�The evidence is clear that industry and government action to limit
chemical releases is showing steady progress,� said Adri�n
V�zquez-G�lvez, CEC�s executive director. �It is equally clear that a
large number of small and medium-size industrial facilities need to do
a better job in reducing their waste and emissions if we are going to
see even greater progress in North America. We trust the progress
shown by industry leaders and the fact that pollution prevention is a
proven strategy will encourage everyone to tackle pollution issues at
the source.�
The CEC�s analysis demonstrates that facilities from Canada and the
United States that reported pollution prevention activities
- product and process redesign, spill and leak detection, and
substituting raw materials - showed reductions
from 2002�2004. Facilities not engaged in these activities did not
show similar progress.
A new chapter provides a detailed look at industrial recycling,
finding that over one-third of US and Canadian releases and transfers
reported in 2004 - more than 1 million tonnes
- were recycled. Recycling has increased in recent years due to
increases in production and in scrap metal prices. Most of the
materials were metals, including copper, zinc, lead and their
compounds.
The trilateral analysis is based on matched data from some 9
industrial sectors, 56 chemicals, and 10,000 facilities, comparing
releases and transfers for similar facilities in Canada, Mexico and
the United States. The report identifies a different pattern of
releases and transfers in each of the three countries.
Comparisons of the three countries� industrial emissions will continue
to improve as the CEC works with governments, industry and NGOs to
expand the number of chemicals and facilities that are comparable.
Taking Stock compiles data from Canada�s National Pollutant Release
Inventory, the United States� Toxics Release Inventory, and, starting
with its first year of mandatory reporting in 2004, Mexico�s pollutant
release and transfer register, the Registro de Emisiones y
Transferencia de Contaminantes.
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