Electronic Data DeliverablesiThe Importance of
Receiving Your Site and Project Data Electronically
What is an Electronic Data Deliverable (EDD)?
An EDD is a data file (or files), in a specified format, designed to transmit information electronically
to another data user or recipient. The EDD may contain data that have been collected as part
of an investigation or routine monitoring event requiring the generation of a report to a regulatory
agency or agencies. It may contain such information as site or project-level maps, graphs, sampling
data, analytical laboratory data, lithologic descriptions, and survey results. The data files are
generally organized in a readily exportable format (e.g., tabular, dbf, xml) that allows the data user to
easily import the information into a database or to quantitatively analyze the data independently.
Purpose of this Ground Water Forum Fact Sheet
EDDs are being used within the Superfund program and in some state cleanup programs. (See Fact
Sheet Appendix for a listing.) The purpose of this fact sheet is to encourage even wider use of EDDs
by explaining their importance and how to ensure that your site data are submitted electronically.
The EDD Fact Sheet Appendix provides supplemental information on what to request in EDDs, how
electronic data are shared, examples of data to submit electronically, and links to EDD guidance.
Why are Electronic Data Important to EPA?
The importance of receiving site and project data electronically
cannot be overstated. One need only look at the explosion in
modern electronic tools for the mapping, evaluation, visualization, and
reporting of all types of data. Electronic data can assist managers with
site-specific decisions as well as decisions regarding the geographic
areas and communities adjoining the site. Electronic data also can
expedite the availability, use, storage, search, and retrieval of costly
data, and permit it to be shared for concurrent or future purposes.
The efficiencies gained through the use of electronic data can free up scarce
resources needed to pursue site and project goals. For example,the receipt
and use of electronic laboratory data in the Superfund program saves millions
of dollars annually on quality control and data review. In addition to saving
staff time and money, electronic data also provide a more comprehensive,
accessible, and usable site record for future project managers and technical
support staff.
The Ground Water Forum is a
group of ground water scientists
from EPA regions, headquarters,
labs, and some states, who support
the Superfund and RCRA programs.
The forum exchanges information
related to ground water remediation
at contaminated sites in order to
bring the state-of-the-saence to
each regional office; focus laboratory
resources on research areas important
to the Regions; and maintain
consistency in the interpretation of
guidance and application of policy
throughout the country.
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Additional benefits of maintaining data electronically include the potential to better communicate
environmental data to the public and to facilitate review and assessment of environmental impacts on a
regional scale. Some government entities are beginning to merge electronic site data across programs and
agencies to provide site managers and other stakeholders a more holistic view of specific sites as well as
geographic regions.
How to Ensure Data are Submitted Electronically
Primary contractual documents can require that data generated by EPA contractors or cooperating
agencies be submitted electronically. Such documents include Remedial Action Contractor or
Superfund Technical Assessment and Response Team contracts and Interagency Agreements (lAs)
with cooperating agencies. If contracts or lAs are already in place, the submission of electronic
data can be required in the scope of work issued to the contractor or cooperating agency.
For data generated by potentially responsible parties (PRPs) and their contractors, submission of
electronic data can be required in primary legal enforcement site documents such as Administrative
Orders on Consent (AOCs), Unilateral Administrative Orders (UAOs), statements of work (SOWs),
or Consent Decrees (CDs). The stipulation that electronic data be submitted to the agencies
will eliminate ambiguity and will make the submission of electronic data legally enforceable.
If the primary legal enforcement site documents are already in place but do not require the
submission of electronic data, secondary documents, such as official correspondence letters to
PRPs, can be used to enforce the requirement. In addition, some Regions have standard operating
procedures (SOPs) for conducting site investigations that may be included in the AOCs, UAOs,
SOWs, or CDs to document required methods for performing site characterization. The addition
of an EDD SOP can also allow a project manager to retroactively require the submittal of site
data electronically.
In Summary
Ensuring that data are submitted electronically will facilitate data sharing, storage, and communication
while saving EPA both time and money. EDDs allow for vastly improved data evaluation and visualization.
Several means exist to require EDDs in usable and appropriate formats. More information on the data to
request and who is using EDDs is found in the Appendix.
Visualization software can
import electronic data to
illustrate contaminant plumes
and other site conditions
more clearly
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Office of Solid Waste and
Emergency Response
(5203P)
EPA 542-F-11-010
April 2011
www.epa.gov/tio/tsp
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