EPA Lifts Stay of TRI Reporting Requirements for Hydrogen Sulfide

摘要

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on November 4, 2011, that it is reinstating Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) reporting requirements for hydrogen sulfide. The TRI is a public, federal database containing information on toxic chemical releases and waste management activities reported annually by certain industries and federal facilities.Hydrogen sulfide occurs naturally in crude petroleum and natural gas, and can also result from the breakdown of organic matter. Hydrogen sulfide can also result from industrial activities, such as petroleum refining. Individuals living near gas and oil drilling operations, wastewater treatment plants, farms with manure storage or livestock confinement facilities, or landfills may be exposed to higher levels of hydrogen sulfide. Exposure to hydrogen sulfide can have "chronic health effects in humans (upper respiratory tract toxicity and neurotoxicity) and significant adverseeffects in aquatic organisms......." 76 Fed. Reg. 64,022, 64,027(Oct. 17,2011).