Too often it is assumed that our manufacturers, power plants and other industrial sources are taking a toll on the environment. In fact, environmental impact is usually the first excuse cited by those trying to prevent a manufacturer from expanding here or from those trying to dissuade local or state officials from recruiting businesses that are perceived to be something less than environmentally friendly.
But investments in modern technology, coupled with effective federal and state oversight, are producing results that should go a long way toward changing negative perceptions that may persist.
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For example, the most recent report of the Toxic Release Inventory, released by the federal Environmental Protection Agency, shows that releases of toxic chemicals by industrial sources in all six New England states continue to decline. Throughout New England, there has been a 90 percent decline in releases of more than 650 tracked chemicals since 1988. In Rhode Island, total releases have declined 91 percent.
Nationally, according to the EPA, chemical releases have declined by approximately 57 percent.
The data collected by the EPA covers pollution releases to air, water and land by power plants, manufacturers and other facilities that employ 10 or more workers and exceed thresholds for toxic chemicals. In Rhode Island, the vast majority of chemical releases are emitted to the air.
“Each of the New England states, including Rhode Island, continue to see declining levels of emissions, even as the number of facilities reporting has increased,” said Robert W. Varney, regional administrator for the EPA’s New England office. “It is extremely important for the public to know what chemicals are being released in and near their communities. Careful analysis of this data confirms that over time, the amount of toxic substances released to the air, land and water continue to decline in our states.”
That New England – and Rhode Island companies in particular – are so soundly beating the national average when it comes to the decline in the toxins that they release into the environment should not go unnoticed.
The EPA data is evidence that the vast majority of those industries that do release chemicals are taking steps to ensure that they are limiting to the best of their ability the potential harmful effects to the environment. It is further evidence that here in Rhode Island, an aggressive approach in implementing air quality improvement programs is working. Acting DEM Director Fred Vincent and his staff should be applauded.
The larger message that this data delivers is that manufacturers, power plants and other industrial sources should not be painted with a broad brush. To assume that their very presence constitutes an environmental hazard is shortsighted.
And that means that as we look to expand our economic base, we should not shy away from certain companies because we assume that they pose an environmental risk. Because by tapping into technological advances and by maintaining proper oversight, they may not.
The EPA has the numbers to prove it.
