A TRI “release” is defined as the amount of a toxic chemical released on-site (to air, water, underground injection, landfills, and other land disposal), and the amount transferred off-site for disposal.

 

It is important to note that releases should not be directly equated with risk. The determination of potential risk to human health and/or the environment depends upon many factors, including the toxicity of the chemical, the fate of the chemical in the environment, and the amount and duration of human or other exposure to the chemical. In addition, this data does not indicate whether or not a facility is violating environmental laws. Many of the substances reported through this program are subject to state and federal regulations designed to protect human health and the environment.

 

A facility is subject to TRI reporting requirements if it has 10 or more full-time employee equivalents (20,000 work hours per year); is classified under a reportable North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) Code; and manufactures, processes, or otherwise uses any of the TRI chemicals in amounts above established threshold amounts. For most chemicals, the thresholds are 25,000 pounds for “manufactured” or “processed,” and 10,000 pounds for “otherwise used.” However, depending on the chemical, EPA may have set a lower reporting threshold, such as certain chemicals categorized as persistent bioaccumulative toxic (PBT) chemicals.

 

The data presented in the reports indicate facilities in Texas and New Mexico that are located within 100 kilometers of the U.S.-Mexico Border that are providing data to the Toxic Release Invtenory.