Remediation Data Repository (RADAR) Project Report


EPA/600/R-21/117 | June 2021
www.epa.gov/emergency-response-research
United States
Environmental Protectior
Agency
oEPA
Remediation Data
Repository (RADAR)
Project Report
Office of Research and Development
Homeland Security Research Program

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Remediation Data Repository
(RADAR) Project Report
by
Timothy Boe*, Dr. Sang Don Lee*, Dr. Shawn Ryan*, Dr. Worth Calfee*, Dr. Paul Lemieux*, Devin Galloway**,
Colin Hayes**, Molly Rodgers**
*US EPA Office of Research and Development (ORD)
Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response (CESER)
Homeland Security and Materials Management Division (HSMMD)
Durham, NC 27709
**Eastern Research Group
Morrisville, NC 27560

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DISCLAIMER
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, through its Office of Research and Development,
funded and managed the research described here under Contract EP-C-16-015 to Eastern
Research Group, Inc. It has been subjected to the Agency's review and has been approved for
publication. Note that approval does not signify that the contents necessarily reflect the views
of the Agency. Mention of trade names, products, or services does not convey official EPA
approval, endorsement, or recommendation.
Questions concerning this document, or its application, should be addressed to:
Timothy Boe
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Research and Development
Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response
109 T.W. Alexander Dr. (MD-E-343-06)
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
Phone 919.541.2617

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FOREWORD
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is charged by Congress with protecting the
Nation's land, air, and water resources. Under a mandate of national environmental laws, the
Agency strives to formulate and implement actions leading to a compatible balance between
human activities and the ability of natural systems to support and nurture life. To meet this
mandate, EPA's research program is providing data and technical support for solving
environmental problems today and building a science knowledge base necessary to manage our
ecological resources wisely, understand how pollutants affect our health, and prevent or
reduce environmental risks in the future.
The Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response (CESER) within the Office of
Research and Development (ORD) conducts applied, stakeholder-driven research and provides
responsive technical support to help solve the Nation's environmental challenges. The Center's
research focuses on innovative approaches to address environmental challenges associated
with the built environment. We develop technologies and decision-support tools to help
safeguard public water systems and groundwater, guide sustainable materials management,
remediate sites from traditional contamination sources and emerging environmental stressors,
and address potential threats from terrorism and natural disasters. CESER collaborates with
both public and private sector partners to foster technologies that improve the effectiveness
and reduce the cost of compliance, while anticipating emerging problems. We provide technical
support to EPA regions and programs, states, tribal nations, and federal partners, and serve as
the interagency liaison for EPA in homeland security research and technology. The Center is a
leader in providing scientific solutions to protect human health and the environment.
This report provides an overview of EPA's Remediation Data Repository (RADAR) application
that provides a searchable database for accessing multi-hazard research and operational data
conducted by the U.S. EPA and other federal and international partners. Instructions for using
RADAR and associated technical documentation describing the technology architecture and
security controls are also included.
Gregory Sayles, Director
Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Contributions of the following individuals and organizations to this report are acknowledged:
U.S. EPA Technical Reviewers of Report
Alex Montilla (EPA/ORD/CESER/Office of Science Information Management [OSIM])
Lukas Oudejans (EPA/ORD/CESER/HSMMD)
U.S. EPA Quality Assurances
Ramona Sherman (EPA/ORD/CESER)

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Disclaimer	
Foreword	
Acknowledgments	
List of Figures	\
Acronyms and Abbreviations	v
Executive Summary	vi
1	Introduction	
2	Quality Assurance/Quality Control	1
3	RADAR Information Architecture	1
3.1	Application-Level Architecture	1
3.2	Cloud-Level Architecture and User Authentication	1
3.2.1	Non-EPA User Flow	1
3.2.2	EPA User Flow	1
3.2.3	RADAR User Roles	1
4	Using RADAR	1
4.1	Features for General Users	1
4.1.1	Search	1
4.1.2	View and Interact with Datasets	1
4.1.3	Widgets	1
4.1.4	Research Stats	2
4.1.5	Developers	2
4.2	Features for Registered Users	2
4.2.1	Register for a RADAR Account	2
4.2.2	Login to RADAR	2
4.2.3	My Notebook	2
4.2.4	Upload Data	2
5	Upload Data to RADAR	2
5.1	Upload Data	2
5.2	Start a New Dataset Upload	2
5.2.1	Find / Enter Metadata	2
5.2.2	Upload Dataset	3
5.2.3	Define Fields	3
5.2.4	Dataset Review Process	4
iv

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6	Reviewing and Approving Datasets	43
6.1	Pending QA and/orTechnical Review	44
6.2	RADAR Admin Review	48
7	Next Steps and Recommendations	49
Appendix A — RADAR Data Upload Template
v

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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1. RADAR illustrative concept	
Figure 2. RADAR application-level architecture	
Figure 3. RADAR cloud-level architecture and user authentication	
Figure 4. RADAR home page (not logged in)	
Figure 5. Example search results	
Figure 6. Datasetview	
Figure 7. Example RADAR widget	
Figure 8. Example RADAR research stats	
Figure 9. RADAR API documentation for developers	
Figure 10. RADAR register page	
Figure 11. RADAR login screen (EPA web application access gateway)	
Figure 12. RADAR home page (logged in)	
Figure 13. Search results-add to notebook	
Figure 14. View notebook	
Figure 15. RADAR upload data page	
Figure 16. Find metadata form - DOI question	
Figure 17. Successful metadata import prompt	
Figure 18. Imported project open data metadata fields from DOI search	
Figure 19. RADAR required metadata fields following DOI import	
Figure 20. Find metadata form - EPA report number	
Figure 21. Enter dataset metadata form - no DOI	
Figure 22. Find existing metadata form - quality assurance information	
Figure 23. Find existing metadata form - QAPP requirement alert	
Figure 24. Dataset upload form following successful validation	
Figure 25. Prompt after successful dataset upload	
Figure 26. Define fields form	
Figure 27. RADAR session expiration warning	
Figure 28. Dataset preview after dataset upload is complete	
Figure 29. Dataset upload confirmation	
Figure 30. Dataset review process workflow	
Figure 31. Example dataset with pending comments	
Figure 32. Example reviewer metadata comments	
Figure 33. Dataset pending QA review	
Figure 34. Review dataset page	
Figure 35. Dataset review-full data preview	
Figure 36. Enter review comments and return to user who contributed data
Figure 37. Technical reviewer approval	
Figure 38. Admin reviewer approval	
Figure 39. Admin view - enable/disable datasets	
vi

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ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
API
Application Programming Interface
CESER
Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response
CSS
Cascading Style Sheet
CSV
Comma Separated Value
DOI
Digital Object Identifier
EDG
Environmental Data Gateway
EPA
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
GFE
Government Furnished Equipment
GSA
General Services Administration
HSMMD
Homeland Security and Materials Management Division (EPA)
HSRP
Homeland Security Research Program
HTML
Hypertext Markup Language
HTTP
Hypertext Transfer Protocol
JSON
JavaScript Object Notation
LAN
Local Area Network
OLEM
Office of Land and Emergency Management (EPA)
OMS
Office of Mission Support (EPA)
ORD
Office of Research and Development (EPA)
OSIM
Office of Science and Information Management (EPA)
PHP
Hypertext Preprocessor
QAPP
Quality Assurance Project Plan
RADAR
Remediation Data Repository
SOP
Standard Operating Procedure
SQL
Structured Query Language
TIC
Trusted Internet Connection
URL
Uniform Resource Locator
VPN
Virtual Private Network
WAM
Web Access Management
XLSX
Microsoft Excel
vii

