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Resources for teaching about Earth's climate system and the changing climate.
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Climate Change and Sentinel Monitoring Program
Through the Climate Change and Sentinel Monitoring Program, the Long Island Sound Study funded two UConn scientists to investigate climate change impacts on key wildlife and ecosystem resources in Long Island Sound.
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State by state climate assessments, including New York and Connecticut, are available on the NCICS website.
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"Living shoreline projects" such as Stratford Point reef ball installation are being considered as a way to adapt to rising sea levels.
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EPA Climate Change - Learn about Climate Change and Climate Change impacts across the US
US Climate Resilience Toolkit - The toolkit is designed to help people find and use tools, information, and subject matter expertise to build climate resilience.
Climate Central - An independent organization of scientists and journalists that surveys and conducts scientific research on climate change.
Climate Smart Guide Communities Guide to Local Action - Climate Smart Communities is a network of New York communities reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving climate resililiency
Connecticut Institute for Resilience and Climate Adaptation - Mission to increase resiliency and sustainability of communities facing climate change impacts
LISS Climate Change and Sentinel Monitoring - Learn about monitoring program to detect early warning climate change impacts to Long Island Sound ecosystems.
Long Island Sound Climate Change Indicators - These indicators track physical changes in Long Island Sound and help resource managers asses impact on wildlife and habitats.
03.17.23
PHILADELPHIA (March 17, 2023) – The U.S.
“Everyone deserves to know if the air they breathe is clean,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. “The Air Sensor Loan Program will help its users learn about air quality in their communities and what actions they can take to protect their health.” The program will assist community groups, schools, state agencies, local agencies, and tribes with conducting small-scale, localized air monitoring projects, as well as provide information and education on local air quality impacts. The air quality sensors can be used to gather pertinent air quality informational data, which loanees can use to assess local air quality.
EPA will not be collecting the data from these sensors, nor will the data be used for regulatory decision making. Additionally, this equipment is not to be used for confined space evaluations or to meet any other health and safety requirement.
More information can be found at EPA’s Air Sensor Loan Program . WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Equipment available for loan: Eligibility: State agencies, local agencies, tribes, community groups, schools, and other interested organizations in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, Virginia, and West Virginia. Training: Links to virtual training from non-EPA sources are available.
Information for Shipping of Equipment: Sensors can be shipped to any location within the Mid-Atlantic Region at the loanee’s expense or picked up at the EPA Regional office in Philadelphia.
Application Submittal: The Mid-Atlantic Region prefers to receive applications through the website, but applications may also be emailed to the Sensor Loan Contacts found at EPA’s Air Sensor Loan Program.
03.17.23
BNSF Swinomish Channel Derailment UNIFIED COMMAND -
News Media Update #2
SEATTLE (MARCH 17, 2023) -- Clean up crews have worked around the clock to excavate and remove diesel-contaminated soils from the site of Thursday morning’s locomotive derailing on the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community Reservation near Anacortes, Washington.
Thus far, crews have removed over 1,200 cubic yards of soil.
As a precaution, incident commanders from the U.S.
No spilled diesel has reached the shoreline, but the area remains boomed as a precaution.
# # #
News Media Update #1
SEATTLE (MARCH 16, 2023) -- A unified command has formed to address the March 16 train derailment near Anacortes.
Shortly after midnight, a train derailed near the Swinomish Casino along the Padilla Bay waterfront.
Responders arrived on the scene and found diesel on the ground and ongoing discharge from one of the locomotives.
Initial estimates were that up to 5,000 gallons of diesel spilled from the locomotive.
Fuel was removed from the second locomotive that was not leaking.
Multiple drone flights and helicopter overflights by the U.S.
The cause of the incident is unknown at this time.
# # #
03.17.23
CHICAGO (March 17, 2023) Today, the Department of Justice, on behalf of the U.S.
The complaint alleges that that DSI sold products that disable pollution controls on heavy-duty trucks, agricultural equipment such as tractors and combines, and construction equipment such as bulldozers.
As a result of EPA’s efforts to improve air quality and fuel efficiency, cars and trucks manufactured today emit far less pollution than older vehicles.
Tampering with diesel-powered vehicles by installing defeat devices causes large amounts of nitrogen oxide and particulate matter pollution, which contributes to serious public health problems.
