United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Office of
Information Resources Management
Washington, DC 20460
Progress Report
1987
DC
State/EPA
Data Management
Program
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Progress Report
1987
Sharing Data
for
Environmental ResuIts
DC
STATE/EPA
DATA MANAGEMENT
PROGRAM
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/
= ^_^ u, UN|TED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20460
THE ADMINISTRATOR
To the Reader,
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the States have made great
strides toward Environmental Federalism -- a true partnership of Federal and State
governments to achieve our shared goals of protecting human health and the
environment. The State/EPA Data Management Program has been instrumental in
this progress and exemplifies what can be accomplished when State and Federal
managers work together.
This report highlights the accomplishments of the State/EPA Data Manage-
ment Program during 1987. These accomplishments include immediate gains in
efficiency and much-needed improvements in line manager access to environmental
and management information. Over the longer term, this program is helping to build
the infrastructure ~ the management capacity, data resources and technology ~
needed by EPA and the States to set priorities based on risk, and to integrate our
activities across programs and media.
The State/EPA Data Management Program has had the added benefit of
demonstrating the efficacy and importance of training and technology transfer as a
means for achieving Federal priorities. Thus, EPA has both given and received
technical assistance, and more importantly, has helped arrange the transfer of
technology between States.
I look to the State/EPA Data Management Program to carry us forward into a
new, more productive relationship with State agencies. With this in mind, I have
directed that this Program be extended to all States and that the underlying principles
be adopted as EPA policy.
Lee M. Thomas
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I. INTRODUCTION AND GOALS
Program Background
EPA's capacity to identify and examine environmental trends and
report on its own performance and that of delegated State programs
to manage for environmental results depends directly on
a timely and accurate data sharing program with States. For this
reason, the Agency has launched the State/EPA Data Manage-
ment Program to build and maintain the infrastructure needed (1)
for effective State/EPA data management and sharing; and (2) to
integrate data across media and programs so EPA and State
managers can target their efforts on environmental results.
Program Phases
This program is divided into two phases. Phase I: Data
Sharing and Phase II: Data Integration.
The goal of Phase I is:
To provide a direct communication linkto the State and to
the EPA data network;
To have direct access to the data in the national data
systems;
To have a State policy statement on data integrity and
protocols.
The goal of Phase II is:
To implement data integration tools to pinpoint environ-
mental problems;
To set priority on environmental problems on a risk-reduc-
tion basis;
To manage activities to maximize environmental results.
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Phase I: Data Sharing
Phase I seeks to establish a reliable flow of regulatory and compli-
ance data between EPA and the delegated States for seven sys-
tems. An important objective of Phase I is to have direct data
access into these national systems:
National Emissions Data System (NEDS): provides air emissions
data.
System for the Storage and Retrieval of Aerometric Data (SA-
ROAD): provides ambient air quality data.
Compliance Data System (CDS): provides air compliance data.
Grants Information and Control System (GICS): provides Con-
struction Grants and schedule information.
Water quality data storage and Retrieval system (STORET): pro-
vides water quality data.
Permit Compliance System. (PCS): provides compliance data
and effluent data for surface water discharges.
Hazardous Waste Data Management System (HWDMS): pro-
vides hazardous waste site information.
Phase II: Data Integration
Phase II focuses on assisting States and Regions in integrating
data across programs and media. The Phase II goal is to develop
and implement at the Regional and State levels the tools needed
to pinpoint environmental problems, prioritize them on a risk-reduc-
tion basis, and manage program activities to maximize environ-
mental results. EPA Regionsare expectedto begin introducing the
Phase II integration concepts to the Phase I States in 1988.
Phase II is now being piloted in Region IV and Georgia. The pilot
will help define the Phase II Program more precisely.
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Federal responsibility and support for the program is shared
among the Regions, Office of Information Resources Manage-
ment (OIRM), the National Data Processing Division (NDPD), and
the Program Offices.
The Regional role is critical; the senior IRM official i n each Region
must drive this program at the Regional level and secure State par-
ticipation. As the National Program Manager, OIRM with assis-
tance from NDPD, is responsible for program policy, coordinating
Program Office support, connecting States to EPA's data commu-
nication network, introducing and supporting data integration and
other new technologies, and assisting Regions and States during
implementation. Continued Program Offices support for the
State-Regional Initiatives is vital to achieve complete, timely, and
accurate national data systems.
