Industrial pollution on the rise
Statewide figures from 2003 show 3 percent increase over 2002
Reported releases of toxic chemicals by the state’s major industries and manufacturers climbed about 3 percent in 2003 over 2002 figures, according to the state Department of Ecology.
For 2003, about 20.5 million pounds of toxic chemicals were spewed into the land, air and water, compared with 19.9 million pounds in 2002.
The TransAlta coal mine and coal-fired power plant near Centralia had the highest volume of chemical releases at 5.5 million pounds.
Ecology officials said an improving economy, which translates into increased production, is to blame for the higher numbers.
“A strong economy is important, but it can be a double-edged sword,” said Darin Rice, Ecology’s hazardous waste manager.
Rice said Ecology continues to work with industry, providing technical assistance on pollution prevention and product design changes so they use fewer chemicals.
As recently as 2000, total releases by industry in the state were 30 million pounds.
Environmental groups said the state should be a leader in clean energy and clean industry initiatives to drive the chemical emissions lower.
“It’s completely bogus to say a strong economy requires more pollution,” said Laurie Valeriano, policy director of the Washington Toxics Coalition.
In 2003, three Thurston County manufacturers released into the environment 739,899 pounds of chemicals that are required to be reported under the 1996 federal Community-Right-to-Know Act. The total placed the county 12th in the state overall in 2003.
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Industrial pollution on the rise