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This project supports United States Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Homeland
Security Research Program (HSRP) and the Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency
Response, Homeland and Materials Management Division's strategic goals as described in
detail in the Homeland Security Strategic Research Action Plan (U.S. EPA, 2020). This work is
pertinent to Long-Term Goal 2, which states, "The [EPA] Office of Land and Emergency
Management (OLEM) and other clients use HSRP products and expertise to improve the
capability to respond to terrorist attacks affecting buildings and the outdoor environments."
Numerous decision support tools and technical/operational data have been developed under
EPA's HSRP. Collectively, the research data and tools support decision makers in a wide range of
emergency response and recovery activities. In many cases, tools developed under HSRP (and
elsewhere within the federal government) tend to rely on static data that are individually
distributed with each tool and are therefore susceptible to becoming out of sync with source
data updates; therefore, tools can be costly to maintain and keep up-to-date. Additionally,
technical/operational data generated through various research initiatives are often made
available through static reports that require an arduous amount of time to review or reference,
and the associated data are not easily accessed in a format that readily supports subsequent
research and modeling efforts.
To confront this issue, HSRP developed the Remediation Data Repository (RADAR), a searchable
database for accessing peer-reviewed multi-hazard research and operational data conducted
by EPA and other federal and international partners. The tool provides a central repository (i.e.,
database) that stores up-to-date data derived from HSRP literature reviews, studies, and tools,
and provides a user interface to increase the discoverability and applied use of research data.
RADAR is intended for use by a wide audience that includes scientists, engineers, and
operational experts. Delivering on-demand data to the right people at the right time enhances
the utility of the important research outputs that are generated.
RADAR allows EPA's homeland security specific research or operational guidance to be shared
among partners and a broad array of users by way of an online platform - an offering that
currently does not exist. RADAR provides users access to data both through a user-friendly
searchable interface and via an application programming interface (API) to facilitate
consumption of data by other HSRP tools through web services. This capability greatly reduces
the cost of updating models and tools and ensures end-users are referencing the most up-to-
date information, all the while significantly reducing development and maintenance costs. This
report provides an overview of RADAR, instructions for using RADAR, and associated technical
documentation describing the technology architecture and security controls.
viii

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1 INTRODUCTION
Numerous decision support tools and technical/operational data have been developed under
EPA's HSRP. Collectively, the research data and tools support decision makers in a wide range of
emergency response and recovery activities. In many cases, tools developed under HSRP (and
elsewhere within the federal government) tend to rely on static data that are individually
distributed with each tool and are therefore susceptible to becoming out of sync with source
data updates; therefore, the tools can be costly to maintain and keep up-to-date. Additionally,
technical/operational data generated through various research initiatives are often made
available through static reports that require an arduous amount of time to review or reference,
and the associated data are not harmonized using consistent taxonomy, units, and formatting,
nor are data easily accessed in a format that readily supports subsequent research and
modeling efforts.
To confront this issue, HSRP developed the Remediation Data Repository (RADAR), a searchable
database for accessing multi-hazard research and operational data conducted by EPA and other
federal and international partners. The tool provides a central repository (i.e., database) that
stores up-to-date data derived from HSRP literature reviews, studies, and tools, and provides a
user interface to increase the discoverability and applied use of research data. RADAR is
intended for use by a wide audience that includes scientists, engineers, and operational
experts. Delivering on-demand data to the right people at the right time enhances the utility of
the important research outputs that are generated. Figure 1 presents a high-level, conceptual
illustration of RADAR.
Cloud: Web-based services
provide data to multiple platforms
A > ,
/ N v
S.
Upload
~
\ " ~
¦n
Emergency
X .
• •
1
Research
£1
Software
Collect research
from EPA,
federal/state, and
international
partners
Provide support
to cleanup and
recovery
operations
Inform
research and
facilitate use
of results
Provide
models and
software tools
with the most
up-to-date
research
Figure 1. RADAR illustrative concept.
9

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RADAR allows EPA's homeland security specific research or operational guidance to be shared
among partners and a broad array of users by way of an online platform - an offering that
currently does not exist. RADAR provides users access to data both through a user-friendly
searchable interface and via an application programming interface (API) to facilitate
consumption of data by other HSRP tools through web services. This capability greatly reduces
the cost of updating models and tools and ensures end-users are referencing the most up-to-
date information, all the while significantly reducing development and maintenance costs.
This report provides an overview of RADAR, instructions for using RADAR, and associated
technical documentation describing the technology architecture and security controls. This
report is structured in the following manner:
• Chapter 2 discusses quality assurance/quality control activities;
• Chapter 3 summarizes RADAR's technology architecture;
• Chapter 4 provides instructions for using RADAR;
• Chapter 5 describes how EPA users can submit data to include in RADAR;
• Chapter 6 describes instructions for RADAR Administrators to approve and manage
registered users; and
• Chapter 7 presents next steps and recommendations.
2 QUALITY ASSURANCE/QUALITY CONTROL
The purpose of this project was to develop a web-based application to provide EPA's HSRP the
capability to store, search, and discover research data. Software development activities
conducted during this project adhere to industry best practices and follow an EPA project-
approved quality assurance project plan (QAPP) that addresses requirements for software and
application development. The application was approved and cleared by ORD's Office of Science
Information Management (OSIM) and EPA's Office of Mission Support (OMS). No scientific
experiments were performed. Technical area leads evaluated the quality of the application
code and related technical documentation and security controls that were developed during
this effort.
Separately, the RADAR project is governed by a Configuration Management Plan and undergoes
monthly auditing.
3 RADAR INFORMATION ARCHITECTURE
RADAR's information architecture solution is built upon a cloud-based, open-source technology
stack to leverage a modern framework that enables rapid development and deployment and
optimal performance. The application-level architecture and user authentication components
of RADAR are described in the sections that follow.
10

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3.1 Application-Level Architecture
RADAR consists of the following system components:
•	Front-End - The front-end component powers the user experience. It provides the
interface to the user to allow interaction with all the pages, data, and document access.
The front-end also utilizes a subset of the data that drive the application and support
several operational and navigational features. The front-end presentation component
generally consists of HTML 5, CSS/Sass, JavaScript, and API web services consumption.
RADAR uses Vue.js1 as its user interface framework. The application utilizes the OneEPA
template and integrates user interface components from the U.S. Web Design System2.
•	Back-End and Server-Side Programming - The back-end powers the website and
consists of web servers, databases, and the server-side programming components and
business logic. The back-end component provides web services to supply data to the
front-end, as needed, based on user actions. Back-end data are stored in a PostgreSQL
database, and server-side programming prepares blocks of data by way of web services.
Server-side programming in the middle-tier is implemented using PHP (Laravel3
framework). Data are delivered using a representational state transfer (or RESTful) API
in JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) format for consumption by the front-end for
display to the user.
The database schema is maintained in version control using Laravel migrations, enabling
consistency across environments and a recorded history of schema updates.
•	Hosting Environment - RADAR is currently deployed in the General Services
Administration (GSA) cloud.gov environment. RADAR resides within an EPA/ORD
cloud.gov organization space and uses the standard cloud.gov provided PHP build pack
to support deployments. The cloud.gov environment offers a few noteworthy features
to improve the deployment process and increase website stability, including:
o Dynamic Scalability - If the application receives a large uptick in users or data
processing, the hosting platform can instantly scale to handle increased load,
o Automated Build Processes - Developers can create automated processes that
are triggered as code is updated. A set of steps (e.g., tests, code bundling, code
deployment) can be automatically run.
o Self-service Provisioning and Deployment - Developers can directly provision
services (e.g., increasing resources) and deploy applications.
1	Vue.js, https://vuejs.org/
2	U.S. Web Design System, version 2.11.1, httpsi//designsystem,digital,gov/ (last accessed 14 April 2021).
3	Laravel, https://laravel.com/
11

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RADAR application source code is available in a public EPA GitHub repository. Figure 2 below
illustrates RADAR's application-level architecture.
Figure 2. RADAR application-level architecture.
12

