EPA Orders Amphenol Corp. to Implement Final Cleanup Plan for Amphenol/Franklin Power Products Site in Indiana
Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a new administrative order on consent at the Amphenol/Franklin Power Products site in Franklin, Indiana. The cleanup will include installation of permeable reactive barriers to break down remaining contamination from volatile organic compounds.
This order requires the company to restore groundwater at the site to its “best use potential.” The cleanup is based on the plan proposed in the EPA’s 2022 statement of basis, which was finalized in the EPA’s 2023 final decision and response to comments. As part of the final remedy, the company will install permeable reactive barriers along Forsythe Street and Hamilton Avenue to help to break down remaining contamination.
The EPA initially required Amphenol Corp. to install interim vapor intrusion mitigation systems on residential properties and a groundwater pump-and-treat system to contain and treat groundwater before proper disposal under a 1998 administrative order on consent. The mitigation systems addressed the potential pathways for immediate human exposure to volatile organic compounds. The new installation of permeable reactive barriers will reduce concentrations in groundwater to meet long-term cleanup goals.
Following the issuance of the new order, Amphenol Corp. will develop a workplan for the EPA’s review and approval. The workplan will outline the construction of the final cleanup plan as well as proposed monitoring activities to ensure ongoing protection of human health and the environment. Construction will begin after the EPA’s approval of this workplan, and a timeline of which will be shared with residents.
For more information, please visit the EPA’s Amphenol website.
This order requires the company to restore groundwater at the site to its “best use potential.” The cleanup is based on the plan proposed in the EPA’s 2022 statement of basis, which was finalized in the EPA’s 2023 final decision and response to comments. As part of the final remedy, the company will install permeable reactive barriers along Forsythe Street and Hamilton Avenue to help to break down remaining contamination.
The EPA initially required Amphenol Corp. to install interim vapor intrusion mitigation systems on residential properties and a groundwater pump-and-treat system to contain and treat groundwater before proper disposal under a 1998 administrative order on consent. The mitigation systems addressed the potential pathways for immediate human exposure to volatile organic compounds. The new installation of permeable reactive barriers will reduce concentrations in groundwater to meet long-term cleanup goals.
Following the issuance of the new order, Amphenol Corp. will develop a workplan for the EPA’s review and approval. The workplan will outline the construction of the final cleanup plan as well as proposed monitoring activities to ensure ongoing protection of human health and the environment. Construction will begin after the EPA’s approval of this workplan, and a timeline of which will be shared with residents.
For more information, please visit the EPA’s Amphenol website.
EPA partners with 10 communities to foster equitable development strategies to reach environmental goals
WASHINGTON – Today, March 22, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that ten communities will receive technical assistance through the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program. Together, EPA and the local communities will pursue development strategies that expand upon existing Brownfields efforts and advance clean air, clean water, equitable development and other local goals.
“Many communities are looking to grow in ways that create economic opportunity and enhance quality of life, while also protecting the environment,” said EPA Associate Administrator for Policy Vicki Arroyo. “Our Building Blocks program provides assistance with proven development strategies to help communities plan for a healthier, more vibrant future.”
EPA’s Office of Community Revitalization selected communities through a targeted outreach effort in a partnership with the Office of Brownfields and Land Revitalization and Regional offices across the United States. This technical assistance will help communities:
Ensure their development decisions address environmental justice concerns in underserved and overburdened communities.
Preserve their natural resources and community character, while allowing for economic growth.
Create vibrant, walkable and revitalized neighborhoods.
In 2024, EPA staff will lead projects in ten communities, including convening federal, state, regional and local partners, and contractor support, for two-day in-person workshops. The projects will address development-oriented and equity issues on two topics: Planning for Equitable Development and Sustainable Strategies for Small Cities and Rural Communities.
Since 2011, the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program has provided assistance to over 200 communities in 47 states. With this assistance, community groups, local governments and tribal governments across the nation have increased their capacity to protect the environment, improve public health, expand economic opportunity, prepare for the effects of climate change and improve overall quality of life.
Recipients of the 2024 Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities Program
Region 1
The Passamaquoddy Tribe of Point Pleasant, Maine, has worked with EPA’s Brownfields program to remediate a site on their land and redevelop for the development and enrichment of Tribal youth, promoting traditional activities such as hunting, fishing and camping. “I’m extremely excited for this new opportunity for the youth! I work very closely in the community, and I have four boys myself. This is going to be an amazing venture for them,” said Melissa Dana, member of the Passamaquoddy Tribe. “Coming as a parent of all boys who are all adventurous and spend half their time in the woods, this is definitely going to be utilized.”
Region 2
The Akwesasne/St. Regis Mohawk Tribe, N.Y. straddles the Canadian border at the 45th parallel and is downstream from three Superfund sites. The community intends to use the Building Blocks process to collaboratively plan for an Akwesasne Heritage Center Complex on a site that is undergoing an environmental site assessment. “Our selection for inclusion to the EPA Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program represents further progress towards the long-held goal of constructing a new and modern Akwesasne Heritage Center Complex,” said St. Regis Mohawk Tribe Executive Director, Tsiorasa Barreiro. “The Technical Assistance resources provided by the program will help our Environment and Economic Development teams engage our community in workshops to develop a strong cultural action plan and final design for the Heritage Center.” The Heritage Center will serve as a cultural anchor for the community, potentially housing both a museum and library.
