This article originated from the Commission for Environmental Cooperation and it can also be viewed on their website.

• Oil and gas extraction, mining, and wastewater treatment stand out as clear examples where data reporting needs to improve
• Taking Stock Online provides integrated, publicly accessible pollution data from industrial facilities across the continent

Montreal, 13 July 2010-Taking Stock Online, released today by the Commission for Environmental Cooperation, provides the latest integrated North American data and most comprehensive picture of industrial pollution across North America, documenting reported releases and transfers of 5.7 billion kilograms of toxic pollutants in 2006 from industrial facilities in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

The North American picture is incomplete however, as a combination of national reporting exemptions for certain sectors and pollutants and incomplete reporting by some facilities reveal significant gaps in the portrait of how much pollution is generated and managed by North American industry.

"Regional cooperation on environmental issues depends on comparable and complete data from Canada, Mexico and the United States," said Evan Lloyd, Executive Director of the Commission for Environmental Cooperation. "This information is critical for governments, industry and citizens to address pollution and ensure healthy communities and ecosystems."

Taking Stock Online, published today, presents the latest integrated data set from North America's pollutant release and transfer registers (PRTRs) and features an integrated, multi-year database covering over 500 toxic substances and almost 100 major industrial sectors reporting to the PRTRs of Canada, Mexico and the United States. The site also features new tools to assist in data analysis, including a tool to explore data on pollutants transferred across national borders.

The North Carolina Environmental Justice Network (NCEJ) invites community members, government officials, environmentalists, students and researchers to submit abstracts that address environmental justice topics from any disciplinary perspective, including environmental sciences, social sciences, humanities, law, journalism, public health and medicine. The 12th Annual Community-Based Environmental Justice Summit will be held October 15-16, 2010 at the Historic Franklinton Center at Bricks, Edgecombe County, NC.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is hosting four public meetings on the proposed study of the relationship between hydraulic fracturing ("fracking") and its potential impacts on drinking water. The meetings will provide public information about the proposed study scope and design. EPA will solicit public comments on the draft study plan. Be a part of the conversation!

Announcing the release of the Toxics Release Inventory-Chemical Hazards Information Profiles (TRI-CHIP) database and myRight-to-know (myRTK)!  Two new tools designed to improve access to TRI data and information on the health effects of TRI chemicals are now available. TRI-CHIP is a searchable database system containing hazard information on TRI chemicals from multiple information sources.  The TRI-CHIP data base can be accessed at the following URL: http://www.epa.gov/tri/tri-chip/index.html.  A demonstration of TRI-CHIP was performed at the ECOS/US EPA cosponsored November Webinar a recording of which can be found here:

http://www.chemicalright2know.com/content/webinar-tri-web-based-tools-whats-new-and-emerging (scroll over to approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes to hear John Scalera describe the new tool).

MyRTK is an application for mobile devices and is currently available in a test version. MyRTK allows users to map nearby TRI facilities and large permit holders in the Air, Water, or Hazardous Waste programs, compare TRI chemical releases among facilities, identify facility noncompliance, and obtain information on human health effects associated with TRI chemicals. MyRTK test version is currently compatible with the Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome Web browsers, and is not currently compatible with Internet Explorer Web browser. More information about myRTK can be found at the following URL: http://www.epa.gov/tri/myrtk/index.htm.  To access the test version of the myRight-To-Know application, visit m.epa.gov/myrtk from your mobile or desktop device.

A demonstration of an early version of myRTK was performed at the ECOS/US EPA cosponsored November Webinar a recording of which can be found here:

http://www.chemicalright2know.com/content/webinar-tri-web-based-tools-wh ats-new-and-emerging (scroll over to approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes to hear Bill Smith describe the tool).

Thank you to all who attended the May 25th webinar: Using TRI to Support Environmental Justice. We had a series of excellent panelists and attendees submitted many great questions. Webinar presentations, a downloadable recording of the webinar, and our first installment of frequently asked questions (FAQs) is now available for viewing. Please note that as we get answers to presenter questions we will continue to update the FAQs.  We also expect a transcript of the Webinar to be posted soon! A transcript of the Webinar is now also available.

Please be reminded that the deadline for Abstracts for the 2010 National Training Conference is June 25th, 2010. Through this Call for Abstracts, we’re looking for your ideas on presentations, posters, or demonstrations that could help make this conference interesting, exciting, and relevant for attendees.

EPA's TRI Program is considering modifying TRI reporting requirements that apply to metal mining operations. Before beginning a formal regulatory development effort, the TRI Program is giving stakeholders the opportunity to discuss potential issues that could be addressed in any forthcoming rule. EPA invites you to share your thoughts on a potential forthcoming rule by commenting on the Metal Mining Stakeholder Forum.  The discussion forum will remain open and available for comment through June 30, 2010.  Comments received will be posted to the docketidentified as EPA-HQ-OEI-2009-0453.