EPA meets with Colorado Chamber of Commerce to highlight Toxics Release Inventory report and analysis

DENVER — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) met with the Energy and Environment Council of the Colorado Chamber of Commerce in Denver today to discuss the recently released 2018 Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) National Analysis and highlight data associated with chemical releases from facilities in EPA Region 8 and Colorado.

Overall, total on and off-site chemical releases from 242 TRI facilities in Colorado decreased by 23 percent from 2017 to 2018.  In EPA Region 8, which includes the states of Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming, chemical releases from TRI facilities decreased by two percent (7.5 million pounds) from 2017 to 2018. In addition, the amount of production-related chemical waste managed by TRI facilities in the region decreased by 12 percent. Lead and lead compounds were the major chemicals targeted for source reduction. 

In addition, findings from the publicly available TRI report show an increase in recycling of chemical wastes nationwide and indicate that companies continue to find ways to implement new source reduction activities and reduce the quantities of TRI chemicals they release into the environment. In 2018, 46 facilities in EPA Region 8 implemented new source reduction activities. Source reduction reporting rates were highest in the machinery sector, where 13 percent of facilities reported at least one source reduction activity.

“The TRI is a valuable tool that provides the public with detailed information about how chemicals are used and managed in our communities,” said EPA Regional Administrator Gregory Sopkin. “We applaud the Colorado business community’s efforts to reduce the use of chemicals while delivering jobs and products that support local economies.”

“Environmental stewardship is an integral part of Colorado’s identity, and our state’s business leaders reflect that identity by demonstrating that a healthy environment and healthy economy go hand-in-hand,” said John Jacus, Chair of the Energy and Environment Council of the Colorado Chamber of Commerce.  “The Colorado Chamber of Commerce continues to support our members as they work to improve the use and management of chemicals and contribute to cleaner air, land and water in our communities.”

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