EPA Makes Preliminary Toxics Release Data Available to the Public;
Early release of raw data ensures open, transparent flow of information

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 18, 2009

WASHINGTON  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has published
preliminary data on the release of toxic chemicals occurring in the
United States between Jan.1 and Dec. 31, 2008. In its continued
commitment to openness and transparency, EPA is taking the unprecedented
step of releasing the raw data prior to the agency completing its
analysis. EPA is analyzing the data and will publish the national
analysis once it is completed.

EPAs job is to ensure an open and transparent flow of information
between Americans and their government, and todays unprecedented step
represents the agencys commitment to doing just that, said EPA
Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. While we are still analyzing this
information, we hope this raw data will be reviewed and used responsibly
by stakeholders and the public to help them make informed decisions.

The Toxics Release Inventory is a database that contains detailed
information on nearly 650 chemicals and chemical categories that more
than 23,000 industrial and other facilities manage through disposal or
other releases, recycling, energy recovery, or treatment. The data are
collected from industries including manufacturing, metal and coal
mining, electric utilities, commercial hazardous waste treatment, and
other industrial sectors. Facilities must report their data by July 1 of
each year.

The preliminary data account for approximately 80 to 85 percent of the
data to be collected. EPA will continue to process paper submissions,
late submissions, and to resolve issues with the electronic submissions.
The agency will update the dataset in September and again in October so
citizens will have complete access to the information.

More information on the data: http://www.epa.gov/tri