The data include information on past inspections and enforcement actions, the size of the facilities and their annual releases of chemicals into the environment. Demographic data about communities near the facilities are also included. The database has multiple uses. Facilities can benchmark their data against those of other similar facilities, or simply monitor their own regulatory performance. Environmental and community groups now have easier access to information that they can use to learn about the environmental performance of individual facilities.
Government agencies can use the information as a planning tool.
Stakeholders, including environmental and community organizations, have commented on the project. Each facility included in the pilot project received a copy of its records and was given an opportunity to submit corrections. State agencies also received the information for review, since a large portion of the data is provided to EPA by state governments. EPA modified the data as appropriate, based on these comments. EPA will continue taking comments as this pilot project evolves.