This enforcement action is part of EPA's National Compliance Initiative for Stopping Aftermarket Defeat Devices for Vehicles and Engines: https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/national-compliance-initiative-stopping-aftermarket-defeat-devices-vehicles-and-engines.
03.17.23
DENVER (17 de marzo de 2023) – Hoy, la Agencia de Protección Ambiental de Estados Unidos (EPA, por sus siglas en inglés) anunció que Colorado recibirá hasta $3 millones para desarrollar estrategias innovadoras destinadas a reducir la contaminación climática y construir economías de energía limpia en todo el estado.
En la Academia Internacional de Denver en la Escuela Primaria Harrington, el Administrador Regional de la EPA, KC Becker, y el Gobernador Jared Polis anunciaron que Colorado recibirá los fondos como socio en el programa de Subvenciones para la Reducción de la Contaminación Climática (CPRG) de la EPA.
“Este es el primer paso en un esfuerzo estratégico para ayudar a los estados a construir soluciones de sentido común para reducir la contaminación climática”, indicó la administradora regional de la EPA, KC Becker. “El gobernador Polis ha sido un excelente socio y defensor de la acción climática, y la EPA espera apoyar los proyectos cultivados en Colorado que harán que nuestras comunidades, nuestro estado y nuestra nación sean más saludables y fuertes”. “El trabajo líder en la nación realizado por Colorado para luchar por un aire limpio y reducir las emisiones forma parte de nuestro compromiso de proteger a la comunidad que amamos ahora y para las generaciones venideras.
“Después de años de inacción, Washington finalmente invirtió en la lucha contra el cambio climático al aprobar la Ley de Reducción de la Inflación.
“Esta subvención ayuda a sentar las bases para que Colorado reduzca las emisiones y construya una economía de energía limpia y próspera”, dijo el senador Hickenlooper.
“Tenemos que hacer más para proteger a las comunidades que más sufren”, dijo la congresista DeGette. “La justicia ambiental debe ser más que un eslogan, debe ser nuestra misión colectiva.
Colorado se encuentra entre los 50 estados, el Distrito de Columbia y Puerto Rico elegibles para recibir $3 millones cada uno en fondos de subvención.
A fines de este año, la EPA lanzará una competencia por $4.6 mil millones en fondos de seguimiento para implementar proyectos e iniciativas en planes de acción climática estatales, tribales y territoriales, que Colorado es elegible para recibir.
La Ley de Reducción de la Inflación del presidente Biden incluye fondos históricos para combatir el cambio climático al tiempo que crea empleos bien remunerados y promueve la justicia ambiental.
Acerca del Programa de Subvenciones para la Reducción de la Contaminación Climática El 1 de marzo, la EPA anunció la disponibilidad de estos fondos, que son la primera serie de oportunidades de financiamiento de la contaminación climática para estados, gobiernos locales, territorios y tribus.
En la guía del programa publicada a principios de este mes, la EPA describe la manera en que la agencia tiene la intención de otorgar y administrar los fondos de CPRG a entidades elegibles, incluidos estados, áreas metropolitanas, tribus y territorios. Más información sobre las Subvenciones para la Reducción de la Contaminación Climática Guías del Programa de Subvenciones de Planificación de CPRG
03.17.23
Aerial Application to Restore Vegetation at Superfund Site Occuring on Blue Mountain -
PHILADELPHIA (March 17, 2023) – As part of the Palmerton Zinc Pile Superfund Site remediation which includes the revegetation of Blue Mountain, airplanes will be applying native seed and soil amendments onto areas of Blue Mountain south of Palmerton, Pennsylvania, between March 20 and April 7.
The materials applied will include 12 species of native grasses, 25 species of native wildflowers, pine, and sumac seed as well as limestone and fertilizer.
The aerial application will take place on more than 365 acres located west of Lehigh Gap on the Lehigh Gap Nature Center property and east of Lehigh Gap on lands managed by the National Park Service and Pennsylvania Game Commission.
Notification signs and trail guards will be posted along trails to notify recreational users during application.
For more information visit: https://www.epa.gov/superfund/palmerton
03.17.23
DENVER (March 17, 2023) – Today, the U.S.
At the International Academy of Denver at Harrington Elementary School, EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker and Governor Jared Polis announced Colorado will be receiving the funding as a partner in EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) program.
