Gold Mines Fined over $600k for Failing to Correctly Report Toxic Chemical Releases

Cinnaminson, NJ, March 20, 2013

The Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) created the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) Program. Under the requirements of EPCRA, all U.S. facilities that meet TRI reporting criteria must submit TRI data to the EPA and the states in which they are located by July 1st of each year.

One of EPCRA’s primary purposes is to inform citizens of toxic chemical releases in their areas. Last month, the EPA announced they had settled with three Nevada gold mining companies for failing to correctly report toxic chemical releases and waste management activities as required by EPCRA.

EPA inspectors found that the companies failed to submit timely, complete and correct Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) reports in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008, for toxic chemicals. These chemicals included cyanide, lead and mercury compounds. The companies involved have agreed to pay a total of $278,000 in penalties and spend an additional $340,000 to conduct an environmentally beneficial project. 

“EPCRA requires that facilities that manufacture, process, or use toxic chemicals over certain quantities must file annual reports estimating the amounts released to the environment, treated or recycled on-site, or transferred off-site for waste management,” reported Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical. “EMSL provides environmental testing services to help companies analyze what compounds are being used and what is being released into the environment. These services help companies stay compliant and assist in helping to provide the required information for government regulators and the general public.”

To learn more about soil, water and air testing or other environmental services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800)220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com .

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public.  The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical

(1) 1-800-220-3675

jfrasca@emsl.com