The Shinnecock Indian Nation is a small, federally recognized tribe residing on the Shinnecock Reservation in Suffolk County, on the southern shore of Long Island, New York. The tribe seeks to clean up and reuse contaminated properties to maximize the limited amount of developable land in their territory. “Our Building Blocks project will be the critical first step towards remediation of multiple abandoned properties and support our sustainable development for the wellbeing of the people and wildlife, alike,” said Shavonne Smith, Environmental Director.
Region 5
Austin, Minn., is a city with a large immigrant and refugee community that will focus their Building Blocks project on a commercial corridor facing some challenging redevelopment issues, including several Brownfield sites. The Equitable Development tool will help the city strengthen housing, health, equity and connectivity opportunities in partnership with community organizations and stakeholders. “We look forward to encouraging proper redevelopment while addressing health and equity concerns in partnership with the Building Blocks team,” said City Administrator Craig Clark.
Manitowoc, Wis., is a small city with a strong maritime and industrial legacy located on the shores of Lake Michigan. It will use the Building Blocks process to focus on a neighborhood near the Manitowoc River that is experiencing disinvestment due to the departure of the aluminum manufacturing industry. “Working with the Building Blocks team will provide residents and businesses an opportunity to meaningfully engage and shape a vision for this near downtown neighborhood and identify redevelopment opportunities that will have a positive impact,” said Mayor Justin M. Nickels. The city plans to incorporate equity from the outset as they engage residents and work towards identifying redevelopment opportunities to best address the transportation, housing and other needs of the area.
Region 7
Jennings, Mo., is a city of 13,000 in the St. Louis metropolitan area, working to transform their West Florissant Business Corridor downtown into a safe, walkable and thriving business district. The city – which has suffered the economic and public health impacts of racial discrimination for decades – will convene local, regional, state and federal organizations to coordinate efforts to address commercial vacancies in Jennings and rebuild the Corridor to work best for residents and business owners. “Residents often share their memories of what that corridor once was — a pillar of the community, and a place where residents could get everything they needed,” said Anni Dineen, Economic Development Coordinator of Jennings. “This opportunity will equip us to restore the thriving aspects of the corridor in an equitable and sustainable way.”
Region 8
Cheyenne, Wyo., will use Building Blocks tools to address urban sprawl, housing shortages and affordability issues. Cheyenne has experienced steady growth in recent years and has recently begun to address these issues through proposed and recently passed code amendments. “Our community will address challenges related to stormwater, green space and transportation options through the Building Blocks process,” said Lonnie Olson, Cheyenne city planner. Cheyenne intends to apply a smart growth lens to current codes and identify strategies to foster compact, mixed-use development.
Mandan, N.D., a city along the Missouri River adjacent to the state capitol Bismarck, is bringing together stakeholders to prioritize concerns and elevate solutions to revitalize an underutilized corridor in town. “We strive to create a vibrant neighborhood with high-quality residential units that meet market demands and enhance accessibility for residents,” said City Administrator Jim Neubauer. "We will identify stakeholder concerns and priorities and identify plans to address them.”
Region 10
Chiloquin, Ore., is a small rural town located within the ancestral homeland of the Klamath Tribes. In addition to two Brownfield projects, the city and key partners have several other state and federal projects underway, including a Safe Routes to School project, a parks master planning process and a tiny homes initiative. “We are excited to use Building Blocks assistance to ensure the city engages in an equitable and collaborative approach to these important upcoming community decisions,” said Cathy A. Stuhr, Chiloquin Brownfield Program Manager.
Palouse, Wash., a small town in eastern Washington along the Idaho border, won a Brownfields Award in 2023. Palouse is experiencing external growth pressures from two nearby universities. “We are eager to build upon the momentum of revitalizing our Main Street by addressing housing, economic development and sustainability goals,” said Mayor Tim Sievers.
Learn more about the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program.
“Many communities are looking to grow in ways that create economic opportunity and enhance quality of life, while also protecting the environment,” said EPA Associate Administrator for Policy Vicki Arroyo. “Our Building Blocks program provides assistance with proven development strategies to help communities plan for a healthier, more vibrant future.”
EPA’s Office of Community Revitalization selected communities through a targeted outreach effort in a partnership with the Office of Brownfields and Land Revitalization and Regional offices across the United States. This technical assistance will help communities:
Ensure their development decisions address environmental justice concerns in underserved and overburdened communities.
Preserve their natural resources and community character, while allowing for economic growth.
Create vibrant, walkable and revitalized neighborhoods.
In 2024, EPA staff will lead projects in ten communities, including convening federal, state, regional and local partners, and contractor support, for two-day in-person workshops. The projects will address development-oriented and equity issues on two topics: Planning for Equitable Development and Sustainable Strategies for Small Cities and Rural Communities.