Benefits to the Agency and States
The four specific benefits envisioned for the State/EPA Data Man-
agement Program are:
Efficiencies in data collection which will result in signifi-
cant gains in data handling and routine program operations;
Enhanced data qualityaccurate, timely and reliable
to guide programmatic decisions and support program
oversight;
Improved data integration to more effectively target regu-
latory and compliance activities on risk reduction, and to en-
hance the capability to manage for environmental results;
A more productive working relationship between EPA
and the States to focus on environmental management and
minimize data disputes.
This program is of strategic importance to EPA's overall efforts to
enhance vital data resources and move toward more productive
Federal and State roles in environmental protection.
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Georgia The Pilot State
The data management Pilot began with a joint effort between Geor-
gia and the Atlanta Regional Office, to meet State information
needs and satisfy EPA reporting requirements. This Pilot estab-
lished a protocol for resolving data disputes, upgraded State com-
puting capacity, and established a high-speed data link between
EPA and the State. Results are very positive: complete, timely
and accurate data in EPA's data bases; a reduction in both contrac-
tor workyears for handling the Regions' data activities and in
Georgia's annual computing costs; and virtual elimination of dis-
putes over compliance data and status.
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II. Review of 1987 Progress
Summary
Substantial progress was made in 1987. Accomplishments include
all ten Regions:
Implemented Phase I in at least one State; Regions II and
IV worked with two States.
Completed installation of a high-speed data link and
necessary software to tie the State capitals into the data
network. These States now have the capability to directly
enter and access the data they report to EPA.
Created a more constructive Regional-State attitude
toward improving the flow of State reported data.
Achieved numerous and concrete improvements in the
flow and use of data: efficiencies in handling data, timeli-
ness of reported data, and greater use of EPA systems to
support State program operations.
Initiated actions to develop protocols for resolving dis-
agreements over State reported data.
Nine Regions completed joint State-Regional implementation plans
specifying actions to be taken in1988-89 to accomplish Phase I
objectives and selected Phase II data integration initiatives. Addi-
tional training is being provided to enhance and expand the States'
use of EPA systems in managing operations.
Looking ahead, Regions have selected additional States to include
in the Program for 1988.
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Region-By-Region Review
DC
LEGEND: 1987 Selected States
1988 Selected States
1987 Selected States
Maine
New Jersey
New York
Virginia
Tennessee
Indiana
Arkansas
Missouri
Utah
California
Oregon
1988 Selected States
New Hampshire
Puerto Rico
West Virginia
Delaware
Florida
Illinois
Michigan
Minnesota
Ohio
Wisconsin
Texas
Nebraska
Iowa
Kansas
Colorado
Hawaii
Nevada
Washington
Idaho
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LEGEND: 1987 Selected State
1988 Selected State
Region: Region I, Boston
State: Maine
Program Phase: Phase I
Key Regional Participants: Hartey Laing, Director, Planning and Management
Mike MacDougall
State Contacts: Ron Dolan
Data Bases Involved: NEDS, SAROAD, CDS, PCS, GICS, STORET, & HWDMS
Major Accomplishments in 1987:
(1) Installed high speed data link to connect Augusta to EPA network.
(2) Identified data management problem areas and prepared workplan for Regional and
State actions to accomplish Phase I objectives.
(3) Began work on data integrity protocols for the national data bases.
(4) Identified several PCS-related enhancements desired by Maine which would expand
PCS capabilities for supporting program operations.
(5) Established the analytic capability to conduct data integration activities and procured
hardware and software to support that effort.
(6) Previewed the new AIRS system which will be adopted by Maine.
(7) Provided training and support to Maine as a direct user of the CDS and GICS systems.
Next Steps for Maine in 1988:
(1) Receive training in use of EPA systems.
(2) Complete tasks in workplan to facilitate timely and accurate data flows.
(3) Work with Region in developing PCS-related enhancements.
Next State in Program: New Hampshire
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LEGEND: 1987 Selected States
1988 Selected State
Region:
States:
Program Phase:
Region II, New York
New Jersey, New York
Phase I
Key Regional Participants: Herb Barrack, ARA for Policy and Management
Bob Messina, John Baglivi
State Contacts: NJ: Nancy Power, NY: Tom Donovan
Data Bases Involved: NEDS, SAROAD, CDS, PCS, GIGS, STORET, and HWDMS
Major Accomplishments in 1987:
(1) High speed data links established in 1985 and 1986 connecting Albany and Trenton
to EPA network. Enhancements to New Jersey's telecommunications network com-
pleted.
