&EPA Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) Success Stories in Government TRI Data Used to Improve Integration of International Environmental Management Systems and Highlight Toxic Emission Reductions from North American Pulp and Paper Mills The Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) successfully combined data from three North American environmental management systems, also known as Pollutant Release and Transfer Registers (PRTRs): Canada's National Pollutant Release Inventory, Mexico's Registro de Emisiones y Transferencia de Contaminantes, and the United States' Toxics Release Inventory. The combined PRTRs made it possible for CEC to aggregate quantities of chemicals used in pulp and paper mills, assess their toxic releases, and determine what pollution reduction strategies were used across North America. In integrating the PRTRs, a 19% and 6% reduction in reported air and water releases, respectively, was observed from North American pulp and paper mills during 2005-2010. Pollution reduction strategies identified in this effort included closed-loop recycling, pollution control technologies, and substitutions with less-toxic chemicals. Combining the PRTRs allowed CEC to assess drivers of toxic chemical reductions, such as changes in production and demand, economic incentives, operational changes, and reporting methods. The CEC's report identified the top chemicals and facilities contributing to human health risks from North American pulp, paper, and paperboard mills. The pulp and paper industry study is part of a larger effort, Taking Stock, to bring together a wide variety of industry stakeholders to support decision-making around pollution prevention. Commission for Environmental Cooperation. 2014. Taking Stock: North American Pollutant Releases and Transfers, Chapter 3 Releases to Air and Water from North American Pulp, Paper, and Paperboard Mills, 2005-2010. Available online at: http:/7www 3. cec. org islandora en item 11581-takins-stock-vol-l 4-en. pdf. To learn more about the TRI Program, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/toxics-release-inventory-tri-program/learn-about-toxics-release-invento ------- |