Since 2011, the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program has provided assistance to over 200 communities in 47 states. With this assistance, community groups, local governments and tribal governments across the nation have increased their capacity to protect the environment, improve public health, expand economic opportunity, prepare for the effects of climate change and improve overall quality of life.
Recipients of the 2024 Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities Program
Region 1
The Passamaquoddy Tribe of Point Pleasant, Maine, has worked with EPA’s Brownfields program to remediate a site on their land and redevelop for the development and enrichment of Tribal youth, promoting traditional activities such as hunting, fishing and camping. “I’m extremely excited for this new opportunity for the youth! I work very closely in the community, and I have four boys myself. This is going to be an amazing venture for them,” said Melissa Dana, member of the Passamaquoddy Tribe. “Coming as a parent of all boys who are all adventurous and spend half their time in the woods, this is definitely going to be utilized.”
Region 2
The Akwesasne/St. Regis Mohawk Tribe, N.Y. straddles the Canadian border at the 45th parallel and is downstream from three Superfund sites. The community intends to use the Building Blocks process to collaboratively plan for an Akwesasne Heritage Center Complex on a site that is undergoing an environmental site assessment. “Our selection for inclusion to the EPA Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program represents further progress towards the long-held goal of constructing a new and modern Akwesasne Heritage Center Complex,” said St. Regis Mohawk Tribe Executive Director, Tsiorasa Barreiro. “The Technical Assistance resources provided by the program will help our Environment and Economic Development teams engage our community in workshops to develop a strong cultural action plan and final design for the Heritage Center.” The Heritage Center will serve as a cultural anchor for the community, potentially housing both a museum and library.
The Shinnecock Indian Nation is a small, federally recognized tribe residing on the Shinnecock Reservation in Suffolk County, on the southern shore of Long Island, New York. The tribe seeks to clean up and reuse contaminated properties to maximize the limited amount of developable land in their territory. “Our Building Blocks project will be the critical first step towards remediation of multiple abandoned properties and support our sustainable development for the wellbeing of the people and wildlife, alike,” said Shavonne Smith, Environmental Director.
Region 5
Austin, Minn., is a city with a large immigrant and refugee community that will focus their Building Blocks project on a commercial corridor facing some challenging redevelopment issues, including several Brownfield sites. The Equitable Development tool will help the city strengthen housing, health, equity and connectivity opportunities in partnership with community organizations and stakeholders. “We look forward to encouraging proper redevelopment while addressing health and equity concerns in partnership with the Building Blocks team,” said City Administrator Craig Clark.
Manitowoc, Wis., is a small city with a strong maritime and industrial legacy located on the shores of Lake Michigan. It will use the Building Blocks process to focus on a neighborhood near the Manitowoc River that is experiencing disinvestment due to the departure of the aluminum manufacturing industry. “Working with the Building Blocks team will provide residents and businesses an opportunity to meaningfully engage and shape a vision for this near downtown neighborhood and identify redevelopment opportunities that will have a positive impact,” said Mayor Justin M. Nickels. The city plans to incorporate equity from the outset as they engage residents and work towards identifying redevelopment opportunities to best address the transportation, housing and other needs of the area.
Region 7
Jennings, Mo., is a city of 13,000 in the St. Louis metropolitan area, working to transform their West Florissant Business Corridor downtown into a safe, walkable and thriving business district. The city – which has suffered the economic and public health impacts of racial discrimination for decades – will convene local, regional, state and federal organizations to coordinate efforts to address commercial vacancies in Jennings and rebuild the Corridor to work best for residents and business owners. “Residents often share their memories of what that corridor once was — a pillar of the community, and a place where residents could get everything they needed,” said Anni Dineen, Economic Development Coordinator of Jennings. “This opportunity will equip us to restore the thriving aspects of the corridor in an equitable and sustainable way.”
Region 8
Cheyenne, Wyo., will use Building Blocks tools to address urban sprawl, housing shortages and affordability issues. Cheyenne has experienced steady growth in recent years and has recently begun to address these issues through proposed and recently passed code amendments. “Our community will address challenges related to stormwater, green space and transportation options through the Building Blocks process,” said Lonnie Olson, Cheyenne city planner. Cheyenne intends to apply a smart growth lens to current codes and identify strategies to foster compact, mixed-use development.
Mandan, N.D., a city along the Missouri River adjacent to the state capitol Bismarck, is bringing together stakeholders to prioritize concerns and elevate solutions to revitalize an underutilized corridor in town. “We strive to create a vibrant neighborhood with high-quality residential units that meet market demands and enhance accessibility for residents,” said City Administrator Jim Neubauer. "We will identify stakeholder concerns and priorities and identify plans to address them.”
Region 10
Chiloquin, Ore., is a small rural town located within the ancestral homeland of the Klamath Tribes. In addition to two Brownfield projects, the city and key partners have several other state and federal projects underway, including a Safe Routes to School project, a parks master planning process and a tiny homes initiative. “We are excited to use Building Blocks assistance to ensure the city engages in an equitable and collaborative approach to these important upcoming community decisions,” said Cathy A. Stuhr, Chiloquin Brownfield Program Manager.