(2) Both States now enter data directly into EPA data bases, except for HWDMS.
(3) Reviewed data bases, identified data management problem areas, prepared
workplan for Regional and State participants to accomplish Phase I objectives for
HWDMS.
(4) Began work with New York to directly enter data into HWDMS.
(5) Began work with New Jersey to implement electronic transfer of State data to
HWDMS.
Next Steps for New Jersey and New York in 1988:
(1) Complete tasks which will enable each State to electronically provide data to
HWDMS.
(2) Evaluate Resource Conservation and Recovery Information System (RCRIS) for im-
plementation by New Jersey and New York.
Next State in Program: Puerto Rico
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LEGEND: 1987 Selected State ]
1988 Selected States I
Region:
State:
Program Phase:
Region III, Philadelphia
Virginia
Phase I
Key Regional Participants: Bill Wisniewski, ARA for Policy and Management
Joe Hamilton, Wendy Bartel
State Contacts:
Data Bases Involved:
Jane Beckett-Camarata, Asst. Director for Administration
NEDS, SAROAD, CDS, AIRS, PCS, GIGS, STORET, FRDS, &
HWDMS
Major Accomplishments in 1987:
(1) Installed high speed data link to connect Richmond to EPA network.
(2) Reviewed data bases, identified data management problem areas, prepared
system-by-system workplan for Regional and State actions to accomplish Phase I
objectives.
(3) Completed data integrity policy and program.
(4) Developed user support and training program addressing the needs of each
system.
(5) Implemented direct access to all data bases except NEDS and HWDMS.
(6) Established the analytic capability to conduct data integration activities and procured
hardware and software to support that effort.
Next Steps for Virginia in 1988:
(1) Receive training to enhance use of EPA systems in supporting program operations.
(2) Carry out multi-year approach toward becoming a direct user of PCS.
Next States in Program: West Virginia and Delaware
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LEGEND: 1987 Selected State
1988 Selected State
Region: Region IV, Atlanta
State: Tennessee
Program Phase: Phase I
Key Regional Participants: Joe Franzmathes, ARA for Policy & Management
Jack Sweeney
State Contacts: John Booker, Tenn. Dept. of Health and Environment
Data Bases Involved: NEDS, SAROAD, CDS, PCS, GICS, STORET, and HWDMS
Major Accomplishments in 1987:
(1) Installed high speed data link to connect Nashville to EPA network.
(2) Reviewed data bases, identified data management problem areas, prepared
workplan for Regional and State actions to accomplish Phase I objectives.
(3) Developed data integrity policies and programs for each of the national data bases.
(4) Developed user support and training program addressing the needs of each system.
(5) Implemented direct access to all data bases.
(6) Established the analytic capability to conduct data integration activities and procured
hardware and software to support that effort.
Next Steps for Tennessee in 1988:
(1) Develop grant proposals which include data management considerations for 1988 and
1989.
(2) Establish high speed internal network within Tennessee Department of Health and
Environment.
(3) Implement Tennessee Department of Health and Environment Prime 2755 mini-
computer to support State and EPA programs.
(4) Receive training to enhance use of EPA systems in supporting program operations.
Next State in Program: Florida
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LEGEND: 1987 Selected State
1988 Selected States
Next State in Program:
Region:
State:
Program Phase:
Florida
Region V, Chicago
Indiana
Phase I
Key Regional Participants: Robert Springer, ARA for Planning & Mgmt.
Michael Bland, Dan Werbie, Steve Goranson
State Contacts:
Data Bases Involved:
William Estabrook, Director of Management Services, IDEM
Fred Alvarey, MIS Director
NEDS, SAROAD, CDS, PCS, GIGS, STORET, and HWDMS
Major Accomplishments in 1987:
(1) Installed high speed data link and software to connect Indianapolis to EPA network.
(2) Reviewed data bases, prepared workplan for Regional and State actions to accom-
plish Phase I objectives.
(3) Established an IRM Steering Committee. Defined policy on major IRM issues which
provides a framework for implementing Phase I and II in Indiana and future States.
(4) Indiana inputs data to EPA directly and has begun implementing AIRS. Region is as-
sisting Indiana in the development of an automated financial management system.
(5) Region and Indiana are developing a Cost Allocation Plan which combines re-
sources to implement Phase I and II, and also upgrade computer equipment in the
State.
