For certain wastes and other materials, OxyChem submits Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) data to the EPA. For 2007 (the most recent report year), total reportable releases and transfers to permitted off-site facilities for destruction or disposal amounted to 10.1 million pounds. Due to the acquisition of two chemical plants in 2005, one of which disposes of waste on-site, the amount of OxyChem’s TRI releases has increased since 2004. However, OxyChem’s total releases relative to manufacturing production remain low. Over two-thirds of OxyChem’s transfers to permitted off-site facilities in both 2006 and 2007 occurred while a recycling unit at an OxyChem plant was being refurbished. Since the refurbished recycling unit resumed operation in 2008, OxyChem’s transfers are expected to drop significantly when 2008 and 2009 data are compiled.
OxyChem announced in 2008 that it had shut down its Muscle Shoals, Alabama, chlor-alkali plant and ceased mercury cell-based production in North America.