EPA Proposes to De-List Phosphoric Acid from Toxic ReleaseInventory

Dec. 6, 1999
Find out why EPA is proposing to delete phosphoric acid from the list of chemicals reported under the TRI program.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to de-list phosphoric acid from the list of chemicals to be reported under the Toxic Release Inventory (TRO) program.

On Nov. 9, 1990, The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) filed a petition with EPA to de-list phosphoric acid from the list.

On Jan. 23, 1998, EPA denied TFI's petition. EPA found that phosphoric acid met the criterion under the law that allows it to add or decline to delete a chemical if it can cause or can be anticipated to cause, due to toxicity, a significant adverse effect on the environment.

EPA based the denial, upon phosphoric acid being a phosphate nutrient that can lead to toxic algal blooms and invader plant species when released into certain water bodies.

On April 29, 1998, TFI challenged EPA's denial in court, arguing that phosphoric acid was not toxic and did not meet the environmental effects listing criterion under the law.

TFI agreed that the release of phosphoric acid can cause toxic algal blooms but not because of phosphoric acid's toxicity, but because of its nutrient value.

Although phosphoric acid can reasonably be anticipated to cause significant adverse health effects on the environment, the court agree with TFI.

In response to the court's decision, EPA is proposing to delete phosphoric acid from the list chemicals reported under the TRI program.

A notice of the proposed de-listing will be available this Wednesday at: www.http: //www.epa.gov/fedrgstr.

About the Author

EHS Today Staff

EHS Today's editorial staff includes:

Dave Blanchard, Editor-in-Chief: During his career Dave has led the editorial management of many of Endeavor Business Media's best-known brands, including IndustryWeekEHS Today, Material Handling & LogisticsLogistics Today, Supply Chain Technology News, and Business Finance. In addition, he serves as senior content director of the annual Safety Leadership Conference. With over 30 years of B2B media experience, Dave literally wrote the book on supply chain management, Supply Chain Management Best Practices (John Wiley & Sons, 2021), which has been translated into several languages and is currently in its third edition. He is a frequent speaker and moderator at major trade shows and conferences, and has won numerous awards for writing and editing. He is a voting member of the jury of the Logistics Hall of Fame, and is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.

Adrienne Selko, Senior Editor: In addition to her roles with EHS Today and the Safety Leadership Conference, Adrienne is also a senior editor at IndustryWeek and has written about many topics, with her current focus on workforce development strategies. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics. Previously she was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck?, which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list.

Nicole Stempak, Managing Editor:  Nicole Stempak is managing editor of EHS Today and conference content manager of the Safety Leadership Conference.

Sponsored Recommendations

Committing to Safety: Why Leadership’s Role in Safety Excellence is Key

Jan. 13, 2025
Leadership has the power to transform an organization through their behavior and vision, which can result in the creation of an organizational culturethat supports safety excellence...

Speak Up! Cementing "See Something, Say Something" to Drive Safety

Jan. 13, 2025
Many organizations promote "see something, say something" to encourage their people to intervene and make work safe. But most don't go far enough to equip teams with the skills...

The Truth and Challenges of Cultivating Chronic Unease

Jan. 13, 2025
DEKRA announces its latest white paper, “The Truth and Challenges of Cultivating Chronic Unease,” as a definitive look into why being vulnerable to incidents strengthens our commitment...

Mitigating Risks: Strategies for Safeguarding Workers in Hazardous Workplaces

Jan. 13, 2025
Join our expert team in taking on the challenge to make safety part of your organization’s DNA as work, the workforce, and workplaces evolve.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EHS Today, create an account today!