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EPA releases 2006 Guam Toxics Release Inventory numbers

Release Date: 02/21/2008
Contact Information: Dean Higuchi, 808-541-2711, higuchi.dean@epa.gov

Guam reports overall decreases, among the lowest in total releases

(02/21/08) HONOLULU – Seven facilities in Guam reported a 13 percent decrease in toxic chemicals released into the air, land and water in 2006 according to new data released today by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The data comes from the EPA’s Toxics Release Inventory, an annual measure of toxic chemical releases and waste generated by facilities in the United States. Total releases include toxic chemicals discharged to air, water, underground injection, land - -including landfills -- and the amount transferred off-site for disposal. Data provided does not mean that facilities with elevated levels are out of compliance with state, local or federal environmental regulations.

The Guam facilities reported a decrease of 32,000 pounds in overall releases of all chemicals. Air releases decreased by two percent, with facilities reporting a total of 125,000 pounds. Land releases were down 93 percent to 111 pounds. Water releases decreased 27 percent to a total of 76,000 pounds. Overall, Guam ranks among the lowest, 53 out of 56 states and territories, in total releases.

“TRI helps regulators, emergency responders, businesses and communities to better understand the types and amounts of chemicals released in our communities,” said Wayne Nastri, EPA administrator for the Pacific Southwest region. “We are pleased to report an overall decrease in the amount of toxic chemicals released in Guam in 2006.”

Some of the findings of interest nationally in 2006: Total disposal and other releases are down 2 percent from last year. Combined air releases of TRI chemicals are down seven percent. Total disposal and other releases of mercury to all media combined increased 17 percent. However, air releases of mercury are down four percent. From 2001-2006, total releases reported to TRI decreased by 24 percent.

The reporting of data to the Toxics Release Inventory is required under the federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act, passed in 1986. This program has been credited with arming communities with valuable knowledge and encouraging facilities to reduce their releases of toxic chemicals into the environment through source reduction, or pollution prevention measures.

Guam Facilities
Guam Power Authority
Hawaiian Rock Products Guam
Mobil Oil Guam Inc. (Cabras Island Terminal)
Shell Guam Inc.
South Pacific Petroleum Corp.
Tanguisson Power Plant
US Navy COMNAVMARIANAS Guam Main Base – Apra Harbor WWTP

These web sites provide useful information on TRI: https://www.epa.gov/triexplorer/ and https://www.epa.gov/enviro. For state fact sheets: https://www.epa.gov/triexplorer/statefactsheet.htm.

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