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3.2 Cloud-Level Architecture and User Authentication
Data and information included in RADAR can be searched and retrieved by any public user as
shown in Figure 3 below. Several additional features are provided for registered users that
successfully authenticate (i.e., successfully login). The mechanisms that govern these
interactions are briefly described below.
Internet
VPN
Agency network
TLS (encrypted tunnel)
doud.gov boundary
Cloud Traffic
Router
Org: epa-ord
Space: radar-prod
Public-facing application
components
(with log in option)
Protected components of the
application
Potential Future
¦{Extract, Transform and Load;
(ETL) Process
TLS
(encrypted
tunnel)
VPN endpoint
Simple Mail Transfer Protocol
(SMTP) Relay Server
Potential future
external data provider
EPA Environmental Dataset
Gateway (EDG)
Figure 3. RADAR cloud-level architecture and user authentication.
13

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3.2.1 Non-EPA User Flow
Other emergency response and operational stakeholders (e.g., state, local, other federal
agencies) are considered "non-EPA" users. EPA has a standard procedure for granting non-EPA
users access to EPA applications that require a login. Described below are procedures used and
actions that are available for a non-EPA:
• A user uses their web browser to navigate to the publicly accessible RADAR application.
• The PHP-based cloud.gov server delivers the RADAR client application (HTML, CSS,
JavaScript, images.) to the user.
• As the user interacts with the application:
o For non-authenticated users (i.e., not logged in), the client application invokes
application-level web services on the cloud.gov server which retrieves read-only data
from the PostgreSQL based database.
o For authenticated users (i.e., logged in), the application provides additional features
(see Chapter 4).
3.2.2 EPA User Flow
The user flow for EPA employees accessing the application is generally same as for non-EPA
users with one notable difference. If an EPA user is connected to the EPA network, the web
browser to application server communication traverses a Trusted Internet Connection (TIC)
route that EPA has established as opposed to going through normal public internet routes. This
communication channel does not change how the application behaves.
3.2.3 RADAR User Roles
RADAR institutes several role-based features that are accessible based on roles that are linked
to registered users. RADAR user roles are managed via EPA's Web Access Management (WAM)
system. Registered users are those users who have requested access to RADAR via the EPA
WAM portal and are able to login to RADAR. The following roles and corresponding capabilities
exist within RADAR:
Public Users (No registration required)
¦S Search for enabled datasets
¦S Cannot link datasets to My Notebook
¦S Cannot upload data
Non-EPA Authenticated Users
¦S Search for enabled datasets
¦S Link datasets to My Notebook
¦S Cannot upload data
EPA Users
14

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¦S Search for enabled datasets
¦S Link datasets to My Notebook
¦S Upload datasets
¦S Edit datasets until submitted for approval
¦S Edit datasets in response to technical and quality assurance (QA) comments
RADAR Technical Reviewer
~
Search for enabled datasets
~
If not a Technical Reviewer Role, cannot review datasets pending Technical review
~
Review and comment on dataset metadata and data for datasets with a status of

Pending Technical Review
~
Approve datasets and route to RADAR Admin for approval
~
Link datasets to My Notebook
RADAR QA Reviewer
~
Search for enabled datasets
~
If not a QA Role, cannot review datasets pending QA review
~
Review and comment on dataset metadata and data for datasets with a status of

Pending QA Review
~
Approve datasets and route to RADAR Technical Reviewer for approval
~
Link datasets to My Notebook
RADAR Admin
~
Approve user "Web Community Access" in WAM portal
o HSRP Users
o RADAR Admins
o RADAR QA Reviewers
o RADAR Technical Reviewers
~
Manage "My Groups and Communities" (i.e., User Roles) in WAM portal
~
Review and comment on dataset metadata and data
~
Enable datasets for viewing within RADAR
~
Disable datasets for viewing with RADAR
~
Search for Enabled Datasets
~
Link datasets to My Notebook
15

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4 USING RADAR
RADAR offers several features that are available to any user who accesses the application.
Figure 4 presents the RADAR home page where primary features are accessed.
vvEPA
United Stales
Environmental Protection
Environmental Topics Laws & Regulations About EPA
Log In Register Contact Us
RADAR
RemediAtion DAta Repository
A Multi-Hazard Research Tool for Searching, Applying, & Sharing Scientific Information
1
Search
Widgets
Research Stats
1
Developers |
Enter a keyword



Browse by Hazard




$






Chemical
Biological
Radiological

All Hazards








Figure 4. RADAR home page (not logged in).
4.1 Features for all RADAR Users
Features that are accessible by any users and that do not require a registered account or for
users to be logged in are described below.
4.1.1 Search
Users can search for research data contained within RADAR by entering a keyword and clicking
search. The search box provides an auto-generated pick list based on keywords associated with
RADAR datasets, as well as searching against metadata attributes. Alternatively, users can
choose from one of RADAR's primary research categories to execute a quick search.
Datasets matching search criteria will be displayed along with descriptive information about
each dataset. Figure 5 illustrates an example search results page. Users can click on a
hyperlinked dataset title heading in RADAR to view the dataset.
16

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RADAR
| Search j
Widgets
Research Stats j
Developers ||
1 Enters keyword

Ui Primary Data
A Incident Response
| Report
B Literature Review
Search Results
Total count: 2 results
Remediation of Contaminated Areas in the Aftermath of the G?
Accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant: Overview,
Analysis and Lessons Learned Volume i: A Report on the
"Decontamination Pilot Project"
Japan Atomic Energy Agency Decontamination Pilot Project report
Publication Type: Primary Data
Date Last Modified: 2017-06-20
Reference: Shinichi Nakayama, Keiichi Kawase, Susan Hardie, Shoko Yashio, Kazuki iijima, lan
Mckinley, KanameMiyahara, Liza Klein (2014). Remediation of Contaminated Areas in the Aftermath of
the Accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant: Overview, Analysis and Lessons Learned
Volume 1: A Report on the "Decontamination Pilot Project"
Keywords: Chemical, Decontamination, Critical Infrastructure, Decontamination, Mitigation, Waste
Disposal
Compendium of Spore Decontamination Methods (£
Database of spore decontamination methods from published literature.
Publication Type: Report
Date Last Modified: 2015-05-01
Reference: Adrion, A.C., Lee, S. (2017). Com pendium of Spore Decontamination Methods.
Keywords: Biological, Decontamination, Characterization, Decontamination, Methods, Waste
Ma n a ge ment. Waste Treatme nt
Figure 5. Example search results.
4.1.2 View and Interact with Datasets
Users can view and interact with datasets accessed from search results. As shown in Figure 6,
the following interactive features are available for each dataset:
• Download Data - Download a .CSV or .XLSX format of the dataset.
• Share Data - Copy a shareable URL of the direct link to the dataset page.
• Access the Application Programming Interface (API) - Access information and
hyperlinks that provide direct access to a dataset's metadata and data in JSON format.
• Customize Columns - Control the visibility of columns that are displayed on screen.
• Switch Data Table Views - Toggle between the default and a wider view of the data
table.
• Filter the Table - Search and isolate records that match user-defined text.
• Table Sorting and Pagination - Control the sort order of individual columns in the table
and page through records.
17

