EPA Cuts Back Rules for Reporting Toxic Emissions

By Christy Burns

Published on January 03, 2007

Prior to the change, companies generating and releasing more than 500 pounds of toxic chemicals into the air, land, or water were required to submit multiple-page forms detailing their disposal each year. This information was then made available to the public on the EPA’s Web site.

Under the new rule, only companies generating and releasing more than 2,000 pounds of toxic chemicals need to submit the lengthy reports. And the information about all companies previously required to report will be lost to the public.

While the EPA is claiming that the change will alleviate regulatory burdens on small businesses, environmental groups disagree. Opponents assert that the amount of time it takes to fill out the on-line forms is minimal, giving businesses little benefit. They also point out that the public will no longer have access to data concerning 39 toxic chemicals not tracked under the altered system.

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