem. Once in
the system, the user may select to access the TRI database or one of several other
information units containing data on the health and ecological effects of toxic
chemicals. Chemical safety and handling descriptions are also available. To access
the TOXNET TRI database, individual users must set up an account and will be
charged a fee for the use of its searching capabilities.
RTK NET
The third database containing TRI information is part of the Right-to-Know
Computer Network (RTK NET). This system is administered by two nonprofit
groups, the Unison Institute and OMB Watch, and is partially funded by EPA. The
TRI database on RTK NET currently contains information submitted for reporting
The information in this document is not by any means a complete representation of EPA's regulations or
policies, but is an introduction to the topic used for Hotline training purposes.
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Using the Toxics ReJease Inventory - 5
years 1987 through 1995. RTK NET is particularly useful because it contains data not
only on TRI, but also on toxic chemical health effects, civil court cases brought by
EPA, and the 1990 Census. The system also features the Landview II software (see
Section 2.4 of this module for more information), which combines TRI data, other , .
EPA databases, and a mapping program. ' '".-' ,
The TRI database on RTK NET can be accessed in three ways. For individuals with
computer access, but no Internet access, the network can be reached by modem at
(202) 234-8570. Individuals with Internet access can locate RTK NET using Telnet at
rtknet.org, or the World Wide Web at http://rtk.net. While RTK NET does not
charge a fee for access, modem and Telnet users must register with RTK NET before
searching the TRI database. / Registration can be completed on-line or by mail.
Application forms and other information on RTK NET is available from the RTK
NET help desk at (202) 234-8494. ; . ,
COMPUTER PRODUCTS
In addition to telecommunications, EPCRA requires that TRI data be accessible
through other means. To respond to this mandate, the Agency makes several types
of computer products available. The Government Printing Office (GPO) offers the .
1987-1995 TRI data on CD-ROM. The GPO Electronics Division at (202) 512-1530 can
also distribute individual state TRI data in Lotus or dBase format on diskettes. TRI
data in Lotus format can also be downloaded from the National Air Toxics
Information Clearinghouse (modem access: (919) 541-5742).
In addition to purchasing these computer products, many public and university
libraries, federal depositories, and EPA offices maintain tike TRI data on diskette and
CD-ROM. Educators, students, libraries, government agencies, non-profit
organizations, and citizen groups may receive TRI data free from NCEPI.
DOCUMENTS CONTAINING TRI DATA
For each reporting year from 1987 through 1995, EPA has published reports
summarizing trends in, and interpretations of, the data for quantities of chemical
releases, media affected by those releases, and geographic locations and types of
facilities releasing listed toxic chemicals. For reporting years 1987 through 1989, the
data report was entitled Toxics in the Community. This report contained detailed
information on national chemical and' waste handling trends, as well as some
general state data. In 1990, the format was changed and two documents were
published: a national book entitled Public Data Release containing information
similar to, but less detailed than the previous reports, supplemented by a separate
document focusing on releases at the state level called Public Data Release: State Fact
Sheets. .For each state, data are provided on the number of reporting facilities, the
top 5 chemicals released in the state, and the area's top 10 emitting facilities. The
reports from each year except 1987 also include limited comparison data on annual
releases and transfers of reportable chemicals. Copies of the national and state
The information in this document is not by any means a complete representation of EPA's, regulations or
policies, but is an introduction to the topic used for Hotline training purposes.
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6 -Using the Toxics Release Inventory
reports are available from NCEPI/EPCRA. EPA has also developed chemical fact
sheets for 31 TRI chemicals, which can be useful to the public. These fact sheets are
distributed through the TSCA Assistance Information Service at (202) 554-1404, and
are available on the Internet at:
http://www.epa.gov/chemfact
TRI USER SUPPORT
Further information on TRI data and data use assistance is available from the TRI
User Support Service (TRI-US), operated by the Office of Pollution Prevention and
Toxics (OPPT) library, at (202) 260-1531. Hours for the user support line are Monday
through Friday from 8:00 am - 4:30 pm (Eastern Time). TRI specialists at TRI-US
can help determine the data product best suited for the individual user's needs. The
service provides comprehensive search assistance for both TRI on-line and CD-
ROM applications, and can refer interested individuals to EPA Regional and state
TRI contacts and to the libraries where TRI is available.
