Toxics Release Inventory: An Explanation

The Toxics Release Inventory requires large manufacturers to report publicly their release of toxic chemicals to the air, water and soil.

Although there are over 72,000 chemicals available for use, the TRI only covers a small percentage of the chemicals released into the environment and does not cover all facilities that release toxics.

For instance, 1998 was the first year that power plants had to report their emissions of toxics.

In 1997, 6,151,663 pounds of toxics were released into the air, water, and soil in Connecticut. It is important to note that these are only the emissions that were required to be reported. The actual emissions could have been significantly greater.