Next Steps for Indiana in 1988:
(1) Implement the Cost Allocation Plan which will allow a more integrated approach in
the planning and implementation of Phase II.
(2) Further development of FINDS to allow for greater data integration.
(3) Indiana would like to make more use of CDS, with the added capability to track
State defined elements.
Next States in Program: Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin
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LEGEND: 1987 Selected State
1988 Selected State
Region:
State:
Program Phase:
Key Regional Participants:
State Contact:
Data Bases Involved:
Region VI, Dallas
Arkansas
Phase I.
John Fleeter, ARA for Management
Jim Sims, Jane Moore, Lynda Carroll
Robert Gage, Arkansas Department of Pollution and Ecology
NEDS, SAROAD, CDS, PCS, STORET, GIGS and HWDMS
Major Accomplishments in 1987:
(1) Improved existing high speed data link from Little Rock to EPA network.
(2) Arkansas enters data directly into EPA data bases.
(3) Began work on data integrity protocols for each of the national data bases.
(4) Resolved several data handling issues which will improve current data processing.
(5) Region provided technology and resources to enhance State's computing and tele-
communications capabilities.
(6) Accelerated implementation schedule for AIRS.
Next Steps for Arkansas in 1988:
(1) Receive training in EPA systems to support program operations.
(2) Proceed with the development of State integrated enforcement and compliance
tracking system.
(3) Monitor AIRS development and facilitate State implementation of the system.
Next State in Program: Texas
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LEGEND: 1987 Selected State
1988 Selected States
Region: Region VII, Kansas City
State: Missouri
Program Phase: Phase I
Key Regional Participants: Susan Gordon, ARA for Policy and Management
Gene Ramsey, Dan Vallero
State Contacts: Bill Ford, Director, Department of Environmental Quality,
Stan Nessing
Data Bases Involved: NEDS, SAROAD, CDS, PCS, GICS, FRDS, STORET and
HWDMS
Major Accomplishments in 1987:
(1) Installed high speed data link and software to connect Jefferson City to EPA network.
(2) Identified data management problem areas and prepared workplan for Regional and
State actions to accomplish Phase I objectives.
(3) Resolved some impediments to timely and accurate data processing (e.g., reporting
of HWDMS data) and increased efficiency in handling data (e.g., reporting FRDS
data).
(4) Began work on data integrity protocols for each of the national data bases.
(5) Established joint State-Regional Data Management Steering Committee to direct
and manage the implementation effort in 1988-89.
(6) Reviewed with Missouri their efforts to move ahead with the development of en-
hanced data integration capabilities for Phase II.
(7) Implemented direct access to all data bases.
(8) Region procured computer technology to initiate data integration activities.
(9) Established the analytic capability to conduct data integration activities and procured
hardware and software to support that effort.
Next Steps for Missouri in 1988:
(1) Complete linkage to PCS and GICS.
(2) Network PC-based systems supporting hazardous waste program to use RCRIS.
(3) Improve data reporting from State District Offices to Jefferson City.
(4) Move ahead with State initiative to enhance data integration capabilities.
(5) Review FRDS and determine how to proceed with State's use of FRDS.
(6) Facilitate use of new technologies such as expert systems and geographic information
systems.
Next States in Program: Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas
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LEGEND: 1987 Selected State
1988 Selected State
Region: Region VIII, Denver
State: Utah
Program Phase: Phase I
Key Regional Participants: Kerrigan Clough, ARA for Policy and Management
Carl Worster
State Contacts: Robert Shipman, Data Sharing Coordinator
Data Bases Involved: NEDS, SAROAD, CDS, PCS, GIGS, STORET, and HWDMS
Major Accomplishments in 1987:
(1) Installed high speed data link and software to connect Salt Lake City to EPA network.
(2) Reviewed data bases, identified data management problem areas, prepared
workplan for Regional and State actions to accomplish Phase I objectives.
(3) Installed a PRIME computer in the State which consolidates and standardizes access
to EPA national data bases.
(4) Utah is co-funding a software development effort with Georgia to develop a data
management system to enhance data integration.
Next Steps for Utah in 1988:
(1) Expand use of EPA systems, focusing on AIRS.
(2) Provide assistance to Utah to help meet new requirements for the State Revolving
Fund in the Consruction Grants program.
(3) Utah to begin working with geographical analysis and information techniques.
