In response to a congressional mandate, this book examines whether knowing the amounts of toxic substances entering and leaving manufacturing facilities is useful in evaluating chemical releases to the environment, waste reduction progress, and chemical management practices. Tracking of these substances with rigorous engineering data is compared with a less resource-intensive alternative to determine the feasibility and potential usefulness to the public and the government.

Table of Contents


Front Matter
Executive Summary
1. Introduction
2. Approaches to Obtaining Mass Balance Information
3. Uses of Materials Accounting Data
4. Accuracy of Toxic Chemical Release Estimates
5. Assessing Waste-Reduction Efficiency
6. Evaluating Toxic Chemical Management Practices
7. Collection of Mass Balance Information on a National Scale
Glossary
Appendix A: TRI (Toxic Release Inventory) Chemicals Subject to the Reporting Requirements of SARA Section 313
Appendix B: Standard Industrial Classification Codes Within the Manufacturing Division
Appendix C: U.S. EPA Form R: Toxic Chemical Release Inventory Reporting Form
Appendix D: Charge to the National Academy of Sciences in Superfund Amendments Reauthorization Act (SARA) Section 313(I) and U.S. Congress, 1986. SARA Conference Report on Mass Balance Study
Appendix E: Mass Balance Workshop Participants and Presentation Titles
Appendix F: National Governors' Association Mass Balance Survey of State Governments
Appendix G: New Jersey Industrial Survey
Appendix H: Maryland State Toxic Registry System Chemical Inventory
Appendix I: Defining Waste and Waste Reduction
Appendix J: Uniform Waste Reduction Standard
Appendix K: Commission on Physical Sciences, Mathematics, and Resources
References