Palouse, Wash., a small town in eastern Washington along the Idaho border, won a Brownfields Award in 2023. Palouse is experiencing external growth pressures from two nearby universities. “We are eager to build upon the momentum of revitalizing our Main Street by addressing housing, economic development and sustainability goals,” said Mayor Tim Sievers.
Learn more about the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program.
US House passes ‘OSRA 2.0’ to set new curbs on China’s shipping industry
The legislation is an attempt to give federal maritime law more teeth to go after what its backers see as market manipulation and potential espionage from China.
Maersk resumes trans-Pacific service amid early ‘24 import growth
The carrier said the restored TP20 service will offer “competitive”’ transit times just as shippers need to ensure products are in stock for spring and summer.
Closing Today: Virtual Registration for CBP 2024 Trade Facilitation and Cargo Security Summit
WASHINGTON — Registration to virtually attend the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) 2024 Trade Facilitation and Cargo Security Summit remains open until 4 p.m., today.
The Summit will take place virtually and on-site in…
The Summit will take place virtually and on-site in…
EPA reaches settlement with Resonac America for illegal import of super climate pollutant at Port of Los Angeles
WASHINGTON – Today, March 21, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a settlement with Resonac America Inc. to address the company’s illegal import of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) at the Port of Los Angeles on four occasions in 2023 and 2024. Resonac America, which is a subsidiary of the Tokyo-based Resonac Corporation, will pay a penalty of $416,003 and destroy 1,693 pounds of HFCs to resolve EPA’s allegations of violations.
“EPA continues to prioritize enforcement against companies that illegally import refrigerants that damage our climate and imperil future generations,” said David M. Uhlmann, Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “This case is the largest penalty imposed to date for importing super-polluting HFCs as part of EPA’s National Enforcement and Compliance Initiative on Mitigating Climate Change—and the first to require the company to destroy the HFCs.”
“HFCs are a powerful climate pollutant, so it’s imperative that companies importing them into our nation do so in strict accordance with environmental laws,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “This is the latest in a series of EPA HFC enforcement efforts nationwide, which send a clear message that the federal government is vigilantly monitoring imports of HFCs and will hold illegal actors accountable.”
On three separate occasions – in October, November and December 2023 – Resonac America imported a total of 6,208 pounds of illegal HFCs into the United States at the Port of Los Angeles. These imports violated the prohibition on importing bulk regulated substances into the United States without possessing sufficient consumption or application-specific allowances at the time of import. Resonac America also failed to give EPA the required notice of planned shipments of HFCs for the 2023 shipments and a February 2024 shipment, as well as failed to timely submit reports to the EPA with information on HFCs that the company imported in the first and second quarters of 2023.
Resonac America imported HFC-23 which is a potent greenhouse gas with a 100-year global warming potential of 14,800. This enforcement action prevented approximately 6,208 pounds, or 2.816 metric tons, of illegal HFCs from being imported into the U.S. If released into the atmosphere, these HFCs are the equivalent of 41,676.8 metric tons of CO2, or the same amount of CO2 produced from powering 8,225 homes with electricity for a year.
HFCs are a super climate pollutant with global warming potentials hundreds to thousands of times higher than CO2. For this reason, pursuant to the Montreal Protocol and its Kigali Amendment, production and imports of HFCs are being phased down 85% from historical levels by developed countries by 2036. EPA has made it a national enforcement and compliance priority to address the illegal import of HFCs under the current phasedown and has settled numerous cases over the last several months with companies regarding HFC imports.
The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, adopted in 2016, is a global agreement to phase down HFCs by 2036 for the United States and other developed countries, and is expected to avoid up to 0.5°C of global warming by 2100.
In response to the Kigali Amendment, Congress passed the bipartisan American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020 (AIM Act), requiring the United States to phase down HFC production and consumption by 85% by 2036. Since January 2022, EPA and CBP have denied entry to approximately 81 shipments of illegal HFCs. Under EPA’s HFC phasedown regulations, importers must expend allowances to import HFCs. Illegal imports of HFCs undermine the phasedown, disadvantage companies who follow the rules, and contribute to global warming.
More information related to HFCs, greenhouse gases, the AIM Act, and the climate change National Enforcement and Compliance Initiative are available on EPA’s website:
Enforcement of the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program: HFC Importers web page.
Enforcement of the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020 web page.
Fiscal Years 2024 – 2027 National Enforcement and Compliance Initiatives (NECIs) web page.
Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (GHGRP) web page.
If you suspect someone is illegally importing HFCs, tell EPA at its Report Environmental Violations website. Information you submit will be forwarded to EPA environmental enforcement personnel or to the appropriate regulatory authority.
“EPA continues to prioritize enforcement against companies that illegally import refrigerants that damage our climate and imperil future generations,” said David M. Uhlmann, Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “This case is the largest penalty imposed to date for importing super-polluting HFCs as part of EPA’s National Enforcement and Compliance Initiative on Mitigating Climate Change—and the first to require the company to destroy the HFCs.”