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Biological Decontamination Compendium
i Download & Share OS API
Description: A compendium of research and efficacy results on various materials to decontaminate a biological agent
Project Type: Literature Review Reference: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, "Biological Decontamination Compendium" Office of
Research and Development, Washington. DC, March 2021.
Publication Type: Report
Date Last Modified: 2021-03-01
Keywords: Biological, Decontamination, Building. Data, Methods
I Customize Columns •-» Wide View
chlorine
Decon
SourcelD Application Surface
Method
Loading
Decon
Agent	Volume
-1^"- - Dose Decon Agent A Applied
Decon
Agent
Dose
Cone
Cone
Units
Units
liquid
suspension
Phosphate
Buffer
CFU/cmA3
brief
simulated
sunlight
70.049813200498
703
liquid
suspension
Phosphate
Buffer
10000
CFU/cmA3
0

brief
simulated
sunlight
0
705
liquid
suspension
Phosphate
Buffer
10000
CFU/cmA3
0

brief
simulated
sunlight
45.765877957659
704
liquid
suspension
Phosphate
Buffer
10000
CFU/cmA3
0

brief
simulated
sunlight
22.727272727273
2819
fumigation
Ceiling Tile
5917159.7633136
CFU/'cmA2
0.0015
g/mL
chlorine
dioxide
540
2695
liquid spray
Wood
7017543.8596491
CFU/cmA2
0.0004
g/mL
chlorine
mL/cmA2 10
2 3 4 5 6 7
Displaying 1 through 100 of 1556 records
Figure 6. Dataset view.
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4.1.3 Widgets
Widgets use data stored in RADAR and provide additional features (e.g., filters) to analyze data
to aid in decision making. In the future, RADAR users may be able to create custom widgets and
filtered views to support analyses and/or better connect related research. Users can click the
Widgets tab as shown in Figure 7 below and select a widget to view.
RADAR
R(Mn»JiAhen OA to Repository
Log In Register Contact Us
Search
Widgets
Research Stats
Developers
Widgets
Access custom widgets using data stored in RADAR. These widgets present data in a format that can be used to aid in decision making. In the
future, RADAR widgets may support connecting related research and scaling data. Click on a widget below to begin.
O Decon Widget
Widget to allow you to quickly find data by filtering on the following key
fields:
•	Contaminated Surface or Media
•	Decontamination Application Method
•	Temperature
•	Re lati ve H u m i d ity
Reference: Adrion, A.C.j Lee, S. (2017). Compendium of Spore
Decontamination Methods,
Figure 7. Example RADAR widget.
19

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4.1.4 Research Stats
Research Stats serves as a visual reference indicating the availability and distribution of
research data that are stored in RADAR. Figure 8 displays an example chart. Users can analyze
this information to gain a better understanding of available data, as well as data gaps.
RADAR
RnmediAtion DAta Repository
Login Register Contact Us
Search
Widgets
Research Stats
Developers
Research Stats
Metrics illustrating the availability of current research data that are included in RADAR are displayed below. Use this information to gain a
better understanding of available data, as well as data gaps.
Decontamination:
2
Biological:
1
Building:
1
Methods:
1
Chemical:
1
Resources:
1
Figure 8. Example RADAR research stats.
4.1.5 Developers
Developers can leverage RADAR's API to share data with other applications. With this feature,
users can directly access data stored in RADAR using public web services for use in their
applications. RADAR provides a collection of "GET" or query-only RESTIike (REpresentational
State Transfer) services, available through a simple URL HTTP link and provides output in JSON
format. Figure 9 presents the RADAR API Documentation page.
20

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RADAR
BpmodiAhon OA to Repository
Login Register Contact Us
Search
Widgets
Research Stats
Developers
RADAR API Documentation
Share data with other applications using RADAR's application programming interface (API). With this feature, users will be able to directly
access data stored in RADAR for use in their applications.
https://radar.epa.gov/api/v1-RADARAPIServer v |
Datasets API endpoints related to RADAR datasets ^
Schemas

V
Dataset v {

description:
Dataset model including metadata collected frora radar

id
string(Suuid)

doi
string
Hyperlink to published dataset"s Digital object Identifier (DOI), if available

title
string

description
string

keywords
string

dateissued
string($date)

dateModified
}
string($date)

Figure 9. RADAR API documentation for developers.
4.2 Features for Registered Users
Features that require registering for a RADAR account are described in this section, along with
instructions for both registering and logging into RADAR. RADAR administrators will use
standard EPA WAM group functionality to approve user account requests,
4.2.1 Register for a RADAR Account
Users can register for a RADAR account by clicking the Register link at the top of the RADAR
webpage and following the instructions on the page. For users that already have an EPA Local
Area Network (LAN ID), a request should be made to be added to the HSRP Communities/HSRP
Users group. For users without an existing EPA account, should follow instructions to self-
register and provide the EPA sponsor information as shown on the page (and in Figure 10
below).
21

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Widgets
Research Stats
Log In Register Contact Us
Developers
Register
You must register to the HSRP Users group before using certain RADAR features.
If you already have an EPA account
To request access to the HSRP Users group:
1.	Go to Web Application Access, and log in with your EPA LAN or Web Application Access ID and password.
2.	After you've logged in, go to Community Access » Request Web Community Access.
3.	Check the box for the HSRP Users group, and click on Request Access.
You will receive an acknowledgment email within a few minutes. A follow-up email approving or denying your request, or requesting more
information, will be sent within about a day.
If you don't have an EPA account
You can request an EPA account with membership in the HSRP Users community. Go to Web Application Access, and click the Self Register link. Fill in
these values at the top of the form:
Form Field
Value
EPA Contact Name
Timothy Boe
EPA Contact's Email Address
b oe .ti m ot hy @ e p a. gov
EPA Contact's Phone Number
919-541-2617
1.	Under "Select the Community or Application", choose "HSRP Users".
2.	Fill in your information in the remaining fields.
3.	Submit the form.
You will receive an acknowledgment email within a few minutes. A follow-up email approving or denying your request, or requesting more
information, will be sent within about a day.
Figure 10. RADAR register page.
22

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4.2.2 Login to RADAR
Users can access additional RADAR features by clicking the Log In link and entering the
credentials provided when they registered for RADAR access. Figure 11 illustrates the EPA Web
Application Access login screen where users will enter their EPA LAN ID and password.
A EPA
United States Environmental Protection Agency
1 1

r ^
EPA Web Application Access Login

Welcome to the EPA Web Application Access

A gateway for authorized users to find, request access and manage EPA tools, applications and communities. If you have an EPA LAN account,

loa in usina LAN account user id and password. If vou do not have an EPA LAN account, you will need to Self Register for an account.

User ID

Password

Foraot vour user-id or oassword fexternal users onlv"i?

Warning Notice

1. This is a United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) computer system, which may be accessed and used only for official

Government business.

2. Unauthorized access or use of this system may subject violators to criminal, civil, and/or administrative action.

3. All information on this computer system may be monitored, recorded, read, copied, and disclosed by and to authorized personnel for official

purposes, including law enforcement.

4. Access or use of this computer system by any person, whether authorized or unauthorized, constitutes consent to these terms.

Clicking the Login button constitutes consent to these terms.

^ J

1 1
Figure 11. RADAR login screen (EPA web application access gateway).
Figure 12 presents the home page for RADAR following a successful login. Additional features
provided include:
• My Notebook, and
• Upload Data4.
4 Only EPA and EPA-sponsored affiliates can upload and submit data to include in RADAR.
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My Notebook Log Out Contact Us
RADAR
RemediAtion DAta Repository
A Multi-Hazard Research Tool for Searching, Applying, & Sharing Scientific Information
Search | Widgets | Upload Data | Research Stats | Developers
Enter a keyword
Browse by Hazard
t
Chemical

Biological
All Hazards
Figure 12. RADAR home page (logged in).
4.2.3 My Notebook
My Notebook provides a feature for users to bookmark or save datasets of interest. Registered
users that are logged in are presented with additional features. From RADAR search results,
users can choose datasets to include in their notebook by checking the "Add to Notebook"
checkbox as shown in Figure 13.
RADAR
ReimdiAtion DAto Repository

My Notebook Log Out Contact Us
| Search Widgets
1 Upload Data
Research Stats Developers 1
Enter a keyword
1 Biological X