REPORTING CENTER
The EPCRA Reporting Center receives all Form R and Form A submissions sent to
federal EPA. To distinguish between reporting facilities, a TRI facility identification
number (TRIFID) is assigned to each facility by location. In most cases, this number
will remain constant for the facility over time, facilitating cross-year analysis of
activity at each reporting location. All submissions must include the appropriate
TRIFID. Once received by the Reporting Center, each form is assigned its own
document control number (DCN) for easy access should the form need to be
consulted or corrected in the future. The public may visit the Reporting Center to
review copies of submissions.
Individuals requesting information from the TRI database or copies of the Form R
submission from a particular facility should contact the TRI-US Service or our
Hotline for assistance. Interested parties may also request copies of facility
submissions from the designated EPCRA §313 contact for each state. Information on
fees associated with Form R and Form A completion is available from the
appropriate state, as there are no filing fees imposed on the federal level.
TRI DATA ON THE INTERNET «
, P ,,» ','.,,' i , .
As mentioned in previous sections, TRI data can be accessed in a variety of forms
using the Internet. The TRI Home Page devotes an entire section to accessing and
using TRI data (http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/tri/ttpubacc.htm). Here, one can find
the most recent version of the Public Data Release, information on obtaining TRI
Data on CD-ROM and diskette, contacting TRI-US, accessing TOXNET, as well as
links to RTK NET and TRIS on Envirofacts.
The information in this document is not by any means a complete representation of EPA's regulations or
policies, but is an introduction to the topic used for Hotline training purposes.
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Using the Toxics Release Inventory - 7
2.2 QA/QCOFDATA
EPCRA §313 data are received by the Reporting Center either on paper or on
magnetic media. Hard copy submissions are manually entered onto a PC'and then
are uploaded into the mainframe TRI database. .They are screened for validity
through internal EPA auditing. Submissions completed on EPA or approved
vendor software have built-in quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) checks
in the software, such as algorithms, tables, and help features. Typically, algorithms
built into the software will limit the type of characters that can be entered into a
particular data field. For example, since most NPDES permit numbers fit the pattern
of two letters followed by seven numbers, the software will accept only entries that
conform to this algorithm. These QA/QC features significantly reduce the chance of
error in reporting, but nevertheless, mistakes can occur. For this reason, all
information is examined for readily apparent errors during the data entry and
uploading process. According to the 1994 Toxics Release Inventory: Public Data
Release (p. C-l), a 3 percent review of TRI records showed over 99.9 percent data
entry accuracy for RY 1994. EPA received 62 percent of 1994 submissions on
magnetic media, which reduced data entry errors. In addition, facilities can use the
appendix to the Toxic Chemical Release Inventory Reporting Form R and
Instructions, entitled Common Errors in Completing Form R Reports, to reduce
data errors.
CORRECTING ERRORS
"\ "- ' - ^
When EPA "finds errors, a Notice of Technical Error (NOTE), Notice of Significant
Error (NOSE), or a Notice of Noncompliance (NON) may be issued to the reporting
facility. Generally, a NOTE is issued in response to minor inaccuracies or omissions.
Facilities are asked to respond to a NOTE within 21 calendar days of receiving the
error letter. NOSEs are issued for errors that prevent EPA from entering the
submission into the database. A facility must respond to a NOSE within 21 days or
risk receiving, a NON. Failure, to respond to ..a NON within 30 days of receipt may
result in an enforcement action.
Errors on the Form R or Form A may also be discovered by the reporting facility
while reviewing past entries and preparing current submissions. When this occurs,
the facility should submit a revised Form R in accordance with the procedures
discussed in section A.5a of the 1995 reporting package and in the September 26,
1991, Federal Register (56 FR 48795). ^EPA must receive voluntary revisions from
facilities on or before October 15 of the following year to. guarantee that the revisions
are included in the annual release of computer and printed data (59 FR 41444;
August 15, 1994). Revisions received after this time will be incorporated into the
databases for public access, but there is no specified time frame for EPA to update the
systems with this late information. ,,
The information in this document is not by any means a complete representation of EPA's1 regulations or
policies, but is an introduction to the topic used for Hotline training purposes.
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8 - Using the Toxics Release Inventory
LIMITATIONS OF TRI DATA
/
According to the 1994 Toxics Release Inventory: Public Data Release (p. 14), the 1994
TRI includes 75,332 reports from 22,744 facilities, however, it captures only a portion
of all toxic chemical releases nationwide. Facilities with fewer than 10 employees
and facilities that do not meet chemical thresholds are not required to file TRI
reports. Currently, nonmanufacturing facilities are not required to report even
though certain nonmanufacturing industries, such as mining and electric utilities,
are sources of significant releases of toxic chemicals.