“HFCs are a powerful climate pollutant, so it’s imperative that companies importing them into our nation do so in strict accordance with environmental laws,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “This is the latest in a series of EPA HFC enforcement efforts nationwide, which send a clear message that the federal government is vigilantly monitoring imports of HFCs and will hold illegal actors accountable.”
On three separate occasions – in October, November and December 2023 – Resonac America imported a total of 6,208 pounds of illegal HFCs into the United States at the Port of Los Angeles. These imports violated the prohibition on importing bulk regulated substances into the United States without possessing sufficient consumption or application-specific allowances at the time of import. Resonac America also failed to give EPA the required notice of planned shipments of HFCs for the 2023 shipments and a February 2024 shipment, as well as failed to timely submit reports to the EPA with information on HFCs that the company imported in the first and second quarters of 2023.
Resonac America imported HFC-23 which is a potent greenhouse gas with a 100-year global warming potential of 14,800. This enforcement action prevented approximately 6,208 pounds, or 2.816 metric tons, of illegal HFCs from being imported into the U.S. If released into the atmosphere, these HFCs are the equivalent of 41,676.8 metric tons of CO2, or the same amount of CO2 produced from powering 8,225 homes with electricity for a year.
HFCs are a super climate pollutant with global warming potentials hundreds to thousands of times higher than CO2. For this reason, pursuant to the Montreal Protocol and its Kigali Amendment, production and imports of HFCs are being phased down 85% from historical levels by developed countries by 2036. EPA has made it a national enforcement and compliance priority to address the illegal import of HFCs under the current phasedown and has settled numerous cases over the last several months with companies regarding HFC imports.
The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, adopted in 2016, is a global agreement to phase down HFCs by 2036 for the United States and other developed countries, and is expected to avoid up to 0.5°C of global warming by 2100.
In response to the Kigali Amendment, Congress passed the bipartisan American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020 (AIM Act), requiring the United States to phase down HFC production and consumption by 85% by 2036. Since January 2022, EPA and CBP have denied entry to approximately 81 shipments of illegal HFCs. Under EPA’s HFC phasedown regulations, importers must expend allowances to import HFCs. Illegal imports of HFCs undermine the phasedown, disadvantage companies who follow the rules, and contribute to global warming.
More information related to HFCs, greenhouse gases, the AIM Act, and the climate change National Enforcement and Compliance Initiative are available on EPA’s website:
Enforcement of the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program: HFC Importers web page.
Enforcement of the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020 web page.
Fiscal Years 2024 – 2027 National Enforcement and Compliance Initiatives (NECIs) web page.
Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (GHGRP) web page.
If you suspect someone is illegally importing HFCs, tell EPA at its Report Environmental Violations website. Information you submit will be forwarded to EPA environmental enforcement personnel or to the appropriate regulatory authority.
Toxic chemical releases have declined 21% in 10 years according to new Toxics Release Inventory data
WASHINGTON – Today, March 21, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released its 2022 Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) National Analysis showing that environmental releases of TRI chemicals from facilities covered by the program were 21% lower in 2022 compared to 2013. This includes a 26% decrease in air releases. During this 10-year period, releases from manufacturing facilities decreased by 9% while the value added to the U.S. economy from manufacturing increased by 14%. While overall releases increased by 1% from 2021 to 2022, there was a 6.5% increase in the number of pollution prevention activities reported under the TRI program compared to 2021.
The 2022 TRI National Analysis summarizes environmental releases of TRI chemicals, as well as how facilities managed their waste. In 2022, facilities reported managing 88.5% of their TRI chemical waste through preferred practices such as recycling, energy recovery and treatment, while releasing 11.5% of their TRI chemical waste into the environment.
“Communities have a right to know how facilities in their backyards might be exposing them to toxic chemicals,” said Assistant Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention Michal Freedhoff. “We are committed to sharing the information we collect from facilities openly and clearly, allowing people to find new ways to use this data to the benefit of us all.”
EPA, states and Tribes receive TRI data from facilities in sectors such as manufacturing, mining, hazardous waste management and electric utilities. More than 21,000 facilities submitted reports on 522 of the 827 chemicals and chemical categories for which TRI reporting is required. The remaining 305 chemicals either were not manufactured, processed or used by facilities required to report to TRI or were not manufactured, processed or used in amounts large enough to trigger reporting.
The 2022 TRI National Analysis features visualizations and analytical tools to make data more useful and accessible to communities. Readers can view data by state, Tribe, metropolitan area, EPA region and watershed using the “Where You Live” mapping tool. This tool also allows readers to view facility locations overlayed with demographic data to identify potential exposure to TRI chemical releases in communities, including overburdened communities. Community groups, policymakers and other stakeholders can use this information, along with other environmental data, to better understand which communities may be experiencing a disproportionate pollution burden and take action at the local level.
Additionally, the 2022 TRI National Analysis highlights trends and changes in waste management practices for specific sectors and chemicals in the Sector Profile and Chemical Profile sections. This year, the 2022 TRI National Analysis highlights the primary metals manufacturing sector alongside the standard profiles for electric utilities, chemical manufacturing and metal mining.