¦
Search Results


Total count: 2 results


+ Biological Decontamination Compendium K
A compendium of research and efficacy results on various materials to decontaminate a biological
agent
SI Report
S Literature Review
v* Add to Notebook
Figure 13. Search results - add to notebook.
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Clicking the View Notebook button or My Notebook link at the top of the webpage will display a
table with basic metadata for selected datasets. As shown in Figure 14, individual datasets can
be accessed directly by clicking the hyperlinked dataset title name. Users can simply click the
"Remove" button to remove a dataset from their notebook.
RADAR
RnmndiAhon DAta Repository
My Notebook LogOut Contact Us
Search
Widgets
Upload Data
Research Stats
Developers
View Notebook
Description
Search
Project
Type
Source
Type
Biological Decontamination A compendium of research and efficacy results on various materials gj0i0 jca| Literature ^ ^
Compendium to decontaminate a biological agent ° Review
Figure 14. View notebook
4.2.4 Upload Data
EPA staff that has registered for the HSRP Communities/HSRP Users WAM group and EPA-
sponsored affiliate users (e.g., contractors with EPA credentials) can upload and submit data to
include in RADAR. Once approved, these data are shared with other RADAR users and
applications. Chapter 5 provides detailed instructions for uploading data to RADAR.
5 UPLOAD DATA TO RADAR
Detailed instructions are provided in this section to successfully upload and request that data be
included in RADAR.
5.1 Upload Data
To upload data to RADAR, the following three criteria must be met:
• Be an EPA user,
• Have an approved HSRP user account, and
• Be logged into RADAR.
You must be
logged in to access
the Upload Data tab.
From the RADAR homepage, users can click the Upload Data tab as shown in Figure 12 to add
their data to RADAR. The Upload Data page will be displayed as shown in Figure 15. Users have
the option to upload a new dataset or manage their existing datasets. Users can click Start a
new dataset upload to add a new dataset.
25

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A United States
Environmental Protection
\^l_l rA Agency
Environmental Topics Laws & Regulations About EPA
Search EPA.gov
RADAR
RemediAfion DA fa Repository
My Notebook Logout Contact Us
Search
Widgets
Upload Data
Research Stats
Developers
Upload Data
Upload custom data to RADAR. Once approved, these data are shared with other RADAR users and
applications. Start a new upload, or select an action from an existing dataset below.
Start a new dataset upload
Getting Started
Upload Data Overview
Data Formatting Requirements
Review and Approval Process
My Existing Datasets
Title
Upload Date ~ Status
No datasets available. Start a new upload to continue.
Actions
Figure 15. RADAR upload data page.
5.2 Start a New Dataset Upload
Metadata requirements must be fulfilled when adding data to RADAR. RADAR metadata
requirements comply with the Project Open Data Metadata Schema that is used by the
Environmental Data Gateway (EDG) (See: Metadata Technical Specification for non-geospatial
data) and also include additional metadata fields that are unique to RADAR to support
application search functionality. For instances where datasets might already be published with
an activated Digital Object Identifier (DOI), RADAR provides users with the option to retrieve
existing metadata; otherwise, data entry prompts for required fields are presented for
completion.
5.2.1 Find / Enter Metadata
RADAR will pre-populate metadata from EDG if the dataset has already been published with an
activated DOI. Different data entry options are presented based on the following scenarios;
• Whether a dataset has a DOI,
• Whether a dataset is derived from a published EPA Report, or
• Whether a dataset only has an approved QAPP.
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5.2.1.1 Dataset with a Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
As shown in Figure 16, RADAR will first prompt users for the existence of a DOI on the Find
Metadata tab.

Find Existing Metadata
Does your dataset have a Digital Object identifier (DOI)? Q
@ Yes O N°
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Upload Data
js:| Define Fields
Iv'l Preview



Figure 16. Find metadata form - DOI question.
If a dataset has a DOI:
•	Select Yes in response to the question: Does your dataset have a Digital Object Identifier
(DOI)?
•	Type the DOI into the search bar and click Find Metadata
•	If the DOI is valid, RADAR will display a message as shown in Figure 17 and automatically
populate the relevant metadata into the Enter Metadata page.
Metadata were successfully obtained and populated. X
Figure 17. Successful metadata import prompt.
On the Enter Metadata tab, the following metadata will be populated as shown in the example
in Figure 18:
•	Title,
•	Description,
•	Date Last Modified,
•	Access Level,
•	Keywords,
•	Publisher,
•	Contact Name,
•	Bureau Code, and
•	Program Code.
27

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(X Find Metadata v'
Enter Dataset Metadata

Q All fields are required unless noted as optional.
Project Open Data Fields O 0
Enter Metadata

Upload Data
Title
Wash Down Data Set
Define Fields
1^1 Preview
Description
These data are of spore removal from an asphalt parking lot using a power washer and garden hose and
different wash aids.
Date Last Modified
06/07/2021
Access Level
Public

Keywords
Bacillus anthracis Decontamination pressure washing

Publisher
U.S. EPA Office of Research and Development (ORD)

Contact Name
Anne Mikelonis

Bureau Code
Environmental Protection Agency - General Services Administration

Program Code
Environmental Protection Agency - (Primary Program Not Available)
Figure 18. Imported project open data metadata fields from DOI search.
Enter RADAR-Specific Metadata
The following additional metadata to support RADAR functionality needs to be entered next as
shown in Figure 19:
•	QA Activity Number (optional),
•	Hazard type (select one),
•	Primary Topic (select one),
•	Secondary Topic(s) (choose at least one),
•	Short Description,
•	Citation,
•	Project Type (select one), and
•	Source Type (select one).
28

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RADAR Fields
QA Activity Number (optional)
Hazard
(3 Biological (3 Chemical (^) Radiological (3 All Hazards
Primary Topic
O Characterization O Data O Decontamination O Mitigation O Resources O Tools
O Waste Management
Secondary Topic(s)
Short Description
Citation
Project Type
O Field Exercise O Lab Experiment O Literature Review O Incident Response
Source Type
O Primary Data O Report
Submit Metadata
Figure 19. RADAR required metadata fields following DOI import.
After entering information in these fields, users click Submit Metadata and a prompt will be
displayed stating that the metadata were successfully submitted. RADAR will display a
validation message if any required fields are left blank. Users can then move on to the Upload
Data tab.
5.2.1.2 Dataset with an EPA Report Number and no DOI
If the dataset does not have a DOI, users will be prompted to enter the EPA Report Number as
shown in Figure 20.
29

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(§) Yes O No
Find Existing Metadata
Does your dataset have a Digital Object Identifier (DOI)? 0
O Yes ® No
Is your dataset associated with an EPA Report Number?
EPA Report Number
EPA/000/R19/0425
Figure 20. Find metadata form - EPA report number.
If a dataset is derived from a published EPA Report and does not have a DOI:
•	Select No in response to the question: Does your dataset have a Digital Object Identifier
(DOI)?
•	Select Yes in response to the question: Is your dataset associated with an EPA Report
Number?
•	Enter the EPA Report Number in the text box and click Continue.
Figure 21 presents the corresponding view of the Enter Metadata tab where users will enter the
following metadata5:
Enter Project Open Data Fields
•	Title,
•	Description,
•	Date Last Modified,
•	Access Level,
•	Publisher,
•	Contact Name,
•	EPA Bureau Code (pre-populated), and
•	Program Code.
Enter RADAR-Specific Metadata
The following additional metadata to support RADAR functionality will need to be entered next:
•	QA Activity Number (optional),
5 Note: The Project Open Data "keywords" metadata field will be automatically populated with the RADAR
keywords that are selected.
30

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•	Hazard type (select one),
•	Primary Topic (select one),
•	Secondary Topic (choose at least one),
•	Short Description,
•	Citation,
•	Project Type (select one), and
•	Source Type (select one).
31

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Q Find Metadata >/
Enter Metadata
Enter Dataset Metadata
Project Open Data Fields 0
Title
Upload Data
Description
Date Last Modified
mm/dd/yyyy
Access Level
® Public
Publisher
Contact Name
Bureau Code
Environmental Protection Agency - General Services Administration X
Program Code
RADAR Fields
QA Activity Number (optional)
Hazard
O Biological O Chemical O Radiological O All Hazards
Primary Topic
O Characterization O Da*3 O Decontamination O Mitigation O Resources O Tools
O Waste Management
Secondary Topic(s)
Short Description
Citation
Project Type
O Exercise Q Lab Experiment Q Literature Review O Incident Response
Source Type
O Primary Data O Report
Submit Metadata
Figure 21. Enter dataset metadata form - no DOI.
32

