The Toxic Release Inventory

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About the Chart

About the TRI

What is it?

The TRI or Toxic Release Inventory is a program run by the EPA to provide transparency on how and where chemicals that are harmful to human health are released into the environment. The program requires facilities to report where, how, and what chemicals are being disposed of. This data is then gathered by the EPA and released to the public.

When did it start?

The TRI was established following the 1984 Bhopal Chemical Plant disaster which led to the death of thousands in India after a toxic gas leak, and a series of similar chemical leaks at a plant in West Virginia. Congress passed the Right-to-Know Act in 1986 which created the Toxic Release Inventory. Every year since designated facilities are required to report their chemical releases.

About the Release Types

Surface Water

Chemicals released as surface water discharge. Meaning chemicals that have either directly or indirectly been released into bodies of water on or off site.

Recycled

Chemicals recycled for reuse.

Air Stack

Chemicals released by air stacks and fumes.

Underground Wells

Chemicals that have been pumped deep underground into specialized wells.

Land Treatment

Chemicals that have been applied to the environment as a part of farming practices. Meaning fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides.

Surface Impoundment

A surface impoundment uses natural topographic depressions, man-made excavations, or diked areas for temporary storage or treatment of liquid hazardous waste. Examples include ponds, pits and lagoons such as: Holding ponds. Storage pits.

Landfill

Chemicals that have been disposed in landfills off site.