EPA proposes-burden reduction rule for toxics release inventory.

The EPA recently announced a proposed change to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) Rule. If implemented, this rule change would allow more facilities to use the simplified Form A (instead of the more complicated and time-consuming Form R) for reporting persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT) chemicals.

Under the proposed change, facilities that do not dispose of PBTs, release them to the environment, and manage more than 500 lbs. (227 kg) of them would be allowed to use Form A. The current rules do not allow facilities to use Form A for PBT chemicals at all.

In addition, the proposal states facilities with non-PBT chemicals could use Form A if they manage less than 5,000 lbs. (2,268 kg) of a chemical by disposal or other releases to the environment, treatment, energy recovery or recycling. Current regulations stipulate facilities may only use Form A if they manage or release 500 lbs. (227 kg) of a certain chemical.

The EPA has been working for several years on reducing the reporting burden for TRI. If implemented, this proposed rule change could save metalcasting firms significantly in time and money. The agency is asking for comments from individuals and organizations about the change using EDOCKET, EPA's electronic public docket and comment system. Comments can be submitted at http://www.epa.gov/edocket.