Next State in Program: Colorado
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LEGEND: 1987 Selected State
1988 Selected States
Region: Region IX, San Francisco
State: California
Program Phase: Phase I _
Key Regional Participants: Charles Murray, ARA for Policy and Management
David Jones, Chief, IRM Task Force
State Contacts: Phil Daniels, Archie Matthews and Don Anderson.State Water
Resources Control Board, Steve Hanna, Department of Health
Services
Data Bases Involved: PCS, GIGS, STORET, HWDMS and AIRS
Major Accomplishments in 1987:
(1) Established high speed data link to Sacramento (U.S. Bureau of Reclamation) to
serve as node connecting State systems to EPA network.
(2) Conducted preliminary requirements analysis for data communications and ADP
equipment requirements to allow for direct, high-speed, on-line connectivity to indi-
vidual program operations.
(3) Documented data flows for each system; undertaking program to resolve impedi-
ments to timely and accurate data.
(4) Prepared plans to address training needs for each system.
(5) Prepared draft integrity protocols for each system.
Next Steps for California in 1988:
(1) Connect all major systems to the central Sacramento node.
(2) Implement training and user support program.
(3) Formalize and implement data integrity agreements for each system.
(4) Evaluate preliminary PCS project (currently limited to State Water Resources Control
Board and two Regional Water Quality Control Boards) and expand to all Regional
Boards.
(5) Complete workplan actions to provide California Air Resources Board with retrieval
access to AIRS.
Next States in Program: Hawaii and Nevada
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LEGEND: 1987 Selected State
1988 Selected States
Region: Region X, Seattle
State: Oregon
Program Phase: Phase I
Key Regional Participants: Nora McGee, Director, Management Division
Jim Peterson
State Contacts: Dennis Kirk
Lydia Taylor
Data Bases Involved: NEDS, SAROAD, CDS, PCS, GIGS, STORET, FRDS, and
HWDMS
Major Accomplishments in 1987:
(1) Installed high speed data link and software to connect Portland to EPA network.
(2) Reviewed data bases, identified data management problem areas, prepared
workplan for Regional and State actions to accomplish Phase I objectives.
(3) For STORET and GICS, the Region developed and implemented new data entry
software packages; for PCS, Oregon was given access and training; for CDS and
SAROAD, Oregon is transferring data electronically.
(4) Oregon and Region analyzed and developed a PC-based drinking water system for
the transfer of data from Oregon to EPA.
(5) Oregon finalized their statewide telecommunications network, providing high-speed
access for remote users to State and EPA systems.
Next Steps for Oregon in 1988:
(1) Region and Oregon will evaluate the State CDS system, and work together toward
a system which better fulfills State and Regional needs.
(2) Oregon to complete implementation of statewide telecommunications network.
(3) Oregon will begin working with geographical analysis and information techniques.
(4) Region and Oregon are developing a joint policy standard for the transfer of State data
to EPA systems.
Next States in Program: Washington and Idaho
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111. Next Steps
In September, 1987, the Administrator directed that the State/
EPA Data Management program be expanded to all States by
the end of 1989. In response, the EPA Regions are adding more
than 20 states during 1988 and will reach the balance during 1989.
The Agency has also announced plans to implement and expand
Phase II of the Program. The Phase II: Data Integration program
has three components:
Regional Data Integration Capacity - The Agency is
providing a standard "geographical information system"
(GIS) to each EPA Region that establishes a multi-discipli-
nary analytic staff to do geo-based analysis. Four (4) EPA
Regions established this capacity in 1987, at least three
more are planned in 1988, and the balance will be com-
pleted in 1989.
Technology and Data Management - OIRM and NDPD
are procuring GIS technology, issuing policies and stan-
dards to assure that EPA data and technologies support
cross-media integration, and will be providing technology
and user support for data integration work in the EPA
Regions and laboratories.
Technology Transfer - EPA's Environmental Monitoring
Systems Laboratory in Las Vegas (EMSL/LV) is the focal
point for a technology transfer program to assist the EPA
Regions, and through them, the States, in planning and staff
development, and in pursuing specific, in-depth applica-
tions of geo-based analyses and technology.
The State/EPA Data Management Program has shown that both
EPA and States gain significant benefits in effectiveness and
efficiency from cooperative, integrated data management. Equally
important, the experience to date makes clear the need for a
consistent, long term effort to institutionalize the ability and rela-
tionships that are essential to effective State/EPA data manage-
ment. EPA is committed to this effort.
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State/EPA Data Management Program
1987 Starts
I 988 Starts
1989 Starts
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