4% 1™F%United States
fb 1 L Environmental Protection
Agency
Office of Information Collection:
Central Data Exchange
The Central Data Exchange (CDX) serves as EPA's point of exchange on the Environmental Information
Exchange Network (Exchange Network). Today, CDX successfully manages thousands of data
submissions from states and industry through a service oriented architecture. CDX provides standardized
and secure information collection services and infrastructure for EPA program partners. CDX will
continue to expand throughout 2007, adding more programs and services to simplify reporting, improve
data quality and reduce burden for its customers.
Purpose
Industry and other entities routinely submit
environmental information, such as compliance
reports, to EPA and state governments. Although
in the past this information was submitted on paper,
information technology has made it possible to
generate and submit data electronically.
Through a joint partnership, EPA and the states
established the Exchange Network to facilitate
environmental information sharing among EPA,
states, tribes, localities and other entities. CDX,
EPA's communication point or "Node" on the
Network, reduces reporting and compliance
burdens, improves data quality, enhances data
integration, and increases data availability to the
public.
Background
In 1998 the states and EPA, recognizing the need for an information exchange system to meet the needs
of environmental decision-makers at all levels, committed to a partnership to build locally and nationally
accessible environmental information systems. In 2000, the Information Management Work Group,
consisting of EPA and state representatives from the Environmental Council of the States, proposed the
Exchange Network as a solution. The Exchange Network connects EPA and state environmental
databases over the Web using CDX as EPA's exchange Node on the Exchange Network.
Current Activities
The Office of Environmental Information is responsible for:
•	Partnering with states, tribes, programs, regions and other
stakeholders to implement successful information sharing on the
Exchange Network;
•	Operating, maintaining and enhancing CDX;
•	Deploying new data flows and services, such as automated fee
collections and messaging/alerts/ subscription; and
•	Deploying Agency Web Services infrastructure.
CDX Benefits
•	Simplified reporting: Fill out one electronic
form instead of multiple paper forms.
•	Improved data collection: Increased data
quality, timeliness, accessibility, and security
•	Reduced burden: Reduce time and resources
expended to fill out and process submissions.
•	Reduced costs: Centralized, shared services
eliminates the need for redundant data
systems and reduces data collection and
management costs
•	CROMERR Support: Systems are developed
to comply with the Cross-Media Electronic
Reporting Rule
CDX Quick Facts
•	Over 67,000 unique registered
users, representing states,
tribes and thousands of
industries
•	CDX received over 74,000
submissions in CY 2005,
•	31 data flows in production;
15 in development

-------
Progress to Date
CDX currently collects data and distributes it on behalf of 31 Agency information programs
•	Assessment Cleanup and Redevelopment
Exchange System (ACRES)
•	Air Quality System (AQS)
•	eBeaches
•	Electronic Discharge Monitoring Report
(eDMR)
•	Electronic Inventory Update Reporting (elUR)
•	EnviroFlash AIR NOW and UV
•	Environmental Appeals Board (EAB)
•	Facility Registry' System (FRS)
•	Facility Registry System Update Service (FRS-
US)
•	Institutional Controls (ICTS)
•	Integrated Grants Management System (IGMS)
and Grants.gov
•	Lead Notifications of Abatement Activities
•	Lead Notifications of Tra ining Activities
•	Lead Certifications with Pay .gov
•	Long Term 2 (LT2)
•	National Emission Inventory* (NEI)
•	Office of Transportation and Air Quality Fuel
Reporting System (OTAQ)
•	Ozone Depleting Substances-Confidential
Business Information (ODS-CBI)
Future Actions
•	CDX will provide enhanced support and services to states and tribes on the Exchange Network;
•	CDX will help system owners comply with the Cross-Media Electronic Reporting Regulation
standards;
•	CDX will develop and promote the Environmental Agency Reporting System (EARS), which
allows for rapid and cost efficient data flow development
•	CDX will integrate new Web and Node technology including the .NET framework, XML Key
Management and Security Services, and Universal Description, Discovery, and Integration Services;
•	CDX will implement a suite of business improvement activities that include a financial and business
process baseline as well as business cases. These and related business management projects will
support the system's move to a managed service for the Agency over the next two years.
More Information
Charles Freeman
Acting Chief, Information Exchange Technology Branch
Office of Information Collection, OEI
(202) 566-1694
freeman.charles@epa.gov
EPA's CDX Web site: httg ://www.epa.gov/cdx	November 2006
Office of Environmental
Information (2812A)
www.epa.gov/oei
www.epa.gov/oei

-------