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After entering information in these fields, users can click Submit Metadata and a prompt will be
displayed stating that the metadata were successfully submitted. Users can then move on to
the Upload Data tab. RADAR will display a validation message if any required fields are left
blank.
5.2.1.3 Dataset with Only an Approved QAPP
If a DOI or EPA Report Number is not available, users will be prompted to enter additional QA
information, including a QA Activity Number as shown in Figure 22. This QA information will be
routed to an EPA QA Manager to streamline verification that data meet QA requirements prior
to publishing within RADAR.
Find Metadata
Find Existing Metadata
Enter Metadata
Upload Data
ISSl Define Fields
Does your dataset have a Digital Object Identifier (DOI)? Q
O Yes ® No
Is your dataset associated with an EPA Report Number?
O Yes ® No
Does your dataset have an approved Quality Assurance Project
Plan?
® Yes O No
I ~ I Preview
QA Activity Number
QA Manager
Date Approved
mm/dd/yyyy 0
Continue
Figure 22. Find existing metadata form - quality assurance information.
If a dataset is associated with an approved QAPP but a DOI or EPA Report Number is not
available, users need to enter the following information:
• Select No in response to the question: Does your dataset have a Digital Object Identifier
(DOI)?
• Select No in response to the question: Is your dataset associated with an EPA Report
Number?
• Select Yes in response to the question: Does your dataset have an approved Quality
Assurance Project Plan?
33

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•	Enter the QA Activity Number, the QA Manager's name, and the date approved (see
Figure 22).
Users should then enter the following metadata on the Enter Metadata tab (refer to Figure 21):
Enter Project Open Data Fields
•	Title,
•	Description,
•	Date Last Modified,
•	Access Level,
•	Publisher,
•	Contact Name,
•	EPA Bureau Code (pre-populated), and
•	Program Code.
Enter RADAR-Specific Metadata
The following additional metadata to support RADAR functionality will be entered next:
•	QA Activity Number (optional),
•	Hazard type (select one),
•	Primary Topic (select one),
•	Secondary Topic (choose at least one),
•	Short Description,
•	Citation,
•	Project Type (select one), and
•	Source Type (select one).
After entering information in these fields, users click Submit Metadata and a prompt will be
displayed stating that the metadata were successfully submitted. Users can then move on to
the Upload Data tab. RADAR will display a validation message if any required fields are left
blank.
If the dataset does not have a DOI, EPA Report Number, or QAPP, a prompt will alert the user
that they must contact their QA Manager to continue as shown in Figure 23.
34

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r
1
Find Metadata /
Find Existing Metadata
f— Enter Metadata
Does your dataset have a Digital Object Identifier (DOI)? Q
O Yes ® No
Upload Data
Is your dataset associated with an EPA Report Number?
O Yes @) No
IllB Define Fields
Does your dataset have an approved Quality Assurance Project
Plan?
O Yes ® No
¦ Preview

Stop
Contact your Quality Assurance (QA) Manager to review secondary data QA requirements and
assure adherence to quality procedures to include your dataset in RADAR.



Exit Data Upload
Figure 23. Find existing metadata form ~ QAPP requirement alert.
5.2.2 Upload Dataset
Once the required metadata are entered and successfully pass validation, users can now submit
a file to upload that conforms to the following specifications (via the Upload Data tab):
•	File type of XLSX or CSV.
•	File size below 50MB.
•	Data must have 200 or fewer data fields (columns).
•	Data must be in a flat table format (i.e., single table) with field headers as the first row.
Note: Only the first tab of an XLSX workbook will be imported.
Users can either drag the file into the browser window or click Choose from folder and select
the file from a navigation window. Upon initial upload, the data file will be scanned to confirm
that the file does not contain a virus, is in the correct format, and meets the specific file size
limit. Figure 24 illustrates a successful pending file upload.
35

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Q Find Metadata /
¦— Enter Metadata >/
Upload Data >S
l;:l Define Fields
I ^ I Preview
Upload Dataset
Upload a data file with the following requirements:
• File type ofXLSX of CSV.
• Filesize belowSOMB.
" • Data musthave200orfewerdatafields.
• Only the first tab of an XLSX workbook will be imported.
• Data must be in a flat table format with field headers asthe first row.
Upload dataset file
Selected file Change file
^ BioDecon_Compendium_RADAR_Upload.xlsx
Figure 24. Dataset upload form following successful validation.
When a file successfully passes RADAR's validation checks, a prompt will appear stating that the
file was successfully uploaded as shown in Figure 25 (a green checkmark will be displayed once
an individual step is completed). Users will be presented with the Define Fields tab.
Data file was successfully uploaded. X
Figure 25. Prompt after successful dataset upload.
5.2.3 Define Fields
When uploading data to RADAR, RADAR requires that users specify additional details for each
data field. RADAR will display a new form that is dynamically generated based on the data file
that was uploaded. A listing of all fields included in the uploaded dataset will be displayed as
shown in the example in Figure 26.
/ X
9 Users are encouraged to gather this information in advance, ideally using
descriptions that are already cleared for release. Users should refer to the companion
spreadsheet template to help them organize required information, Appendix A - RADAR
Data Upload Template.
36

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Q. Find Metadata /
¦ — Enter Metadata */
Upload Data >/
Define Fields
Define Fields
O Descriptions are required for all data fields.
Name	Display Name O
SourcelD
Reference
AppMethod
Surface
Loading
LoadingUn
SourcelD
Source Reference
AppMethod
Surface
Loading
Loading Units
Data Type Default?
Q
Text
Text
Text
Text
Text
Text
Description
Original Source
Identifier
Source Reference
Decontamination
application method
Surface
Target number of
spores the surface
Units of the Loading
Submit Field Definitions
Figure 26. Define fields form.
Additional information describing each data field needs to be entered, including:
Note: Users'
progress will not be
saved if they navigate
away from the Define
Fields tab. before
•	Name: Auto-populated based on the column heading
supplied in the source file.
•	Display Name (optional): Enter a more user-friendly
column display name. If there is no display name
provided, RADAR will use the Name field.
•	Data Type (required): Indicate the data type of each data
field. Text is selected by default. Selection options include:
o Text - any combination of characters, up to 65,000 characters,
o Integer - any whole number, positive or negative, or
o Number - any number that requires accuracy beyond an integer.
•	Default?: Checked by default. Users can determine which data fields should be
visible/hidden from the default dataset view when viewed from within RADAR. Users
can adjust column visibility settings to alter the default view presented.
37

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• Description (required): Enter the description of the data field to aid interpretation and
use of the data by other researchers. The descriptions will be carried forward into data
presentation and download files associated with the dataset.
Users need to click Submit Field Definitions to save their entries and continue to the next step.
RADAR login sessions will expire after 15 minutes of inactivity with the server. Given that it
could take some time to finish entering dataset attribute information, RADAR will alert users
when three minutes remain in their active session as shown in Figure 27. Clicking Continue will
reset the session timer to allow users more time to complete their work.
Session Expiration Warning

Your session is:
;et to expire in 0:30. Click Continue to stay logged in.
Figure 27. RADAR session expiration warning.
Once the Submit Field Definitions button is clicked, the user moves to the Preview tab. A
preview of the first 10 rows of the dataset will appear. Users should verify that the information
appears correct. Users can review an expanded version of the dataset by accessing the dataset
data page shown at the top of Figure 28. Users should click Submit Dataset for Review as shown
in Figure 28 when they are satisfied with their entries.
38

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Q Find Metadata V
¦ — Enter Metadata /
Upload Data V
PR Define Fields S
Preview and Finalize
The preview below only contains the first 10 rows of data for fields marked as default Navigate
to the dataset data page for a full preview.
SourcelD	Source	AppMethod Surface Loading L°aC!|n^ LPosRec Coupon
Reference	r	° Units	Area
97
Schnabel 2014
In activation of
Vegetative
Microorganisms
and Bacillus
atrophaeus
Endospores by
Reactive
Nitrogen
Species (RNS)
Schnabel 2014
Inactivation of
Vegetative
M trmnraa n i sms
Submit Dataset for Review
fumigation
Glass
Bottle
Interior
40000
CFU/cmA3
250
Figure 28. Dataset preview after dataset upload is complete.
39

