EPA: Toxic releases down in Rhode Island

BOSTON – EPA’s most recent Toxic Release Inventory data release this month shows overall releases of pollutants to the environment in Rhode Island decreased in 2012.
During 2012, approximately 19.2 million pounds of chemicals were released in the six New England states, a reduction of about 501,393 pounds – down 2.55 percent from 2011. In Rhode Island, 89 facilities in 2012 reported approximately 266,558 pounds of pollutants emitted, a decrease of 17,307 pounds, or 26.7 percent.
Each year, EPA makes public Toxic Release Inventory 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 10 or more workers and exceed thresholds for chemicals.
The top chemicals released to the environment on- and off-site during 2012 in Rhode Island were, in order of pounds emitted: copper compounds, chromium compounds, methanol, toluene and zinc compounds. •

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