Click on the image at left to view data on top 15 sites.
The state’s two biggest sources for industrial pollution showed sharp decreases in emissions in 2013.
The 2013 Toxics Release Inventory report showed NRG’s Indian River coal-fired unit in Sussex County and PBF Energy’s Delaware City Refinery, reported double-digit decreases when compared to 2012.
The one top five site that was an exception to the rule was the DuPont Edgemoor plant near Wilmington, which saw a 20 percent increase.
The Delaware City Refinery has been under fire from environmental activists that have claimed emissions figures may not be accurate and have opposed pollution permits for the site. A more recent issue at the refinery has been the use of rail transport of crude oil from Canada and North Dakota.
Activists have less frequently targeted the Edgemoor and Indian River plants. The power plant has shut down all but one coal-fired generator. Owner NRG has invested $410 million in equipment and pollution control technology at the site, according to company spokesman David Gaier.
Total on site releases are down 22 percent, with releases to water down 24 percent, releases to air down 10 percent, and releases to land down 50 percent, according to the report issued annually by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.
The reporting of nitrate compounds released to water again had a major impact on overall on site releases, accounting for 71 percent (2.8 million pounds) of the total on site releases.
Nitrate compounds accounted for far less released amounts than in earlier years – down by about 900,000 pounds compared to 2012.
“I’m encouraged by the continuing downward trend in on site releases reported under TRI for the 2013 data year,” said DNREC Secretary David Small. “I’m also confident we can continue this trend even as our economy continues to grow and as industrial productivity moves forward.”
This year, the TRI report has been expanded to include facility profiles for each 2013 reporting facility. The profiles offer contact information and an overview of each facility, with TRI information presented in several charts and graphics formats. The profiles will provide the public with easier access to TRI information for specific facilities in their communities.
The toxic releases have also been influenced by the decline in manufacturing in the state.
Among the companies no longer on the list, due to closures are Chrysler, General Motors, Reichhold Chemical and most recently Evraz Claymont Steel, which closed its site more than a year ago.
The full TRI 2013 report, facility profiles, and data are available at: http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/SERC/Pages/Reports.aspx