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RADAR will prompt users one last time to confirm that their dataset is finalized as shown Figure
29. Users should click Submit Dataset for Review again, and RADAR will trigger the Review
process described in the following section. If users need to review the dataset again, then they
can click Cancel.
I
Are you sure you want to submit this dataset for review? You will not be able to make any further
edits until the review process is complete.
Submit Dataset for Review
Figure 29. Dataset upload confirmation.
5.2.4 Dataset Review Process
After a dataset is uploaded, RADAR requires that the dataset be reviewed and approved prior
to the dataset becoming discoverable in RADAR. Figure 30 illustrates the overall workflow of
the dataset review process. The sequence of reviews depends on whether the dataset has a
DOI, EPA Report Number, or QA Activity Number as specified when uploading the dataset.
RADAR notifies reviewers and administrators accordingly as datasets are queued for review and
approval.
40

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Is dataset	QA Reviewer
published with		~	notified of
DOI?	pending dataset
Figure 30. Dataset review process workflow.
Reviewers can add comments next to any metadata field or dataset field, They can also add an
overall comment for anything that is not specific to a field for the user who contributed the
data to resolve. If comments are added and changes are required, the RADAR reviewer or
administrator can send comments back to the user for resolution. The dataset will remain
pending until RADAR review or administrator comments are satisfied. Should a user choose not
to address comments, users can rescind the dataset submission and delete the dataset from
RADAR.
41

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RADAR provides a notification alert to any pending actions that require a user's attention.
When a RADAR user navigates to Upload Data area, a table is displayed that presents their
datasets along with statuses and actions as shown in Figure 31. Datasets can have the following
statuses:
• Incomplete
• Pending QA Review
• Pending Technical Review
• Pending Admin Review
• Denied
• Approved
Datasets marked as incomplete will include an action to continue the dataset submittal process,
which will link to the Data Upload form where fields already entered are pre-filled. As shown in
Figure 31 below, an outstanding action to Address Comments on a pending dataset is displayed.
Users should click Address Comments to view and resolve reviewer comments. Selecting the
Address Comments button opens the submittal form displaying comments that must be
addressed prior to advancing through the review sequence.
RADAR
SnmadiAHon DA to
Upload Data
4 Pending Actions
My Notebook Log Out Contact Us
Widgets
Upload Data I Research Stats I Developers
Upload custom data to RADAR. Once approved, these data are shared with other RADAR users and
applications. Start a new upload, or select an action from an existing dataset below.
Getting Started
Upload Data Overview
Data Formatting Requirements
A Start a new dataset upload
My Existing Datasets
Title
Biological Decontamination Compendium
Upload Date
03/12/202106:03 pm
Status
Denied
Actions
%— Address Comments
Figure 31. Example dataset with pending comments.
Users will be returned to the Data Upload form where previously submitted data elements will
be pre-populated along with any reviewer comments as shown in Figure 32. Review comments
could appear in both the Enter Metadata and Define Fields tabs depending on which data
elements a reviewer provided comments.
42

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Enter Dataset Metadata
0 QA Review Metadata Comment
Please update format of the citation
- Reviewed by galtoway.devin@epa.gov, 2021-03-12T19:38:14.000000Z
Figure 32. Example reviewer metadata comments.
Users can update any field that requires attention and then resubmit. Resubmitting will alert
the reviewer of a pending dataset, where the reviewer can verify whether comments were
satisfactorily addressed. Reviewers will then either approve the dataset or add additional
comments for resolution. This review cycle will incrementally continue until all comments are
addressed from all reviewers.
Once no comments remain or if the initial dataset entry does not require revisions, the RADAR
Admin will approve the dataset for inclusion in RADAR. After approval, the dataset will be
visible to all RADAR users.
Note: Should a dataset be denied (i.e., returned to the user for further review) or if a user
would find it easier to start over, users can delete any dataset with a status of Denied or
Incomplete. If datasets are pending reviews, no additional action can be taken by the user who
contributed the data until a reviewer returns the dataset. If a dataset is approved, only a
RADAR Admin can disable a dataset from view with RADAR.
6 REVIEWING AND APPROVING DATASETS
RADAR users who have at least one of the following three roles also have access to additional
features to review and approve datasets submitted for inclusion in RADAR:
RADAR QA Reviewer Activities
¦S Review and comment on dataset metadata and data
¦S Approve datasets and route to RADAR Technical Reviewer for approval
RADAR Technical Reviewer Activities
¦S Review and comment on dataset metadata and data
¦S Approve datasets and route to RADAR Admin for approval
RADAR Admin Activities
¦S Review and comment on dataset metadata and data
¦S Enable datasets for viewing within RADAR
¦S Disable datasets for viewing with RADAR
43

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As discussed in Section 5.2.4 and illustrated in Figure 30, the overall workflow of the dataset
review process depends on whether the dataset has a DOI, EPA Report Number, or QA Activity
Number as specified when uploading the dataset. The sections that follow describe
components of the workflow that correlate with different dataset review status categories.
6.1 Pending QA and/or Technical Review
Datasets that require a QA Manager to first approve the dataset (based on the existence of an
associated EPA Report Number and/or QAPP) will appear as a pending action for users with a
QA Reviewer role. As shown in Figure 33, RADAR will alert users who have pending actions with
a notification that will appear at the top of the page. Users can click the Pending Actions button
to go directly to the Upload Data page. Any datasets that require a user's attention will be
separately displayed in a table noting the same. Depending on the status, the value in the
status column will show: Pending QA Review, Pending Technical Review, or Pending Admin
Review.
Reviewers can click the Review button to begin reviewing both the metadata and data that
were submitted.
44

