EPA Releases Preliminary 2023 Toxics Release Inventory Data

Overview of 2023 Preliminary Data

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published preliminary data for the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) for the year 2023. This dataset provides insights into chemical releases, waste management, and pollution prevention activities from over 20,000 federal and industrial facilities across the United States. Notably, 21 new chemicals have been added to the TRI list for 2023, including nine per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), in accordance with the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

Details of the 2023 TRI Data

The preliminary data reflects reports from facilities that manufactured, processed, or used TRI-listed substances in quantities exceeding reporting thresholds during 2023. The public can use this dataset to:

1. Identify TRI Facilities: Determine the number and location of TRI-reporting facilities in specific geographic areas, such as ZIP codes.
2. Understand Chemical Management: Learn which chemicals are managed by TRI facilities and in what quantities.
3. Track Pollution Prevention: Discover if any particular facility engaged in pollution prevention activities in the most recent calendar year.

This dataset, as released, includes raw data submitted by facilities without summary or trend analysis. Although preliminary, the data have undergone initial quality checks through the TRI-MEweb reporting software to prevent common entry errors. The EPA is performing additional quality checks to address potential reporting issues and will follow up with facilities if needed. For more information about the data quality process, visit the TRI Data Quality webpage.

Upcoming Data Releases and Analysis

A revised version of the dataset is expected to be published in October 2024, incorporating late submissions and corrections from facilities. This updated dataset will form the basis for the 2023 TRI National Analysis, which is anticipated to be released in early 2025.

The preliminary data can be accessed through the EPA's Envirofacts website and downloaded from the TRI website, with additional datasets expected to become available on August 7, 2024.

PFAS-Related Insights from the 2023 Data

For the fourth consecutive year, the TRI data includes reports on PFAS chemicals, as mandated by the 2020 NDAA. In 2023, the EPA received 156 TRI reporting forms detailing 44 distinct PFAS from 56 facilities. The preliminary data reveals that these facilities managed over 1,548,142 pounds of PFAS-related production waste. In October 2023, the EPA implemented a new rule to enhance PFAS reporting by removing an exemption that previously allowed facilities to exclude small concentrations of PFAS from their reports. As a result, more comprehensive PFAS data is expected with the 2024 TRI report.

The preliminary data offers a critical snapshot of chemical management and pollution prevention activities across the nation, with a focus on emerging concerns related to PFAS.