The United States Environmental Protection agency (USEPA) recently announced their 2007 update of chemical release report information. Their on-line database is called the "Toxics Release Inventory" (TRI). The TRI database tracks chemical releases that must be reported by the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act of 1986.
I decided to check out the TRI database, and I entered the zip code for my neighborhood. As I hit the web link, I had a fleeting thought... "I'm so fortunate to live far away from companies that use toxic chemicals". Wow, was I surprised!
I learned that Georgia-Pacific Chemical has a manufacturing facility about one mile from my home....and yes, they had reported releases. Nine releases in 2007 to be exact. The facility is located at the end of a dead end street. I never knew it was there. I "Googled" Georgia-Pacific and learned that they manufacture industrial resins.
I am not sure what I will do, if anything, about my new discovery. Would I have moved into my neighborhood if I knew Georgia Pacific was one mile away? I am not sure, but I would have liked to make that informed decision when I purchased my home.
I recommend that my fellow real estate colleagues inform their Buyers about the TRI database. Your clients will be impressed that you are keeping up with the latest environmental news in the neighborhood.
Environmentally Yours,
Nancy Lancaster is a Realtor and Ecobroker practicing in the greater Sacramento region for Lyon Real Estate . Visit Nancy Lancaster website to find homes for sale in Sacramento. Nancy Lancaster sponsors a unique program called "Healthy Homes For You".
Hello Nancy,,,,,,,,,,,, we, the is the area that I live in, have issue in the town that I live in. I have a lot of farm area with in 2 miles of my home, and now are drinking water has a toxic plum of farm chemicals and coal coming into our drinking water............everyone should beware of their drinking water and research the prior use of the land around them.
Hi Julie,..thank you for your comment. Wow, that sounds like a serious situation in your area. It's sad that our past practices have caused such wide spread pollution. It can take hundreds if not thousands of years to restore safe groundwater levels....Nancy
Great resource for all of us thanks for sharing this. info@KathyToth.com
Wow I did not know that a report like this existed. Thanks for letting me know.
WOW, I just bookmarked this post as I need to look into it further. thanks!
your friend in Charlottesville!
Nancy
Great Blog. I have bookmarked this site and will share with my database of clients. Keep up the great work.