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RADAR
Rmw^iAtion DAto Repository
 Pending Actions
My Notebook Log Out Contact Us
Search
Widgets
Upload Data
Research Stats
Developers
Upload Data
Upload custom data to RADAR. Once approved, these data are shared with other RADAR users and
applications. Start a new upload, or select an action from an existing dataset below.
£ Start a new dataset upload
Getting Started
Upload Data Overview
Data Formatting Requirements
Review and Approval Process
Datasets Requiring Review
Title
Biological Decontamination Compendium
Upload Date
03/25/2021 02:18pm EDT
Status
Pending QA Review
Actions
fi Review
My Existing Datasets
Test - Chemical Decontamination Compendium
Evaluation of Commercially-available Equipment for the Decontamination of
Bacillus anthracis Spores in an Urban Setting
Upload Date Status
03/26/2021
10:29am EDT
03/31/2021
Approved
Approved
03:07pm EDT
Figure 33. Dataset pending QA review.
^ Disable A ffl View
^ Disable I 3 View
Selecting the review action will present a dataset review page displaying the metadata, list of
fields, and a preview of the dataset as shown in Figure 34.
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RADAR
A Pending Actions
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Review Dataset
Dataset Metadata
Project Open Data Fields Q
Title
Biological Decontamination Compendium
Description
A compendium of research and efficacy results on various materials to decontaminate a biological agent
Date Last Modified
03/01/2021
Access Level
Public
Publisher
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Contact Name
Timothy Boe
Bureau Code
Environmental Protection Agency - Gen
Program Code
Environmental Protection Agency - Hor
Management, Superfund)
QA Activity Number (optional)
K-HSMMD-0011111
Hazard
Biological
Primary Topic
Decontamination
Secondary Topic(s)
Building Data Methods
Short Description
A compendium of research and efficacy results on
materials to decontaminate a biological agent
Citation
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, "Biological Decontamination Compendium" Office of Research and Development, Washington, DC, March 2021
Project Type
Literature Review
Source Type
Report |
~ Add Metadata Comment
Dataset Data Preview
Q The preview below only contains the first 10 rows of data for fields marked as default. Navigate to the dataset data page for a full preview.
_ Decon
_ _ Decon .
Decon . . _ Coupon Agent
„S°"ree Application Surface r Loading L"d;nB LfosRec Co"l"Jn Area "f nt Dose
Reference V, ... ° Units Area ,, „ Dose
Method Units _ Cone
Cone .. „
Units
Schnabel 2014
inactivation of
Vegetative
Glass
an aci us fumigation Bottle 40000 CFU/cmA3 250 cm*3 7700
atrophaeus
Endospores by
Reactive
Nitrogen
Species (RNS)
Schnabel 2014
Inactivation of
Vegetative
Microorganisms
I Approve and Send to Technical Review
Interior
Figure 34. Review dataset page.
Reviewers can comment on both metadata and/or data fields. Reviewers can also access a
dataset preview by clicking the dataset data page hyperlink. An example is shown in Figure
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RADAR
R*n*MllA.1f«afi DAt« Rep-o tilery
A Pending Actions
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A This dataset has not yet been approved. You are currently previewing the dataset.
Biological Decontamination Compendium A Download
Description: A compendium of research and efficacy results on various materials to decontaminate a biological agent
Project Type: Literature Review Reference: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, "Biological Decontamination Compendium" Office of
Research and Development, Washington, DC, March 2021.
Publication Type: Report
Keywords: Biological, Decontamination. Building, Data, Methods
Date Last Modified: 2021-03-01
Customize Columns
k Wide View
Filter table
Source! D
Source
Reference
Decon
Application
Method
Surface Loading
Loading
Units
Coupon
Area
Coupon
Area
Units
Decon
Agent
Dose
Cone
Decon
Agent
Dose
Cone
Units
Schnabel2014
linaccivation of
Vegetative
Microorganisms
, _ ... Glass
S7 al~ Bacillus fumigation Settle 40000 CFU/cm*3 250 cmA3 7700 J
atrophaeus . . .
_ . . Interior
Endospores by
Reactive
Nitrogen Species
(RNS)
Schnabel 2014
inactivation of
Vegetative
Microorganisms
and Bacillus
atrophaeus
Endospores by
Reactive
Nitrogen Species
f RNS)
fumigation
Glass
Bottle
Interior
CFU/cmA3
«
<
D
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 9
10
>
»
Figure 35. Dataset review-full data preview.
A subset of the features previously described in Section 4.1.2 are available. RADAR provides a
warning banner at the top of the page to reinforce the pending status of the dataset. This view
supports a more detailed review of the data, the individual data fields, their descriptions, and
the actual values of data presented. Reviewers can also download the complete dataset in
spreadsheet format.
If a reviewer adds comments that need to be addressed prior to moving the dataset further
along the review queue, the reviewer should enter comments and reject the dataset, RADAR
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will update the status of the dataset and set a pending action for the user who contributed data
to address. Figure 36 illustrates an example.

X
Please enter a more descriptive title
Dataset Data Preview

The preview below only contains the first 10 rows of data for fields marked as default. Navigate to the dataset data page for a full preview.
S°Urte Application Surface Loading LPosRec C°Up°n
Decon
Decon
CouP°n ASent
Reference
Method
Units
Area
Area
Units
A Agent k
Dose
Cone
Dose
Cone
Units
Schnabel 2014
In activation of
Vegetative
Microorganisms
and Bacillus
atrophaeus
Endospores by
Reactive
Nitrogen
Species (RNS)
Glass
fumigation Bottle 40000 CFU/'cmA3
Interior
cmA3 7700
Schnabel 2014
Inactivation of
Vegetative
Microorganisms
X
Source ID has too many digits
Approve and Send to Technical Reviewer I Q Reject and Send Comments to UpLoader
Figure 36, Enter review comments and return to user who contributed data.
Otherwise, following verification that an approved QAPP exists, and that the review did not
identify any issue to resolve, the OA Reviewer will queue the dataset to a Technical Reviewer
for review. A Technical Reviewer will follow the same steps as the QA Reviewer. Following
approval by a Technical Reviewer, the RADAR Admins will be notified to complete a final
review. Figure 37 illustrates the buttons for the Technical Reviewer view.
Q Approve and Send to Admin Review
Figure 37. Technical reviewer approval.
6.2 RADAR Admin Review
RADAR Admins have the same features available as those that are described in Section 6.1.
Following resolution of any comments, if applicable, RADAR Admins will approve a dataset to
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include in RADAR. Figure 38 illustrates the buttons for the Admin Reviewer view. Once the
RADAR Admin approves the dataset, it will become visible to all RADAR users.
> Approve and Make Visible In RADAR
Figure 38. Admin reviewer approval.
RADAR Admins have additional controls available from the Upload Data page as shown in
Figure 39 below. RADAR Admins can view a listing of all datasets that are included in RADAR
and their current visibility state (enabled or disabled). While RADAR Admins cannot edit
approved datasets, users with this role can enable or disable from view any datasets using the
corresponding controls on this page.
RADAR
HtnwdiAlien DAto Repository
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Upload Data
Upload custom data to RADAR. Once approved, these data are shared with other RADAR users and
applications. Start a new upload, or select an action from an existing dataset below.
£ Start a new dataset upload
Getting Started
Upload Data Overview
Data Formatting Requirements
Review and Approval Process
My Existing Datasets
Title
Biological Decontamination Compendium
Evaluation of Commercially-available Equipment for the Decontamination of
Bacillus anthracis Spores in an Urban Setting
Upload Date
03/25/2021
02:18pm EDT
03/31/2021
03:07pm EDT
03/26/2021
10:29am EDT
Status A
Approved
Approved
Disabled
Actions
Disable I S3 View
^ Disable I S3 View
Test - Chemical Decontamination Compendium
Figure 39. Admin view - enable/disable datasets.
7 NEXT STEPS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
EPA's HSRP continuously strives to find innovative ways to support its scientists and
stakeholders. Data are an integral component to all research and how researchers access and
use data is changing, and forward-thinking solutions to facilitate these changes are needed. The
RADAR project supports EPA's larger goal to collectively work from standardized data elements
to improve relatability among similar research datasets and standardize communication of
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research. Data element harmonization can be facilitated using standardized data capture forms
and can be enforced through validation procedures established for data upload features used in
RADAR. At present, RADAR provides the initial framework to establish a more robust process
for exposing HSRP research data. Incremental advances are in place to support achieving this
larger goal.
RADAR facilitates structuring data to separate and explicitly format data by type (i.e., text,
integer, numeric). This project has moved efforts forward by providing a platform to centrally
store homeland security research data and intentionally organize data in a structured manner.
Separating numeric values from units is one simple example. By providing a template to
organize data in a structured format, capture key metadata to aid data discovery and reuse,
and enforce basic validation principles, RADAR is facilitating better connections to research
data by other researchers and other tools and models.
Additionally, as the compilation of datasets included in RADAR expands, the tool will provide
emergency response personnel and decision makers the prompt and concise information that is
required to effectively perform their tasked objectives. RADAR will also facilitate the other
decision support tools and models in sourcing the most current research from a central data
repository through modern communication mechanisms (i.e., shared services).
While the technological solution to support EPA in achieving its goal is in place, the ultimate
success is rooted in adoption by researchers to support building out the repository. Work is
underway to identify additional opportunities to further advance harmonization efforts to
standardize terminology, preferred units, and related metadata. This will improve the ability to
merge and compare multiple datasets within RADAR. It could also allow for development of
more robust data validation (e.g., detecting and flagging outlier values) in the future. Upon
building consensus within the HSRP researchers, additional data validation mechanisms can be
built into RADAR to enforce data integrity standards that are prioritized and adopted by the
program.
In addition, demonstrating the value and utility of RADAR by way of real-world examples is
crucial to generate support and buy-in from stakeholders. Illustrating the benefits and directly
addressing the "why should I do this" to build consensus among HSRP researchers will ensure
EPA can achieve its vision and that those who stand to benefit most are part of refining the
solution.
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vvEPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
PRESORTED STANDARD
POSTAGE & FEES PAID
EPA
PERMIT NO. G-35
Office of Research and Development (8101R)
Washington, DC 20460
Official Business
Penalty for Private Use
$300

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