PRTR operation - Staffing/governance
A single agency or multiple agencies may work together to implement a PRTR. For example, the responsible agencies that collect, review, compile, and disseminate PRTR data vary considerably across PRTRs:
- Facilities in Australia submit data to Australia’s NPI through their state or territory environment agency. The state or territory agency reviews and forwards the data to the Australian Government. The Australian Government compiles and disseminates NPI data.
- Facilities in Canada submit data to Canada’s NPRI through the national agency, Environment Canada. Environment Canada reviews, compiles, and disseminates the reported data.
- Facilities in the European Union (E.U.) submit data to the E.U.’s E-PRTR through a competent authority within their country (e.g. the national environmental agency). The competent authority reviews the reported data and then submits it to the European Environment Agency. The European Environment Agency compiles and disseminates E-PRTR data.
- Facilities in Japan submit data to Japan’s PRTR through the prefectural government. The prefectural government forward reported data to the national government. The national government compiles the data. Both the national and prefectural government disseminate the reported data.
- Facilities in the United States (U.S.) submit TRI data to both the U.S. government [Environment Protection Agency (EPA)] and to their respective state government and, where applicable, tribal government. The U.S. EPA reviews the reported data. The U.S. EPA, state agencies, and tribal agencies disseminate TRI data.
It will also be necessary to identify or establish the personnel within the responsible agency or agencies who will perform tasks to implement the PRTR. When staffing a PRTR, your country may identify:
- Required skills for PRTR staff (e.g. an understanding of database administration to perform data compilation and storage);
- Whether there are personnel within the responsible agency who have training relevant to PRTR operation (e.g. training in information technology, chemicals safety, communication, data analysis, etc.); and
- Additional training that might be needed for PRTR staff.
For a cost-effective management scheme, you may wish to implement the next element (Data Collection, Compilation, and Storage) or choose another element from the Management scheme elements list.
Relevant tools
Below is a list of tools relevant for implementing this topic :