“This is the first step in a strategic effort to help states build common-sense solutions to reduce climate pollution,” said EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker. “Governor Polis has been a great partner and advocate for climate action, and EPA looks forward to supporting the Colorado-grown projects that will make our communities, our state, and our nation, healthier and stronger.” “Colorado’s nation-leading work to fight for clean air and reduce emissions are part of our commitment to protect the community we love now and for generations to come.
"After years of inaction, Washington finally invested in the fight against climate change by passing the Inflation Reduction Act.
“This grant helps set the groundwork for Colorado to cut emissions and build a thriving, clean energy economy,” said Senator Hickenlooper.
“We have to do more to protect the communities that are suffering the most,” said Congresswoman DeGette. “Environmental Justice needs to be more than just a catchphrase, it needs to be our collective mission.
Colorado is among the 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico eligible to receive $3 million each in grant funds.
Later this year, EPA will launch a competition for $4.6 billion in follow-up funding to implement projects and initiatives in state, Tribal and territorial climate action plans, which Colorado is eligible to receive.
President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act includes historic funding to combat climate change while creating good-paying jobs and advancing environmental justice.
About the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Program On March 1, EPA announced the availability of these funds, which are the first series of climate pollution funding opportunities for states, local governments, territories and Tribes.
In program guidance released earlier this month, EPA describes how the agency intends to award and manage CPRG funds to eligible entities, including states, metropolitan areas, Tribes, and territories.
More information on the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants CPRG Planning Grant Program Guidances Sign up for notifications about the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants ###
03.17.23
In the Pacific Southwest, Toxic Chemical Releases Decreased Slightly in 2021 According to EPA Data -
SAN FRANCISCO – The U.S.
“EPA’s Toxics Release Inventory provides valuable information to communities across the Pacific Southwest and the Pacific Islands about potential hazards,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “We are prioritizing transparency with our toxics data to help communities, local, state and tribal governments with appropriate strategies for reducing pollution, especially in communities dealing with environmental justice challenges.” In 2021, facilities in Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada and the Pacific Island territories reported managing 932 million pounds of production related waste and releasing 554 million pounds of TRI chemicals into the environment, a decrease in releases of less than 1% from 2020.
The 2021 TRI National Analysis summarizes TRI chemical waste management activities, including releases, that occurred during calendar year 2021.
The 2021 Analysis features updated visualizations and analytical tools to make data more useful and accessible to communities, including the option to view data by region and watershed.
EPA is holding a public webinar on March 28, 2023, to give an overview of the 2021 TRI National Analysis.
To view the 2021 TRI National Analysis, including local data and analyses, visit www.epa.gov/trinationalanalysis. Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Continue Reading
03.16.23
CHICAGO (March 16, 2023) Today, the U.S.
“Over the last 10 years, we have worked with industries in our Region to reduce releases of toxic chemicals by nearly 20 percent,” said Region 5 Administrator Debra Shore. “We will continue to encourage our regional industries to incorporate innovative and proactive measures to tackle pollution and protect public health, especially in Environmental Justice communities." In 2021, 93% of TRI chemical waste from facilities in Region 5 was managed through preferable techniques such as recycling, combustion for energy recovery, and treatment, while only 7% was released into the environment.
The 2021 TRI National Analysis summarizes TRI chemical waste management activities, including releases, that occurred during calendar year 2021.
The 2021 Analysis features updated visualizations and analytical tools to make data more useful and accessible to communities, including the option to view data by region and watershed.
In addition, this year the TRI National Analysis Sector Profiles highlights the plastic products manufacturing sector alongside the standard profiles for electric utilities, chemical manufacturing, and metal mining.
EPA is holding a public webinar on March 28, 2023, to give an overview of the 2021 TRI National Analysis.
To view the 2021 TRI National Analysis, including local data and analyses, visit www.epa.gov/trinationalanalysis. Notable Trends in 2021 The National Analysis shows a 24% increase in the number of new pollution reduction activities facilities initiated from 2020 to 2021—a strong rebound after the decrease seen from 2019 to 2020.
Industry professionals can also look at TRI reporting on pollution prevention to learn about best practices implemented at facilities.
