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EPA releases 2005 nationwide Toxics Release Inventory numbers. Guam reports overall decreases, ranks 53 in total releases

Release Date: 03/22/2007
Contact Information: Dean Higuchi, 808-541-2711, higuchi.dean@epa.gov

(03/22/07) HONOLULU – Eight facilities in Guam reported a 68 percent decrease in total releases of toxic chemicals released into the air, land and water in the year 2005, 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, transfers 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 509,000 pounds in overall releases of all chemicals. The overall air releases decreased by 81 percent with facilities reporting 128,000 pounds. Land releases were down 63 percent at 1,661 pounds. Water releases increased to a total of 104,000 pounds. The water increase is due to a 25,000 pound increase at the U.S. Navy Guam Main Base. Overall Guam ranks 53 out of 56 states and territories in total releases.

“TRI is an important tool for regulators, emergency responders, businesses and communities because it helps them better understand and be aware of the types and amounts of chemicals being released in their neighborhoods,” said Wayne Nastri, the EPA’s administrator for the Pacific Southwest region. “We are pleased to report an overall decrease in the amount of toxic chemicals released in Guam in 2005.”

Nationally, the amount of toxic chemicals released into the environment increased by 3 percent from 2004 to 2005.

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.

The following Web sites also provide useful information on TRI: https://www.epa.gov/enviro/ and
https://www.epa.gov/tri/tridata/tri05/index.htm
Guam Facilities
Guam Power Authority Cabras Facility
Hawaiian Rock Products Guam
Mobil Oil Guam Inc. Cabras Island Terminal
Shell Guam Inc.
South Pacific Petroleum Corp.
Tanguisson Power Plant
US Air Force – Anderson Air Force Base
US Navy –Guam Main Base
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