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EPA releases 2006 CNMI Toxics Release Inventory data

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

Reports rank CNMI among the very lowest in toxic releases

(02/21/08) HONOLULU – Four facilities in the Commonwealth of Northern Marianas Islands (CNMI) reported a total of 6,779 pounds of 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.

Reported releases in CNMI increased 2,454 pounds in 2006, a 57 percent from 2005. Overall, CNMI ranks among the very lowest, 55 out of 56 states and territories, in total releases.

“TRI helps regulators, emergency responders, reporters, businesses and communities to better understand the types and amounts of chemicals released in our communities,” said Wayne Nastri, the EPA’s administrator for the Pacific Southwest region.

Some of the findings of interest at the national level: Total disposal and other releases are down two 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.

For more information on TRI see: https://www.epa.gov/triexplorer/ and https://www.epa.gov/enviro. State fact sheets are available at: https://www.epa.gov/triexplorer/statefactsheet.htm.

CNMI FACILITIES REPORTING 2006 RELEASE INFORMATION TO TRI:
Hawaiian Rock Products Saipan
Mobil Oil Mariana Islands Inc./Saipan Aviation Terminal
Mobil Oil Mariana Islands Inc./Saipan Terminal
Shell Marianas

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