Toxic Release Inventory
(TRI)

Reporting
Calculations

All companies using toxic (hazardous) chemicals must submit annual TRI reports.  The program covers emissions across multiple media: air, water, and land.

The bigger picture of the TRI program revolves around accurate data accumulation related to toxic substance emissions.  This data encompasses all pathways of exposure and is used to precisely calculate total toxic emissions from your operation(s).  Reporting data is submitted annually through either a "short" form or "long" form.  Failure to report through this mandatory and heavily scrutinized reporting program can lead to business-ending fines or detrimentally impactful public image degradation.

Short Form vs. Long Form:

• Short Form (Form A):  Requires review and verification of process and material information before submission.  It’s a concise overview.

• Long Form (Form R):  Involves extensive calculations of TRI-qualifying emissions and contaminants across all operational streams:

  • Raw Materials:  Consider raw materials available, potential degradation, or on-site disposal.

  • Process Emissions:  Related to actual production operations within your facility.

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Certain thresholds exist within the TRI program--sometimes requiring the Form R submission every year in place of a Form A.  Companies subject to TRI reporting should prepare well in advance for the breadth of calculations required and the necessary cost of reporting.