EPA is holding a public webinar on Thursday, April 4, 2024, at 2 p.m. ET to provide an overview of the 2022 TRI National Analysis. Register for the webinar.
View the 2022 TRI National Analysis, including local data.
PFAS Reporting
The TRI National Analysis includes reporting on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as required by the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). A provision of the NDAA outlines criteria for additional PFAS to be automatically added for TRI reporting. For reporting year 2022, four PFAS met the criteria and were added to the reporting requirements for a total of 180 PFAS tracked by the TRI program. During 2022, 50 facilities managed 1.2 million pounds of these chemicals as waste, which represents an 8% decrease compared to 2021.
For reporting year 2024, TRI will no longer have a reporting exemption for facilities that use PFAS in small, or de minimis, concentrations as a result of EPA’s recently published final rule. This rule will improve the quality and quantity of publicly available data on PFAS, as many materials used at facilities contain PFAS in low concentrations. Facilities that make or use these products will no longer be able to rely on the de minimis exemption to avoid their responsibility to disclose PFAS releases and other waste management of these chemicals.
Pollution Prevention
Facilities implemented 3,589 total pollution prevention activities in 2022 with the most common being process and equipment modifications, followed by changes to operating practices and training. Through both existing programs and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, EPA offers grant opportunities to state and Tribal technical assistance providers to help prevent pollution.
Industry professionals can view TRI reporting on pollution prevention to learn about best practices implemented at other facilities.
Key Expansions to TRI Reporting
Important expansions to TRI reporting went into effect for reporting year 2022. Some contract sterilization facilities, which are contracted to sterilize products or equipment for hospitals and other facilities, were required to report to TRI for the first time on their management of ethylene oxide and ethylene glycol as waste. These facilities managed 6.3 million pounds of ethylene oxide waste, nearly all of which was treated.
Reporting year 2022 was also the first year of expanded reporting for the natural gas processing sector. The 305 facilities in this sector that reported to TRI managed 115 million pounds of TRI chemicals in waste and disposed of 81% of TRI chemicals in underground injection wells.
The 2022 TRI National Analysis summarizes environmental releases of TRI chemicals, as well as how facilities managed their waste. In 2022, facilities reported managing 88.5% of their TRI chemical waste through preferred practices such as recycling, energy recovery and treatment, while releasing 11.5% of their TRI chemical waste into the environment.
“Communities have a right to know how facilities in their backyards might be exposing them to toxic chemicals,” said Assistant Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention Michal Freedhoff. “We are committed to sharing the information we collect from facilities openly and clearly, allowing people to find new ways to use this data to the benefit of us all.”
EPA, states and Tribes receive TRI data from facilities in sectors such as manufacturing, mining, hazardous waste management and electric utilities. More than 21,000 facilities submitted reports on 522 of the 827 chemicals and chemical categories for which TRI reporting is required. The remaining 305 chemicals either were not manufactured, processed or used by facilities required to report to TRI or were not manufactured, processed or used in amounts large enough to trigger reporting.
The 2022 TRI National Analysis features visualizations and analytical tools to make data more useful and accessible to communities. Readers can view data by state, Tribe, metropolitan area, EPA region and watershed using the “Where You Live” mapping tool. This tool also allows readers to view facility locations overlayed with demographic data to identify potential exposure to TRI chemical releases in communities, including overburdened communities. Community groups, policymakers and other stakeholders can use this information, along with other environmental data, to better understand which communities may be experiencing a disproportionate pollution burden and take action at the local level.
Additionally, the 2022 TRI National Analysis highlights trends and changes in waste management practices for specific sectors and chemicals in the Sector Profile and Chemical Profile sections. This year, the 2022 TRI National Analysis highlights the primary metals manufacturing sector alongside the standard profiles for electric utilities, chemical manufacturing and metal mining.
EPA is holding a public webinar on Thursday, April 4, 2024, at 2 p.m. ET to provide an overview of the 2022 TRI National Analysis. Register for the webinar.
View the 2022 TRI National Analysis, including local data.
PFAS Reporting
The TRI National Analysis includes reporting on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as required by the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). A provision of the NDAA outlines criteria for additional PFAS to be automatically added for TRI reporting. For reporting year 2022, four PFAS met the criteria and were added to the reporting requirements for a total of 180 PFAS tracked by the TRI program. During 2022, 50 facilities managed 1.2 million pounds of these chemicals as waste, which represents an 8% decrease compared to 2021.
For reporting year 2024, TRI will no longer have a reporting exemption for facilities that use PFAS in small, or de minimis, concentrations as a result of EPA’s recently published final rule. This rule will improve the quality and quantity of publicly available data on PFAS, as many materials used at facilities contain PFAS in low concentrations. Facilities that make or use these products will no longer be able to rely on the de minimis exemption to avoid their responsibility to disclose PFAS releases and other waste management of these chemicals.
Pollution Prevention
Facilities implemented 3,589 total pollution prevention activities in 2022 with the most common being process and equipment modifications, followed by changes to operating practices and training. Through both existing programs and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, EPA offers grant opportunities to state and Tribal technical assistance providers to help prevent pollution.
