E.P.A. delivers 2006 Guam Toxics Release Inventory numbers

Guam reports overall decreases, among the lowest in total delivers

(02/21/08) HONOLULU - 7 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 E.P.A..

The data comes from the EPA's Toxics Release Inventory, an yearly measure of toxic chemical delivers and waste generated by facilities in the United States. Total delivers 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 delivers of all chemicals. Air delivers decreased by 2 percent, with facilities reporting a total of 125,000 pounds. Land delivers were down 93 percent to 111 pounds. Water delivers 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, E.P.A. 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 delivers are down two percent from last year. Combined air delivers of TRI chemicals are down 7 percent. Total disposal and other delivers of mercury to all media combined increased 17 percent. However, air delivers of mercury are down 4 percent. From 2001-2006, total delivers 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 plan has been credited with arming communities with valuable knowledge and encouraging facilities to reduce their delivers 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 Incorporated (Cabras Island Terminal)
Shell Guam Incorporated
South Pacific Petroleum Corporation
Tanguisson Power Plant
US Navy COMNAVMARIANAS Guam Main Base - Apra Harbor WWTP

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

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