Nnsa Y-12 National Security Complex – Emissions Trend

Oak Ridge, TN · 2019–2023 · Parent: US Department of Energy

This page assembles 5 consecutive years of EPA Toxics Release Inventory Form R filings for Nnsa Y-12 National Security Complex, spanning 2019–2023. Each annual total aggregates on-site air emissions, surface-water discharges, land disposal, and off-site transfers reported by the facility under EPCRA Section 313, which requires disclosure whenever a listed chemical is manufactured, processed, or otherwise used above threshold quantities.

Reported releases opened at 108.5K in 2019 and closed at 111.2K in 2023 – a flat trend of 2.5% over the window. The chart below stacks the four TRI release media (air, water, land, off-site) and overlays the yearly total. The top contributor by cumulative mass is Lead And Lead Compounds at 525.0K, followed by Copper at 363.1K.

Because TRI figures are estimated, not metered, year-over-year deltas can reflect methodology revisions, ownership changes, or shifts in what a facility classifies as reportable, not only physical emission changes. Treat the trajectory as a disclosure record, and cross-reference with the EPA Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO) system for the fuller regulatory picture on this fabricated metals facility.

Overall Trend
→ Stable (+2.5%)
2019 Total
108.5K lbs
2023 Total
111.2K lbs

Total Releases by Category

Air
Water
Land
Offsite Transfer
0118.3K236.6K354.8K473.1K591.4K 20192020202120222023 Pounds Released

Year-over-Year Comparison

Year Total Chemicals YoY Change
2019 108.5K lbs 8 -
2020 60.3K lbs 8 -44.4%
2021 591.4K lbs 6 +880.5%
2022 430.6K lbs 7 -27.2%
2023 111.2K lbs 6 -74.2%

Top Chemicals by Year

Chemical 20192020202120222023 Total
Lead And Lead Compounds 46.3K 26.7K 173.2K 238.1K 40.7K 525.0K
Copper 4.0K 4.0K 331.7K 14.7K 8.7K 363.1K
Nickel 9.1K 8.6K 5.8K 60.9K 28.6K 113.0K
Manganese 3.4K 6.6K 57.7K 32.0K 9.8K 109.7K
Methanol 25.9K 5.4K 15.4K 30.9K - 77.7K
Chromium and Chromium Compounds(except for chromite ore mined in the Transvaal Region) - - 7.6K 47.1K 20.3K 75.0K
Chromium 8.3K 6.9K - - - 15.2K
Cobalt 862 964 - 6.8K 3.2K 11.8K
Mercury 10.4K 1.1K - - - 11.5K

About This Data

Trend data is sourced from the EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI). Facilities report annually. Release quantities are self-reported estimates. Year-over-year changes may reflect changes in production, pollution control measures, reporting methodology, or chemical thresholds.

A decrease in reported releases does not necessarily indicate improved environmental performance, as it may reflect production cutbacks, facility closures, or changes in reporting requirements. Similarly, increases may reflect expanded production rather than degraded environmental practices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nnsa Y-12 National Security Complex getting cleaner or dirtier?
Based on EPA TRI data from 2019–2023, Nnsa Y-12 National Security Complex's total toxic releases have remained relatively stable.
What time period does this trend data cover?
This page shows 5 years of EPA Toxic Release Inventory data from 2019–2023. Release quantities are self-reported estimates filed annually by the facility.