EPA is currently working on expanding the scope of the TRI program in three
phases: Phase 1 chemical expansion, Phase 2 industry expansion, and Phase 3
chemical use information. On November 30, 1994, EPA published a final rule
adding 286 chemicals and chemical categories, which include 39 chemicals as part of
two delineated categories, to the EPCRA §313 list of toxic chemicals (59 FR 61432).
These chemicals were first reportable for the 1995 reporting year. EPA deferred final
action on 40 of the proposed TRI expansion chemicals and one chemical category
until a later date.
The final rule for the Phase n industry expansion was published May 1,1997 (62 FR
23834). This rule is effective for reporting year 1998, with the first Forms R or Forms
A from these newly covered facilities due by July 1,1999. This rule added seven
industry sectors to the TRI universe: metal mining; coal mining; electric utilities;
commercial hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal facilities; chemicals ,
and allied products wholesale; petroleum bulk stations wholesale; and solvent
recovery services.
The accuracy and completeness of the release data gathered can vary. Some facilities
that are required to report under TRI do not file, and some facilities may file reports
for some, but not all, of the chemicals for which they were required to report.
Facilities are not required to perform any monitoring to develop TRI estimates, and
may use a variety of estimation techniques if actual measurements are not available.
Although some releases can be estimated fairly easily by consulting purchasing
records or by weighing drums, some estimates require the completion of complex
mathematical and chemical equations. Monitoring data, often considered more
accurate than estimation, may provide grossly inaccurate results if data were
gathered on nonrepresentative samples.
In order to improve compliance and data quality, EPA is completing hundreds of
TRI inspections each year, and has awarded grants to a number of states for the
development and implementation of their own quality assurance programs. EPA
has developed the EPCRA Section 313: Data Quality Inspection Manual, as well as
industry profiles to assist in conducting inspections. The inspection manual and
profiles are available through the FOIA process.
The information in this document is not by any means a complete representation of EPA's regulations or
policies, but is an introduction to the topic used for Hotline training purposes.
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Using the Toxics Release Inventory - 9
Once accurate data are received, use and interpretation of the information for
purposes of risk assessment must be qualified. TRI reports reflect releases of
chemicals, and release estimates alone are not sufficient to determine public
exposure to those chemicals or to calculate potential adverse effects on human
health arid the environment. Other factors like chemical toxicity, persistence in the
environment, propensity for bioaccurnulation, and medium and location of release
are also important considerations in risk assessment. Although additional
information is necessary to quantify exposure and risk, TRI data can be used to
identify areas of potential concern. .
2.3 EPA USE OF TRI DATA
TRI data have affected environmental policy since they were first collected in 1988,
reflecting toxic chemical releases and transfers in 1987. EPA and government
officials have used TRI data to help set environmental priorities, develop
legislation, and shape regulations.
Congress used TRI data to develop new legislation, while EPA used TRI data to
implement new environmental programs. A significant use of the TRI data is in
the development of pollution prevention initiatives. Information gathered under
EPCRA §313 helps focus government and public attention on facilities and
industries where pollution prevention efforts can be most effectively directed. The
Pollution Prevention Act (PPA) was enacted in 1990, and appropriate data elements
were incorporated into the Form R.
In addition to implementation of new legislative requirements, TRI data can be
used in conjunction with other EPA systems for the purposes of permitting,
inspection and enforcement targeting, and compliance reviews. For example, if a
facility's Form R submission indicates disposal of hazardous waste in an on-site
landfill, but the facility has no disposal permit under the Resource Conservation
and Recovery Act (RCRA), EPA may inspect the facility and possibly take
enforcement action against violators of EPCRA and/or RCRA regulations. TRI data
have also assisted in the enforcement and implementation of the 1990 Clean Air Act
Amendments. ,
TRI data have also been an important consideration in the risk screening process.
Large quantities of listed toxic chemicals are annually released into the
environment, creating the potential for public exposure. In order to quantify the
threats of these releases, the health and environmental effects of many TRI
chemicals are being studied, tested, or otherwise addressed in several other EPA
programs. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) is
completing toxicological profiles on TRI chemicals, the Toxic Substances Control Act
(TSCA) program requires testing of chemicals suspected of posing unreasonable
risks to health or the environment, and the National Toxicology Program (NTP) is
also conducting testing on TRI chemicals.
The information in this document is not by any means a complete representation of EPA's regulations or
policies, but is an introduction to the topic used for Hotline training purposes.
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10 - Using the Toxics Release Inventory
33/50 PROGRAM
TRI data have also significantly aided in the implementation and evaluation of the
33/50 program. Introduced in January 1991, 33/50 was a voluntary pollution
prevention and reduction initiative designed to reduce toxic chemical pollution
through voluntary action by industry. The Program sought to reduce the reported
releases and off-site transfers of 17 high-priority toxic chemicals by at least 33 percent
by 1992 and 50 percent by 1995, measured against a 1988 baseline. The 17 chemicals
included in the project were selected because they are highly toxic, they are produced
and subsequently released in high volumes, and there is the high potential for
reduction in releases of these chemicals to the environment through pollution
prevention activities.
Since the 1988 TBI reporting year, over 19,000 facilities owned by 8,000 parent
companies have reported on one or more of the 33/50 toxic chemicals, with total
releases and off-site transfers totaling nearly 1.5 billion pounds in the base year.
EPA's Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics (OPPT) had sent letters to all of
these companies requesting their participation in the program. A total of 1,294
companies responded to this request by committing to voluntary reductions in their
releases and transfers of these 17 chemicals. Collectively, these companies reduced
their emissions of 33/50 toxic chemicals by more than 56 percent, a reduction of 831
million pounds. The 50 percent reduction was achieved by 1994, one year ahead of
schedule. The program marked its official end in Fall 1996.
All information obtained or developed under the 33/50 Program, including
semiannual progress reports, company profile case studies, and company 33/50
communications, is made publicly available through the TSCA Assistance
Information Service at (202) 554-1404, or through the Envirosense Internet server
(http://es.inel.gov). Chapter 4 of the 1994 Toxics Release Inventory: Public Data
Release also contains reporting profiles for chemicals in the 33/50 Program.
TRI DATA USE CONFERENCE
In an effort to promote communication and to discuss the future direction of the
Community Right-to-Know programs, EPA sponsors an annual three-day
conference focusing on TRI data use. The conference brings together representatives
from federal, state, and tribal agencies; the international community;
environmental groups; academia; industry; labor; and the news media. Panelists
and speakers present the impacts of TRI data collection and use on different
economic sectors and discuss potential improvements to TRI that would increase its
future impacts on decision making. The proceedings from each of the conferences
are published each year and available through the EPCRA Hotline. These
documents provide a summary of the conference, including the plenary session
speeches and abstracts describing the individual break-out sessions.
The information in this document is not by any means a complete representation of EPA's regulations or
policies, but is an introduction to the topic used for Hotline training purposes.
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Using the Toxics Release Inventory -11
2.4 PUBLIC USE OF TRI DATA
Information collected pursuant to EPCRA §313 is very valuable to EPA, .and it can be
useful for other federal, state, and local governmental agencies and the public. EPA
encourages these entities to interpret and use the data for their own purposes by
providing technical assistance, resources, and oversight. Increased interaction
between EPA, state and local governments, industry, and environmental groups has
helped foster public understanding about:
Risk assessment and the total community chemical profile
, Toxics use, emission reduction, and pollution prevention
Identification of chemicals requiring more stringent regulation
Methods for obtaining more accurate and comprehensive TRI data
Enforcement against facilities operating in violation of emission permits.
The TRI database and other materials discussed previously are available for public
access and use/ the Public Data Release documents are especially helpful in
conveying information to the public in layman's terms. The Risk Screening Guide
and The Citizen's Guide to Risk Screening were made available in 1989 as a
guidance and training package for risk assessment in the context of EPCRA §313.
These documents can be used by Regional EPA staff, state and local officials,'and the
general public. Other resources are also being developed to translate the pure data
into recognizable trends and effective models for the public to use in assessing risk
in their communities, as well as in setting priorities for public action and goals to
stress to local, state, and federal government officials. The PC Graphic Exposure
Modeling System (GEMS) supports single medium and multimedia environmental
fate and exposure modeling, lists of chemical property values, graphics and mapping
applications, and file and data management. The TRI program will continue .to
enhance GEMS and PC-GEMS, make it available to EPA Regions, states and
communities, and support Title Ill-related evaluations of emissions data.
EPA's Chemical Emergency Preparedness and Prevention Office (CEPPO) has
developed a software tool called LandView II. LandView II incorporates several
databases, including the TRI database, and demographic information to generate
maps and statistical information for use by local planners and responders. This
program will be particularly useful for the public in that it provides a visual display
of TRI facilities and other EPA-regulated sites in a particular geographical area.
LandView II is available from the Bureau of the Census Customer Services at (301)
457-4100, arid can also be downloaded from RTK NET.
