How EPA obtains TRI data

Step 1: Toxics Release Inventory Reporting

Each year, facilities that meet certain thresholds must report their disposal or other releases and other waste management activities for listed toxic chemicals to EPA and to the state or tribal entity in whose jurisdiction the facility is located. For example, if a facility released both benzo(a)anthracene and benzo(a)pyrene, the facility would report the total amount of both of these polycyclic aromatic compounds under the single category called polycyclic aromatic compounds. Each facility submits a TRI reporting form for each TRI chemical it has manufactured, processed, or otherwise used during 2002 in amounts exceeding the thresholds.

The preferred method for reporting TRI forms is to use the TRI-Made Easy Web (TRI-MEweb) application via the Central Data Exchange (CDX) and the internet. TRI-MEweb is an intelligent, Web -based version of the popular TRI-ME software. There are several advantages to using TRI-MEweb, which are as follows: prior year data is prepopulated, electronic signature capability, higher data quality and instant confirmation that EPA has received your submission.

The CDX allows facilities to file a paperless TRI report, significantly reduce data errors, and receive instant receipt confirmation of their submission. Facilities that use TRI-MEweb or the TRI-ME software, submit through the Internet via CDX, and reside in a state participating in the TRI State Data Exchange, will have their forms sent, upon certification, simultaneously to EPA and their respective State officials. This meets the facility's obligation to report to both EPA and the state.

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Step 2: Early Release of TRI Data

Reports for each Calendar Year are due by July 1 of the following year. After completion of data entry and data quality assurance activities, the Agency makes the TRI reporting data available to the public via the TRI database and through a variety of other information products (i.e., e-FDR). States also make copies of the forms filed by facilities in their jurisdiction available to the public. In addition, some states produce independent reports on TRI releases.

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Step 3: TRI Data Publication

Data Publication is one of the most important activities EPA completes each year. The TRI program has been collecting on an annual basis information on the disposal or other releases and other waste management activities for over 650 chemicals from industrial sources in all 50 states and the U.S. territories since 1987. The TRI program provides several options that allows you to analyze TRI data in your community.

• TRI Public Data Release Report
• TRI Query Form
• TRI Explorer
• Envirofacts

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