Ethylene Oxide Reporting TRI reporting also shows a 45% decrease in ethylene oxide releases from 2012 to 2021, driven by decreased air emissions.
PFAS Reporting For the second time, the TRI National Analysis includes reporting on perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) following the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act.
Last December, EPA proposed a rule that would improve reporting on PFAS to TRI by eliminating an exemption that allows facilities to avoid reporting information on PFAS when those chemicals are used in small, or de minimis, concentrations.
03.16.23
Today, the U.S.
“Communities have a right to know how and where toxic chemicals and waste are being managed, released, or recycled," said Casey Sixkiller, EPA Region 10 Regional Administrator.
The 2021 TRI Analysis shows a continued decrease in releases from facilities in EPA’s Region 10 -- which covers Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.
The TRI also has information on how facilities are working to reduce or prevent chemical wastes, referred to as “pollution prevention or P2” and “source reduction”.
The 2021 TRI Analysis features updated visualizations and analytical tools to make data more useful and accessible to communities, including the option to view data by region and watershed.
Background TRI was established under the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA) in response to concerns regarding the environmental and safety hazards posed by the storage and handling of toxic chemicals.
To reduce the likelihood of such a disaster in the United States, Congress imposed requirements for federal, state, and local governments, tribes, and industry. Continue Reading
03.16.23
WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S.
The 2021 TRI National Analysis summarizes TRI chemical waste management activities, including releases, that occurred during calendar year 2021.
“It’s absolutely essential that people have access to information about the chemicals being used in their communities,” said Assistant Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention Michal Freedhoff.
The 2021 Analysis features updated visualizations and analytical tools to make data more useful and accessible to communities, including the option to view data by region and watershed.
In addition, this year the TRI National Analysis Sector Profiles highlights the plastic products manufacturing sector alongside the standard profiles for electric utilities, chemical manufacturing, and metal mining.
EPA is holding a public webinar on March 28, 2023, to give an overview of the 2021 TRI National Analysis.
View the 2021 TRI National Analysis, including local data and analyses.
Notable Trend in 2021 The National Analysis shows a 24% increase in the number of new pollution reduction activities facilities initiated from 2020 to 2021 — a strong rebound after the decrease seen from 2019 to 2020.
Industry professionals can also look at TRI reporting on pollution prevention to learn about best practices implemented at facilities.
Ethylene Oxide Reporting TRI reporting also shows a 45% decrease in ethylene oxide releases from 2012 to 2021, driven by decreased air emissions.
PFAS Reporting For the second time, the TRI National Analysis includes reporting on perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) following the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act.
Last December, EPA proposed a rule that would improve reporting on PFAS to TRI by eliminating an exemption that allows facilities to avoid reporting information on PFAS when those chemicals are used in small, or de minimis, concentrations. Continue Reading
03.16.23
EPA Analysis Shows 2021 Toxic Chemical Releases in Vermont have decreased -
BOSTON (March 16, 2023) – Today, the U.S.
In Vermont, the reporting data show that overall releases of pollutants to the environment decreased since the previous reporting year (2020).
TRI tracks the management of certain toxic chemicals that may pose a threat to human health and the environment.
"TRI reporting is a key part of EPA's efforts to provide greater access to vital environmental information to Americans about their neighborhoods," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W.
Vermont: Released on and offsite Vermont: Total Production Related Waste Vermont: Top Five Companies Each year, EPA makes publicly available TRI data reported by industries throughout the United States regarding chemical releases to air, water and land by power plants, manufacturers and other facilities which employ ten or more workers, and which exceed thresholds for chemicals.
Reporting under TRI does not indicate illegal discharges of pollutants to the environment.
The top five chemicals released to surface water (note the small quantity) in Vermont during 2021: The top five chemicals released to the air in Vermont during 2021: Companies with the largest releases: TRI data are submitted annually to EPA, states, and tribes by facilities in industry sectors such as manufacturing, metal mining, electric utilities, and commercial hazardous waste.
The 2021 Analysis features updated visualizations and analytical tools to make data more useful and accessible to communities, including the option to view data by region and watershed.
PFAS Reporting Last December, EPA proposed a rule that would improve reporting on PFAS to TRI by eliminating an exemption that allows facilities to avoid reporting information on PFAS when those chemicals are used in small, or de minimis, concentrations.