Industry professionals can view TRI reporting on pollution prevention to learn about best practices implemented at other facilities.
Key Expansions to TRI Reporting
Important expansions to TRI reporting went into effect for reporting year 2022. Some contract sterilization facilities, which are contracted to sterilize products or equipment for hospitals and other facilities, were required to report to TRI for the first time on their management of ethylene oxide and ethylene glycol as waste. These facilities managed 6.3 million pounds of ethylene oxide waste, nearly all of which was treated.
Reporting year 2022 was also the first year of expanded reporting for the natural gas processing sector. The 305 facilities in this sector that reported to TRI managed 115 million pounds of TRI chemicals in waste and disposed of 81% of TRI chemicals in underground injection wells.
New Toxics Release Inventory Data Reported
NEW YORK - Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released its 2022 Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) National Analysis showing that environmental releases of TRI chemicals from facilities covered by the program were 21% lower in 2022 compared to 2013. This includes a 26% decrease in air releases. During this 10-year period, releases from manufacturing facilities decreased by 9% while the value added to the U.S. economy from manufacturing increased by 14%. While overall releases increased by 1% from 2021 to 2022, there was a 6.5% increase in the number of pollution prevention activities reported under the TRI program compared to 2021.
The report also shows that production-related waste managed from TRI facilities in New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Island and eight Indian Nations has decreased by 24% since 2013.
During 2022, facilities in New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and eight Indian Nations (Region 2) managed 94% of their waste through preferred methods such as treatment, energy recovery and recycling, while only 6% was released into the environment. Region 2 releases and disposal totaled 34.1 million pounds in 2022. Since 2013, air emissions have decreased by 40% and surface water discharges have decreased by 23%. In 2022, 11% of facilities in Region 2 implemented new pollution prevention activities–higher than the nationwide average of 8%–with the most common being changes to operating practices and training.
"Toxics Release Inventory data continues to ensure the community's right to know the information about toxic chemicals manufactured, processed, or used at facilities in their neighborhoods," said Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. "We will continue to find ways to improve this important tool and equip the public with this essential information.”
The 2022 TRI National Analysis summarizes environmental releases of TRI chemicals, as well how facilities managed their waste. In 2022, facilities reported managing 88.5% of their TRI chemical waste through preferred practices such as recycling, energy recovery and treatment, while releasing 11.5% of their TRI chemical waste into the environment.
EPA, states and Tribes receive TRI data from facilities in sectors such as manufacturing, mining, hazardous waste management and electric utilities. More than 21,000 facilities submitted reports on 522 of the 827 chemicals and chemical categories for which TRI reporting is required. The remaining 305 chemicals either were not manufactured, processed or used by facilities required to report to TRI or were not manufactured, processed or used in amounts large enough to trigger reporting.
The 2022 TRI National Analysis features visualizations and analytical tools to make data more useful and accessible to communities. Readers can view data by state, Tribe, metropolitan area, EPA region and watershed using the “Where You Live” mapping tool. This tool also allows readers to view facility locations overlayed with demographic data to identify potential exposure to TRI chemical releases in communities, including overburdened communities. Community groups, policymakers and other stakeholders can use this information, along with other environmental data, to better understand which communities may be experiencing a disproportionate pollution burden and take action at the local level.
Additionally, the 2022 TRI National Analysis highlights trends and changes in waste management practices for specific sectors and chemicals in the Sector Profile and Chemical Profile sections. This year, the 2022 TRI National Analysis highlights the primary metals manufacturing sector alongside the standard profiles for electric utilities, chemical manufacturing and metal mining.
EPA is holding a public webinar on Thursday, April 4, 2024, at 2 p.m. ET to provide an overview of the 2022 TRI National Analysis. Register for the webinar.
View the 2022 TRI National Analysis, including local data.
PFAS Reporting
The TRI National Analysis includes reporting on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as required by the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). A provision of the NDAA outlines criteria for additional PFAS to be automatically added for TRI reporting. For reporting year 2022, four PFAS met the criteria and were added to the reporting requirements for a total of 180 PFAS tracked by the TRI program. During 2022, 50 facilities managed 1.2 million pounds of these chemicals as waste, which represents an 8% decrease compared to 2021.
For reporting year 2024, TRI will no longer have a reporting exemption for facilities that use PFAS in small, or de minimis, concentrations as a result of EPA’s recently published final rule. This rule will improve the quality and quantity of publicly available data on PFAS, as many materials used at facilities contain PFAS in low concentrations. Facilities that make or use these products will no longer be able to rely on the de minimis exemption to avoid their responsibility to disclose PFAS releases and other waste management of these chemicals.
Pollution Prevention
Facilities implemented 3,589 total pollution prevention activities in 2022 with the most common being process and equipment modifications, followed by changes to operating practices and training. Through both existing programs and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, EPA offers grant opportunities to state and Tribal technical assistance providers to help prevent pollution.
Industry professionals can view TRI reporting on pollution prevention to learn about best practices implemented at other facilities.
