EPA's 10 regional offices each have a team of OSCs and direct responders who can access any of the Special Forces for assistance. The OSC in turn contacts state and local agencies to coordinate their role. LEPC members include state or local officials, police, fire, public health, environmental, hospital, and transportation officials, as well as community groups and the media. This law is based on the premise that citizens have a right to know about chemicals in their communities. In October of 1990, Congress passed the Pollution Prevention Act , requiring all TRI facilities to provide information on pollution prevention and recycling efforts for each chemical on their reporting forms beginning with the 1991 reporting year.
Information includes quantities recycled, source reduction practices, and changes in production.
EPA recently added two chemical categories and 32 additional chemicals that require reporting. By the end of 1994, EPA will add 313 priority pollutants to the list, including acutely toxic chemicals, flammable gases and liquids, explosives, and pesticides . Small-source exemptions will be proposed at that time. In early 1995, TRI reporting will be extended to treatment plants for drinking water, utilities, mining companies, propane retailers, and other non-manufacturing industries associated with significant chemical releases. Efforts to educate and empower citizen groups, native Americans, and new immigrants to our shores will ensure early participation in environmental decision making, form partnerships, and promote sustainable communities.