National Pollutant Release Inventory

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Areas Reporting Land Pollution to the NPRI

National Pollutant Release Inventory

The National Pollutant Release Inventory (NPRI) is a Canadian environmental database that tracks the release, disposal, and recycling of pollutants by industrial and commercial facilities across Canada. The NPRI is managed by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and serves as a key tool for the government, researchers, and the public to monitor and manage the impact of pollutants on the environment and human health.

History

The NPRI was established in 1992 under the authority of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999). It was created in response to the growing need for public access to information about pollutants being released into the environment. The first reporting year for the NPRI was 1993, and since then, it has expanded to include more substances and more detailed reporting requirements.

Objectives

The main objectives of the NPRI are to:

• Provide Canadians with access to information on pollutants released into their environment.
• Encourage industry to reduce pollutant releases and improve environmental performance.
• Support the development and implementation of environmental policies and regulations.
• Assist in the identification of environmental priorities and the tracking of progress towards environmental goals.

Reporting Requirements

Facilities that meet certain criteria are required to report their pollutant releases, disposals, and transfers to the NPRI annually. The criteria include the type and quantity of substances handled, the number of employees, and the industrial sector. The substances reported to the NPRI include a wide range of chemicals, heavy metals, and other pollutants that can have significant impacts on the environment and human health.

Data Access and Use

The data collected by the NPRI is made publicly available through the NPRI website and various online tools. This transparency allows the public, researchers, and policymakers to access detailed information about pollutant releases in their communities and across the country. The data is used for various purposes, including:

• Environmental research and analysis.
• Development of environmental regulations and policies.
• Public health studies.
• Community right-to-know initiatives.

Impact

The NPRI has had a significant impact on environmental management in Canada. By providing detailed information on pollutant releases, it has helped to increase public awareness and drive improvements in industrial environmental performance. Many facilities have implemented pollution prevention measures and adopted cleaner technologies as a result of the NPRI reporting requirements.

See Also

• Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999
• Environment and Climate Change Canada
• Pollution
• Environmental monitoring
• Right to know