Key Expansions to TRI Reporting
Important expansions to TRI reporting went into effect for reporting year 2022. Some contract sterilization facilities, which are contracted to sterilize products or equipment for hospitals and other facilities, were required to report to TRI for the first time on their management of ethylene oxide and ethylene glycol as waste. These facilities managed 6.3 million pounds of ethylene oxide waste, nearly all of which was treated.
Reporting year 2022 was also the first year of expanded reporting for the natural gas processing sector. The 305 facilities in this sector that reported to TRI managed 115 million pounds of TRI chemicals in waste and disposed of 81% of TRI chemicals in underground injection wells.
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The report also shows that production-related waste managed from TRI facilities in New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Island and eight Indian Nations has decreased by 24% since 2013.
During 2022, facilities in New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and eight Indian Nations (Region 2) managed 94% of their waste through preferred methods such as treatment, energy recovery and recycling, while only 6% was released into the environment. Region 2 releases and disposal totaled 34.1 million pounds in 2022. Since 2013, air emissions have decreased by 40% and surface water discharges have decreased by 23%. In 2022, 11% of facilities in Region 2 implemented new pollution prevention activities–higher than the nationwide average of 8%–with the most common being changes to operating practices and training.
"Toxics Release Inventory data continues to ensure the community's right to know the information about toxic chemicals manufactured, processed, or used at facilities in their neighborhoods," said Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. "We will continue to find ways to improve this important tool and equip the public with this essential information.”
The 2022 TRI National Analysis summarizes environmental releases of TRI chemicals, as well how facilities managed their waste. In 2022, facilities reported managing 88.5% of their TRI chemical waste through preferred practices such as recycling, energy recovery and treatment, while releasing 11.5% of their TRI chemical waste into the environment.
EPA, states and Tribes receive TRI data from facilities in sectors such as manufacturing, mining, hazardous waste management and electric utilities. More than 21,000 facilities submitted reports on 522 of the 827 chemicals and chemical categories for which TRI reporting is required. The remaining 305 chemicals either were not manufactured, processed or used by facilities required to report to TRI or were not manufactured, processed or used in amounts large enough to trigger reporting.
The 2022 TRI National Analysis features visualizations and analytical tools to make data more useful and accessible to communities. Readers can view data by state, Tribe, metropolitan area, EPA region and watershed using the “Where You Live” mapping tool. This tool also allows readers to view facility locations overlayed with demographic data to identify potential exposure to TRI chemical releases in communities, including overburdened communities. Community groups, policymakers and other stakeholders can use this information, along with other environmental data, to better understand which communities may be experiencing a disproportionate pollution burden and take action at the local level.
Additionally, the 2022 TRI National Analysis highlights trends and changes in waste management practices for specific sectors and chemicals in the Sector Profile and Chemical Profile sections. This year, the 2022 TRI National Analysis highlights the primary metals manufacturing sector alongside the standard profiles for electric utilities, chemical manufacturing and metal mining.
EPA is holding a public webinar on Thursday, April 4, 2024, at 2 p.m. ET to provide an overview of the 2022 TRI National Analysis. Register for the webinar.
View the 2022 TRI National Analysis, including local data.
PFAS Reporting
The TRI National Analysis includes reporting on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as required by the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). A provision of the NDAA outlines criteria for additional PFAS to be automatically added for TRI reporting. For reporting year 2022, four PFAS met the criteria and were added to the reporting requirements for a total of 180 PFAS tracked by the TRI program. During 2022, 50 facilities managed 1.2 million pounds of these chemicals as waste, which represents an 8% decrease compared to 2021.
For reporting year 2024, TRI will no longer have a reporting exemption for facilities that use PFAS in small, or de minimis, concentrations as a result of EPA’s recently published final rule. This rule will improve the quality and quantity of publicly available data on PFAS, as many materials used at facilities contain PFAS in low concentrations. Facilities that make or use these products will no longer be able to rely on the de minimis exemption to avoid their responsibility to disclose PFAS releases and other waste management of these chemicals.
Pollution Prevention
Facilities implemented 3,589 total pollution prevention activities in 2022 with the most common being process and equipment modifications, followed by changes to operating practices and training. Through both existing programs and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, EPA offers grant opportunities to state and Tribal technical assistance providers to help prevent pollution.
Industry professionals can view TRI reporting on pollution prevention to learn about best practices implemented at other facilities.
Key Expansions to TRI Reporting
Important expansions to TRI reporting went into effect for reporting year 2022. Some contract sterilization facilities, which are contracted to sterilize products or equipment for hospitals and other facilities, were required to report to TRI for the first time on their management of ethylene oxide and ethylene glycol as waste. These facilities managed 6.3 million pounds of ethylene oxide waste, nearly all of which was treated.
Reporting year 2022 was also the first year of expanded reporting for the natural gas processing sector. The 305 facilities in this sector that reported to TRI managed 115 million pounds of TRI chemicals in waste and disposed of 81% of TRI chemicals in underground injection wells.
Follow EPA Region 2 on X and visit our Facebook page. For more information about EPA Region 2, visit our website.
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