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Connecticut Companies Reduce Their 1999 Toxic Releases by 24 Percent; EPA Lists Ten Largest Pollution Emitters

Release Date: 04/12/2001
Contact Information: Andrew Spejewski, EPA Press Office (617-918-1014) Dwight Peavey, EPA TRI Coordinator (617-918-1829)

BOSTON – Power plants, manufacturers and other facilities in Connecticut reduced the amount of toxic pollutants released into the air, land and water by 24 percent between 1998 and 1999, according to the latest Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) data issued today by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Since 1988, Connecticut has reduced pollutant releases by 89 percent -- nearly double the 46 percent reduction achieved nationally over the same 11-year period.

The 1999 data shows a total of 7,835,000 pounds of chemicals released to the air, water or landfills by facilities across the state. That's compared to 10,376,393 pounds in 1998. More than 4.7 million pounds of Connecticut's pollutant releases in 1999 were from air emissions.

"Connecticut companies have significantly reduced the amount of toxic chemicals they're using and releasing over the last decade, and the most recent data shows that trend continuing" said Ira W. Leighton, acting regional administrator at EPA's New England Office. "New England as a whole is leading the nation in slashing pollution and is setting the bar on how environmental improvements can occur when companies, the government and communities work together for a common goal."

Since 1988, New England facilities have cut their total pollutant releases by 83 percent.

"Utilizing innovative approaches such as pollution prevention and new, greener technology, Connecticut businesses and manufacturers continue to reduce emissions of toxic pollutants from their facilities. Toxic emissions in the state have been reduced by nearly 90 percent over the last dozen years," said Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection Deputy Commissioner Jane K. Stahl. "These reductions have contributed to improving Connecticut's environment and protecting our natural resources. To build on the success of the last dozen years, DEP will continue to work with businesses and manufacturers to explore innovative strategies that enhance the quality of Connecticut's environment."

Today's data includes information on releases and other wastes from 644 toxic chemicals and chemical compounds that companies are required to report under EPA's TRI Program. The data includes toxics released at the company's facility and those transported to disposal facilities off site. All manufacturing companies, as well as coal and oil fired power plants, are required to participate.

The following is a list of Connecticut's 10 largest on- and off-site emitters of the toxic chemicals. No attempt has been made to adjust the totals to reflect the relative seriousness of the chemicals emitted. It is important to note that these chemical emissions are reported to EPA under the TRI and do not reflect illegal discharges of pollutants to the environment.

COMPANY NAME	ADDRESS	TOTAL # POUNDS
Clean Harbors of CT	Bristol	721,382
Dow N.A. Allyn's Point Plant	Gales Ferry	705,009
Pfizer Inc.Groton Site	Groton	419,060
Cytec Inds. Inc.	Wallingford	305,693
Olin Corp. Somers Thin Strip Brass Group	Waterbury	236,734
Summit Corp. of America	Thomaston	235,709
Uniroyal Chemical Co.	Naugatuck	228,967
Norwalk Harbor Station	Norwalk	203,832
Spongex Int. Ltd.	Shelton	197,261
Allegheny Rodney	Wallingford	165,906

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. The TRI provides the amount, location and type of release to the environment -- whether a pollutant is emitted into the air, discharged into the water, or released onto the land. It also includes information on waste shipped off-site for disposal or further treatment. The TRI 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.

TRI information is easily accessible to the news media and to the public. Information is available on-line, www.epa.gov/tri, in hard copy and in a variety of computer formats, including CD-ROM. For copies or more information, the public is encouraged to call EPA's toll-free Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Hotline at 1(800) 424-9346.