TRI for Tribal Communities

The Toxics Release Inventory is a database containing data on disposal or other releases of over 600 toxic chemicals from thousands of U.S. facilities and information about how facilities manage those chemicals through recycling, energy recovery, and treatment. One of TRI's primary purposes is to inform communities about toxic chemical releases to the environment.

The information presented here is part of a larger effort to inform tribes of the availability of TRI data and other resources that may help assess tribal environmental and health concerns.

New to the Toxics Release Inventory? View the "Toxic Releases on Tribal Lands" webinar (wmv).

Why should Tribes be interested in TRI?

TRI contains data on toxic releases from facilities in multiple industry sectors operating in Indian country or other areas of interest to tribes.

List of TRI facilities located within Indian country ( 3 pp, 41KB, About PDF )
Quick facts about toxic releases on or near tribal lands ( 1 pp, 267KB, About PDF )
2010 TRI National Analysis profile of Indian country and Alaska Native Villages
TRI Tools in Action: The Case of Mercury Contamination on Winnebago Tribal Lands
(excerpt from Toxic Releases on Tribal Lands" webinar; (wmv, begins at 46:38)

What are some of the ways Tribes can use TRI data?

To identify sources of toxic chemical releases on or near Indian country, Alaska Native Villages, or other areas of interest to tribes
To begin analyzing potential toxic chemical hazards to human health and the environment
As another tool for assessing environmental and public health issues that may affect tribal communities

How can Tribes access TRI data?

Several tools are available for accessing and analyzing TRI data. The last two listed below have the ability to search TRI data by tribal boundaries:

myRTK A Web-based tool for use on smart phones or desktop computers. Maps TRI facilities and displays identities and quantities of chemicals being released. Includes potential adverse health effects, facility enforcement history, and other contextual information.
TRI Explorer A Web-based tool for use on desktop computers. Provides access to TRI data on chemicals, facilities, geographic areas, and industry sectors. Includes ability to search data by tribal boundaries.
TRI.NET A downloadable application for use on desktop computers. Supports in-depth analyses and includes mapping capabilities. Recommended for users who are familiar with TRI data and need a more powerful tool for efficient analysis. Includes ability to search data by tribal boundaries.

View the full list of TRI tools and access downloadable TRI data files

Are Tribes at risk from toxic chemical releases on or near their lands?

TRI data provide estimates of quantities of toxic chemicals that are released to the environment, as well as information on how those chemicals are managed prior to or instead of being released. Chemicals released to the environment may pose risks to human health or the environment, but the seriousness of any risk posed depends on a number of factors. The TRI program provides data on toxic chemical releases and other waste management, which communities can use to identify potential toxic chemical hazards in their surroundings.

Release estimates alone are not sufficient to determine exposure or to calculate potential risks to human health and the environment. TRI data, in conjunction with other information, such as the toxicity of the chemical, the release medium (e.g., air, water, land), and site-specific conditions, can be used as a starting point in evaluating the potential risks to human health and the natural environment.

TRI chemicals vary widely in toxicity and have different potential to remain in the environment, so that quantities released or managed by a facility are not always the best indication of whether a chemical may pose harm to humans or the environment. Many facilities limit the contamination and potential human exposure by managing the chemicals in certain ways, e.g., in well designed and managed landfills.

TRI analytical tools can be used as a starting point when exploring potential impacts from toxic chemical releases.

What can Tribes do about toxic chemical releases on or near their lands?

Find out if a facility of concern is in compliance with EPA laws and regulations using
EPA's Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO) application.
Report a suspected violation
Participate in TRI rulemakings - learn about current regulatory development actions and opportunities to get involved.

Is there help available for Tribes concerned about toxic chemical releases?

TRI Regional Coordinators: Tribes concerned about toxic releases from specific facilities on or near their lands may also contact their TRI Regional Coordinator.
EPA Regional Indian Program Coordinators: Tribes are encouraged to contact the Regional Indian Program Coordinator in their Region with any questions about facilities in Indian country or in proximity to Indian country, Alaska Native Villages or other tribal communities.
EPA Tribal Portal: The Tribal Portal is a gateway to EPA information specifically related to tribal governments.
Tox Town by National Library of Medicine: Find out about environmental health concerns where you live, work, and play.
ToxMap by National Library of Medicine: Visually explore TRI and Superfund data using national, regional, or local GIS maps.