EPA faces increased pressure to alter reporting requirements under the Toxic Release Inventory Program (TRI) for mining operations and facilities that manufacture or use lead.
EPA is in the process of developing a rule that could change how mining companies report toxics in waste rock under TRI, a program that requires industry to report on its toxic chemical releases and other waste management activities. The rule will address regulatory changes for the mining sector and aims to interpret a court decision (Barrick Goldstrike Mines Inc. v EPA) that found Barrick Goldstrike Mines exempt from reporting toxic chemicals that make up less than one percent of waste rock.