More information: Facility efforts to reduce toxic chemical releases
During 2021, the latest year for which data is available, 38 facilities reported approximately 174,800 pounds were released onsite to the air, water and land (such as landfills), compared to 214,000 pounds released in 2020 (a decrease of 39,200 pounds).
During 2021, 38 facilities reported approximately 4.6 million pounds of total production related waste was managed compared to 38 facilities and 4.9 million pounds of total waste managed in 2021.
The companies in Vermont with the greatest releases included various industries including computers/electronics, chemicals, food, transportation equipment.
For the second time, the TRI National Analysis includes reporting on perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) following the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act.
03.16.23
Hoy, la Agencia de Protección Ambiental de Estados Unidos (EPA, por sus siglas en inglés) publicó su Análisis Nacional del Inventario de Emisiones Tóxicas (TRI) de 2021, que muestra que las emisiones ambientales de productos químicos TRI de las instalaciones cubiertas por el programa se mantuvieron por debajo de los niveles anteriores a la pandemia y las emisiones en 2021 son un 10% más bajas que las emisiones de 2012, incluso con un aumento del 8% de 2020 a 2021.
El Análisis Nacional del TRI 2021 resume las actividades de gestión de residuos químicos del TRI, incluidas las emanaciones, que ocurrieron durante el año calendario 2021.
“Es absolutamente esencial que las personas tengan acceso a la información sobre los productos químicos que se utilizan en sus comunidades”, señaló la subadministradora de la Oficina de Seguridad Química y Prevención de la Contaminación, Michal Freedhoff. “Al hacer que esta información esté disponible públicamente, la EPA avanza en su compromiso de reducir la contaminación y entregar herramientas a las comunidades para ayudarlas a tomar decisiones mejor informadas destinadas a proteger a las personas y al planeta”. El Análisis de 2021 presenta visualizaciones actualizadas y herramientas analíticas para hacer que los datos sean más útiles y accesibles para las comunidades, incluida la opción de ver los datos por región y cuenca.
Además, este año, los Perfiles Sectoriales de Análisis Nacional del TRI destacan el sector de fabricación de productos plásticos junto con los perfiles estándar para empresas eléctricas, fabricación de productos químicos y minería de metales.
La EPA llevará a cabo un seminario web público el 28 de marzo de 2023 para ofrecer una visión general del Análisis Nacional del TRI 2021.
Para ver el Análisis Nacional del TRI 2021, incluidos los datos y análisis locales, visite www.epa.gov/trinationalanalysis . Tendencia notable en 2021 El Análisis Nacional muestra un aumento del 24% en el número de instalaciones con nuevas actividades de reducción de la contaminación iniciadas de 2020 a 2021, un fuerte repunte después de la disminución observada de 2019 a 2020.
Los profesionales de la industria también pueden consultar los informes del TRI sobre prevención de la contaminación para conocer las mejores prácticas implementadas en las instalaciones. Informes de óxido de etileno Los informes del TRI también muestran una disminución del 45% en las emisiones de óxido de etileno de 2012 a 2021, impulsada por la disminución de las emisiones atmosféricas.
Informes sobre PFAS Por segunda vez, el Análisis Nacional del TRI incluye informes sobre sustancias perfluoroalquiladas (PFAS) siguiendo la Ley de Autorización de Defensa Nacional de 2020.
En diciembre pasado, la EPA propuso una regla que mejoraría la presentación de informes sobre PFAS al TRI al eliminar una exención que permite a las instalaciones evitar reportar información sobre PFAS cuando se usan dichos productos químicos en concentraciones pequeñas o de minimis. Continue Reading
03.16.23
EPA recognizes 15 organizations for certifying the most buildings as ENERGY STAR in 2022 -
WASHINGTON – The U.S.
“Improving the energy efficiency of America’s buildings is essential to fighting the climate crisis,” said EPA Administrator Michael S.
The group of top certifiers includes a diverse set of energy services companies that help their clients improve the energy performance of their buildings as well as large commercial real estate companies, a healthcare real estate capital provider, a public utility, and a regional bank holding company: Conservice 815 RE Tech Advisors 794 Cenergistic 504 Sustainable Investment Group 483 UL Solutions 330 Environmental SAVE 234 Maximum Energy Professionals 217 Cushman & Wakefield U.S., Inc. 194 CodeGreen Solutions Inc. 180 Schneider Electric 173 Servidyne 167 Energent Solutions 158 Ventas, Inc. 154 Consumers Energy 153 Huntington National Bank 151 To earn EPA’s ENERGY STAR, a building must first measure its energy performance using EPA’s online energy management and tracking tool, ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager®.
