What Is It?

TRI first came into existence in 1986 as part of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) and Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA). TRI’s creation was influenced by an event in Bhopal, India in 1984 where a cloud of toxic gas from the Union Carbide chemical plant killed thousands. Then in 1985 a serious chemical release occurred to a similar chemical plant in West Virginia. EPA wanted a way for the public to learn more information about the chemicals used in their communities so it setup a reporting system for companies using potentially harmful chemicals above certain thresholds.

What’s the Difference Between TRI, Form R and SARA 313?

There are other names that are often used to refer to TRI reporting.

The first is “SARA 313.” TRI reporting is covered under Section 313 of SARA. Thus, TRI reporting is also referred to as “SARA 313” reporting. Other SARA reporting requirements include SARA 311 and 312 which are the Tier II chemical inventory reporting requirements we covered in our EPCRA Tier II blog, SARA 304 which is emergency spill reporting, and SARA 302 and 303 which cover emergency planning and notification requirements.

TRI reporting can also be known as “Form R” reporting. This is because one of the names of the forms used for TRI reporting is called Form R.

Reporting Criteria

In order to qualify for TRI reporting, your company must meet this criteria:

Employ 10 or more employees;
Fall under an identified NAICS code from the 2017 NAICS list; and,
Manufactures, processes, or uses a chemical on the TRI list of approximately 770 chemicals at a threshold above allowed levels. These chemicals have been identified as ones with significant effects to the environment or human health. Chemicals are continually being added to this list.

2022 Updates

Due July 1, 2022:

All natural gas processing facilities that receive and refine natural gas are now subject to reporting.
Four PFAS chemicals have also been added: silver(I) perfluorooctanoate (335-93-3), perfluorooctyl iodide (507-63-1), potassium perfluorooctanoate (2395-00-8), and 2-Propenoic acid, 2-methyl-, 3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,9,9,10,10,11,11,12,12,12-heneicosafluorododecyl ester, polymer with 3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,9,9,10,10,10-heptadecafluorodecyl 2-methyl-2-propenoate, methyl 2-methyl-2-propenoate, 3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,9,9,10,10,11,11,12,12,13,13,14,14,14-pentacosafluorotetradecyl 2-methyl-2-propenoate and 3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,8-tridecafluorooctyl 2-methyl-2-propenoate (65104-45-2).
29 contract sterilization facilities now must estimate their quantities of ethylene oxide and/or ethylene glycol manufactured, processed or otherwise used to determine if they are subject to TRI reporting.

In the previous reporting year (due July 1, 2021), over 172 PFAS chemicals were added to the list of chemicals and the thresholds for these were significantly less than other chemicals.

Report Format

TRI uses two different forms for reporting, Form R and Form A. First, you will use Form R to identify chemicals. For the rest of the reporting, you need to continue with Form R or use Form A. Form A is a shortened form and only available if your company meets certain criteria in type of chemical, quantity, and waste generated. If you don’t meet the criteria for Form A, then you must use the longer Form R.

A form (R or A) must be completed for each chemical you manufacture, process or use in quantities above the threshold.

How are TRI Reports Submitted?

TRI reports are completed federally through EPA’s TRI-MEweb website. You will need to make copies to submit to your state agency as well.

This information will become public information and be searchable in several online databases.

Supplier Notifications

Companies who process or manufacture chemicals or chemical mixtures are required to send annual supplier chemical notifications per EPCRA Section 313. For more details on who and what that entails, check out our blog “Annual Supplier Notifications: Does This Affect Your Company“?

Have Questions? Need Help?

Do you need help with this environmental reporting requirement? iSi’s compliance team can help determine if you are required to submit and help you get the forms submitted. Contact us here for more information and pricing.

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