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EPA releases 2005 nationwide Toxics Release Inventory numbers. American Samoa reports decrease of 100 percent, ranks last in total releases

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

(03/22/07) HONOLULU – A facility in American Samoa reported a total of 5 pounds 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.

There was a reported decrease in all reporting areas at one facility, Chicken of the Sea did not report in 2005. This resulted in a 100 percent decrease in total releases in all reporting categories. The lone facility, Star-Kist Samoa reported a total of 5 pounds in air releases. Overall American Samoa ranks last in total releases from states and territories.

“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 American Samoa has the least amount of releases of any state or territory in the nation.”

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

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

American Samoa Facility:
Star-Kist Samoa

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