Energy use in commercial buildings accounts for 17% of U.S.
Earning the ENERGY STAR is the simple way building owners and managers can demonstrate their commitment to environmental responsibility to their customers, stakeholders, and communities.
About ENERGY STAR More on the 2022 Top Certifiers. Organization
Buildings Certified as ENERGY STAR in 2022
ENERGY STAR® is the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency, providing simple, credible, and unbiased information that consumers and businesses rely on to make well-informed decisions.
Search for ENERGY STAR certified buildings.
More about earning the ENERGY STAR for buildings and plants.
03.16.23
NEW YORK – Today, the U.S.
"The latest Toxic Release Inventory report for Region 2 is encouraging news, showing decreases over time in chemical releases and an increase in recycling and waste management," said Regional Administrator Lisa F.
The TRI data for 2021 reveals that facilities in Region 2, which include Puerto Rico, the U.S.
More than 21,000 facilities submitted reports on over 530 chemicals they released into the environment or otherwise managed as waste.
The 2021 report features updated options and analytical tools to make data more useful and accessible to communities, including the option to view data by region and watershed.
In addition, this year the TRI National Analysis Sector Profiles highlights the plastic products manufacturing sector alongside the standard profiles for electric utilities, chemical manufacturing, and metal mining.
EPA is holding a public webinar on March 28, 2023, to give an overview of the 2021 TRI National Analysis.
View the 2021 TRI National Analysis, including local data and analyses.
Follow EPA Region 2 on Twitter and visit our Facebook page.
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03.16.23
EPA Analysis Shows 2021 increase of Toxic Chemical Releases in Rhode Island -
BOSTON (March 16, 2023) – Today, the U.S.
In Rhode Island, the reporting data show that overall releases of pollutants to the environment increased since the previous reporting year (2020).
TRI tracks the management of certain toxic chemicals that may pose a threat to human health and the environment.
"TRI reporting is a key part of EPA's efforts to provide greater access to vital environmental information to Americans about their neighborhoods," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W.
Rhode Island: Released on and offsite Rhode Island: Total Production Related Waste Rhode Island: Top Five Companies Each year, EPA makes publicly available TRI data reported by industries throughout the United States regarding chemical releases to air, water and land by power plants, manufacturers and other facilities which employ ten or more workers, and which exceed thresholds for chemicals.
Reporting under TRI does not indicate illegal discharges of pollutants to the environment.
The top five chemicals released to surface water (note the small quantity) in Rhode Island during 2021: The top five chemicals released to the air in Rhode Island during 2021: Companies with the largest releases: TRI data are submitted annually to EPA, states, and tribes by facilities in industry sectors such as manufacturing, metal mining, electric utilities, and commercial hazardous waste.
The 2021 Analysis features updated visualizations and analytical tools to make data more useful and accessible to communities, including the option to view data by region and watershed.
PFAS Reporting Last December, EPA proposed a rule that would improve reporting on PFAS to TRI by eliminating an exemption that allows facilities to avoid reporting information on PFAS when those chemicals are used in small, or de minimis, concentrations.
More information: Facility efforts to reduce toxic chemical releases
During 2021, the latest year for which data is available, 76 facilities reported approximately 276,200 pounds were released onsite to the air, water and land (such as landfills), compared to 213,000 pounds released in 2020 (an increase of 63,000 pounds).
During 2021, 76 facilities reported approximately 20.0 million pounds of total production related waste was managed compared to 76 facilities and 20.7 million pounds managed in 2020 (a decrease of 0.7 million pounds).
The companies in Rhode Island with the greatest releases included various industries including electric utilities, primary metals, fabricated metals, plastics and transportation equipment.
For the second time, the TRI National Analysis includes reporting on perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) following the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act.
The Long Island Sound Study (LISS) is a cooperative effort involving researchers, regulators, user groups, and other concerned organizations and individuals. These people are working together to protect and improve the health of the Sound. Learn more »