March 31, 2006

The Department of Environmental Quality will be hosting a series of Toxic Chemical Release Inventory (TRI) Reporting Workshops to assist businesses across Michigan that must submit reports for listed toxic chemicals, and report releases and waste transfers of the chemicals, as well as waste management activities. The workshops will be held on May 2 in Gaylord, May 9 in Kalamazoo, May 11 in Grand Rapids, May 16 in Clinton Township, and on May 18 in Lansing.

TRI reporting is required under the federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986 and the Pollution Prevention Act of 1990. This half-day session is designed for persons familiar with TRI reporting, and attendees will gain hands-on experience using the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency TRI-ME reporting software to determine eligibility, complete the forms, and process an Internet submission. While working with the TRI-ME software, attendees will learn tips for using the TRI Assistance Library – an electronic set of USEPA technical guidance publications. Various other issues related to TRI data reporting will be covered, as well as reporting changes for 2005.

Two sessions are being offered at each location, and attendees can register for either the morning or afternoon session. A limited number of computers will be available at each location, so interested individuals are encouraged to register early.

The registration fee of $75 includes refreshments and workshop materials. Participants must be familiar with the TRI reporting requirements to be eligible for this training session. Those currently unfamiliar with the requirements should consider the USEPA option for beginners on May 4, 2006, in Novi.

Registration for either workshop can be done online at www.michigan.gov/deqworkshops (click on “Upcoming DEQ Workshops”). For registration information, contact the Environmental Assistance Center at 1-800-662-9278, or e-mail at deq-ead-env-assist@michigan.gov.

Editor’s note: DEQ news releases are available on the department’s Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

“Protecting Michigan’s Environment, Ensuring Michigan’s Future”

Revised March 31, 2006 by Pat Watson