EPA Reports Reduced Toxics in 2009 in New England

BOSTON, US: Fewer toxics were released into the environment in New England last year than in 2008 and the weak economy may have been one reason. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says about 21.9 million pounds of chemicals were released in the six states in 2009, the most recent year available. That's down by about 2.4 million pounds from 2008.
In the U.S., 3.37 billion pounds of toxic chemicals were released, down 12 percent from 2008. EPA spokesman David Deegan in Boston says the reasons may include a fall in business activity due to the recession and tougher environmental standards.
The EPA says chemicals released into the air, land and water include ammonia, sulfuric and hydrochloric acid and copper compounds used in manufacturing, mining, electric utilities and in commercial hazardous waste.
Courtesy: The Associated Press