According to the Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP), "the Federal government spends as much as $1 billion per year on water and sewer costs. But almost $240 million of that amount could be saved."

In the past 30 years, management of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) has ranked among the top concerns of U.S. manufacturers and regulators. Though regulatory guidance is clear on what to do with known sources of PCBs, companies are not likely to test for the toxics unless they are believed to exist on the company's premises.

The Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act and the Pollution Prevention Act mandate that a publicly accessible toxic chemical database be developed and maintained by U.S. EPA.