OPPT is nearing completion of its TRI Environmental Indicators Model. The model
provides year-to-year indicators of the potential impacts of TRI chemical releases on
human health and the environment. The indicators consider TRI release and
transfer volumes, chronic toxicity, exposure potential, and size of receptor
populations. Both generic and site-specific exposure characteristics can be
The information in this document is not by any means a complete representation of EPA's regulations or
policies, but is an introduction to the topic used for Hotline training purposes.
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12 - Using the Toxics Release Inventory
incorporated. The model will allow targeting and prioritization of chemicals,
industries, and geographic areas.
The TRI data are being used in many environmental education programs,
particularly at the high school and university levels. Students learn about toxic
chemical releases, the potential health and environmental effects of those releases,
pollution prevention activities and opportunities, and the social and political
aspects of environmental protection. In the Environmental Studies Department at
Dickinson College (Pennsylvania), students use TRI data to conduct toxic waste
audits on communities and individual facilities. These audits often involve plant
tours that focus on toxic chemical use reduction and "good neighbor" agreements
between facilities and communities.
EPA continues to develop tools to aid public understanding and use of the TRI data,
and citizens are consequently becoming more and more aware of the chemicals in
their communities and the risks they pose. This information and awareness can
lead to focused public action. Reporting on releases and off-site transfers of
chemicals leaves many manufacturing facilities open to public criticism and
judgment. Because TRI data can be obtained by the public, facilities may improve
their waste management and source reduction programs to promote a better public
image. Citizen protests and boycotts may influence other reporting facilities to limit
their chemical usage and encourage waste recycling and treatment rather than
disposal. Acting on behalf of their constituents, government officials may demand
action in response to TRI findings.
The information in this document is not by any means a complete representation of EPA's regulations or
policies, but is an introduction to the topic used for Hotline training purposes.
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Using the Toxics Release Inventory -. 13
3. MODULE SUMMARY
The data collected each year under EPCRA §313 contain the amount of toxic
chemicals released'and transferred from manufacturing facilities and federal
facilities across the United States, This information is readily available in hard copy/
in computer software, and electronically via the Internet and Bulletin Board systems
(i.e., TOXNET, TRIS, and RTK NET). All data received from industry are checked
for accuracy and completeness, and enforcement and education efforts are constantly
increasing the quality of data obtained. Although the data have limitations, and
thus should be used and interpreted conservatively, the information already
gathered has proven beneficial on many fronts. Government agencies can use the
data in the development of environmental legislation and national priorities. EPA
can use the data to promulgate new regulations, implement and enforce existing
regulations, and analyze progress among the various offices and programs. Using
TRI data,,EPA has alfeady begun to emphasize elimination of waste at the industrial
source through reduction and recycling activities. The public can use exposure,
toxicity, and other information prepared in conjunction with TRI data to improve
overall knowledge of toxic chemicals and the risks they pose to the community.
With this understanding, citizens can identify their own' areas of concern and
environmental priorities. For these reasons, EPA continues to encourage the use
and expansion of the TRI program. ,
The information in this document is not by any means a complete representation of EPA's regulations or
policies, but is an introduction to the topic used for Hotline training purposes.
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14 - Using the Toxics Release Inventory
The information in this document is not by any means a complete representation of EPA's regulations or
policies, but is an introduction to the topic used for Hotline training purposes.
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Using the Toxics Release Inventory -15
4. REVIEW EXERCISES
The exercises in this section are designed to help you check your knowledge of the
material in this module. Use any reference materials you^need to answer the
questions. Provide complete citations and write your'answers in paragraph form.
EXERCISE!
If a caller wishes to obtain copies of a facility's Form R submission, what should
he/she be instructed'to do?
EXERCISE 2
Name the specific users of and advantages to the four databases:
TOXNET, TRIS, and RTK NET, and Envirofacts. ,
EXERCISES
Looking over its 1994 Form R submissions, a facility determines that Some data were
incorrect. Several numbers were off by a factor of 100. What happens if the facility
submits a voluntary revision on October 15, 1995? After October 15, 1995? .
The information in this document is not by any means a complete representation of EPA's regulations or
policies, but is an introdudjon to the topic used for Hotline training purposes. .'
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16 - Using the Toxics Release Inventory
How would a caller get a copy of 1995 Toxics Release Inventory on CD-ROM?
EXERCISES
How may a facility correct errors on its Form R(s)?
The information in this document is not by any means a complete representation of EPA's regulations or
policies, but is an introduction to the topic used for Hotline training purposes.
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