Cookie Control

This site uses cookies to store information on your computer.

Some cookies on this site are essential, and the site won't work as expected without them. These cookies are set when you submit a form, login or interact with the site by doing something that goes beyond clicking on simple links.

We also use some non-essential cookies to anonymously track visitors or enhance your experience of the site. If you're not happy with this, we won't set these cookies but some nice features of the site may be unavailable.

By using our site you accept the terms of our Privacy Policy.

(One cookie will be set to store your preference)
(Ticking this sets a cookie to hide this popup if you then hit close. This will not store any personal information)

Chemical Plant Data Can Reveal Local Stories

November 11, 2015

A disturbing story of poor chemical company compliance with environmental and safety rules was released October 22, 2015, by a watchdog group. It could have — and perhaps should have — been done by a news publication. And it shows the use journalists could make of several key databases.

The report, "Blowing Smoke," was produced by the Center for Effective Government, which has long been a pioneer in investigative work using environmental databases.

In a nutshell, the report concludes: "Chemical companies say 'trust us,' but environmental and workplace safety violations belie their rhetoric."

First, read the report here. Then start exploring the databases. There are local stories galore for those who drill down.

One of the two key databases is the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO). It includes inspection and enforcement data from most of EPA's regulatory programs, not just those affecting chemical companies.

The other key database — less noted by environmental reporters — is maintained by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). It is searchable online here. Or you can download datasets here.  Also good are the overviews available here and here.

SEJ Publication Types: 
Topics on the Beat: 
Visibility: