What Is The TRI Report?

The Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) is a publicly available database of information on the release and transfer of nearly 650 chemicals by private companies and government facilities. Congress created TRI under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act of 1986 (EPCRA) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administers the program. Electric utilities were added to the list of manufacturing industries required to report to the TRI in May 1997.

DTE Energy's TRI Emissions

DTE Energy companies use a variety of fuels and energy sources to produce electricity. Our largest subsidiary, Detroit Edison, produces about 80 percent of the electricity needed for Southeastern Michigan at six (6) coal-fired power plants, with the remainder produced by nuclear power, oil, natural gas, and hydropower.

To produce nearly 45 million MWh of electricity -- enough to serve the needs of 5 million people in their homes, businesses and industries -- Detroit Edison burns approximately 22 million tons of coal annually. Even with expert operation and sophisticated pollution control equipment, that much coal combustion produces millions of pounds of by-products that are recycled, released to the air or water, or disposed of in approved containment facilities.

Detroit Edison obtains coal from dozens of mines, and the coal from each mine has a unique mix of trace elements that are the source for chemicals reported in the TRI data. TRI emissions will vary both year to year and from plant to plant due to these factors.

Based on available studies, we believe that Detroit Edison power plant releases are not harmful to our employees and the public. Detroit Edison is committed to operating its power generating stations in compliance with applicable regulatory standards.

View the 2011 TRI Report*.

Additional Information about TRI from the Edison Electric Institute

• A Primer on Electric Utility Companies and EPA’s Toxics Release Inventory *
• How are Emissions Generated? *
• Reducing Power Plant Emissions *

Detroit Edison continues to work with regulatory agencies in support of Community Right-To-Know activities. If you have questions about chemical emissions and the TRI, please contact DTE Energy's Media Relations Department at 313.235.8859.

* To view and print this information, you need Adobe® Acrobat® Reader.