Toxic releases declining in Oregon

The amount of toxic pollution emitted into Oregon’s land, air and water is dropping. Across the state, 280 federally regulated facilities released 16.4 million pounds of toxic chemicals in 2014, according to new data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. That’s the smallest amount since 2009’s post-recession drop to 15.3 million pounds. Emissions rebounded the following three years, peaking in 2012 at 23.2 million pounds. Manufacturing, metal mining, electric utilities and hazardous waste facilities must report their release of toxic chemicals to the EPA each year. The EPA then publishes the Toxic Release Inventory, listing information about chemical releases across the country.