Businesses handling hazardous chemicals must abide by all laws about proper chemical management. This is why it’s imperative to remain informed about all federal regulations about chemical safety. Apart from understanding the guidelines issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration(OSHA), knowing the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) requirements is beneficial.

Toxic Release Inventory or TRI reporting is all about a Toxics Release Inventory program that the EPA manages. Through it, the organization ensures improved tracking and appropriate management of chemicals. Additionally, it raises public awareness of chemicals that could be harmful to the environment and human health. Organizations, therefore, need to be aware of and abide by TRI requirements. 

All covered organizations must familiarize themselves with the details of EPA TRI reporting requirements before July 1. This blog will help streamline the process by sharing some vital details. This will help you know its basics and how to simplify the reporting process using software solutions like chemical inventory management systems. So, keep reading on.

EPA TRI Reporting: What You Need to Know

This was prescribed by section 313 of the EPA’s Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA). It states that all agencies or covered organizations must disclose the total quantity of chemicals they manufacture, as listed by TRI. Furthermore, it applies to the chemicals they utilize or process. Moreover, they must also calculate the amount released to the environment. The facilities must also track the amount of chemicals involved in waste treatment and recycling. The key purpose here is to ensure that all the local organizations are well-informed about the potential threats near them. 

It’s Importance

TRI Reporting is also beneficial for the following reasons:

  • It allows EPA to make informed decisions while developing regulations and enforcement policies. 
  • Facilities can showcase their efforts to reduce chemical usage and emissions listed by TRI.
  • It also acts as a perfect resource for government agencies and researchers.

 

What should be Reported?

The EPA TRI reporting is mainly about keeping the organization informed about the harmful chemicals a facility uses and its methods of managing chemical waste. While filing the report, agencies need to report how they are managing the chemical waste through environmental releases and energy recovery. Agencies should also inform if they have chosen recycling or any treatment to handle chemical waste. 

Additionally, EPA requests details regarding their strategies for lowering the quantity of chemical waste released into the environment. The organizations can also explain how they are not creating any waste at all. 

Who should File EPA TRI?

Organizations that meet the following criteria must submit a TRI report:

  • If the total number of full-time employees is above 10. 
  • In case the organization produces, processes, or uses any chemicals listed by TRI
  • If the agency’s NAICS code comes under the TRI program. 
  • A TRI report is a must for a federal facility, too. 

TRI Reporting Process

The following steps will guide you through the process, so take a look.

  • Firstly, facilities must go through the TRI reporting criteria to determine if it is required or not. This also needs organizations to check their chemical inventory to ensure it includes any TRI-listed chemicals. 
  • In the second stage, the organizations must start a registration process. They will need to create a Central Data Exchange( CDX) account as a user. Afterward, agencies can use the CDX-based TRI-Me web application to prepare the reporting form. 
  • Organizations can now send the forms to the respective states and the EPA.

How to Simplify the Reporting Using Software Solutions?

The tedious task of managing and submitting the TRI report can be easily simplified with certain software solutions. Fortunately, access to an advanced chemical inventory management system saves time and streamlines the entire process. The points below will explain in more detail.

  1. Access to Centralize Data:
    Using this software, facilities can organize data on hazardous chemicals, as it gives access to its centralized database. It also provides other crucial information, such as their quantities, location, and usage, with ease. Thus, data accuracy is guaranteed.
  2. Appropriate Tracking
    TRI reporting requires crucial details with the latest update. The manual effort may make it a more time-consuming task. But this inventory is a perfect aid in the accurate tracking of chemicals from acquisition to disposal.
  3. Getting Advanced Reports: 
    The submission becomes simple if facilities get proper reports to track the usage of the chemicals. An inventory management system like this offers reports that help fulfill regulatory requirements, too. Thus, speeding up the reporting process with the required information is also possible.

Endnote

Last-time preparation often creates confusion and can make a simple process more difficult. Facilities should keep this in mind while filing the EPA TRI report before July 1. In addition to having a solid grasp of the procedure, they must gather the necessary data without breaching the due date. That’s why investing in the right tool and the right information is necessary. Facilities should, therefore, take every precaution to ensure chemical safety and follow all applicable laws and guidelines.

 

References:

https://www.epa.gov/toxics-release-inventory-tri-program/basics-tri-reporting

https://www.epa.gov/toxics-release-inventory-tri-program/electronic-submission-tri-reporting-forms