Environmental Data Submissions Procedure

DEQ: Environmental
Data Submissions
ELECTRONIC DATA DELIVERABLE (EDD) FORMAT INFORMATION FOR
ELECTRONIC DATA PROVIDERS
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (Department) has procured an environmental data
management system to streamline the submittal, organization, and presentation of environmental data collected
across the state. The new data management system uses the database software application EQuISTM (EQuIS)
from EarthSoft® Inc. (EarthSoft).
NC DEQ's Division of Water Resources (DWR) and the Division of Waste Management (DWM) are the first
groups to begin using this new system. As part of this effort, DWR and DWM have adopted a standardized
electronic data deliverable (EDD) format that is required for all data submitted. Data must be formatted to meet
the guidelines specified by NC DEQ.
Data providers are responsible for submitting a complete data package. A lab or other subcontractor should
provide their data to the primary consultant, who must ensure the supporting tables (such as sample location
coordinates) are complete. Use of the new NCDEQ EDD is intended to replace existing Electronic Data
Deliverables (EDD) or spreadsheets of field and lab analytical data. It is not intended to replace any reports or
narratives that already accompany this data. The new NCDEQ EDD is built to be comprehensive in the data that
can be collected, but it does not mean that providing this data is required. Data providers should consult with
their NC DEQ Project Manager (PM) prior to preparing and submitting EDDs to verify what data is required for
their project. Communication with the PM can help to avoid unnecessary efforts.
Follow the steps and links below to submit data in the EDD format:
Step 1: Initial Setup
Download the following files to prepare the data submission to produce a properly formatted EDD. User
Manuals are available to provide detailed instructions on data preparation as well as identification of data fields
that NC DEQ requires for data submittals.
• NC DEQ format files are templates in Microsoft Excel that are used to prepare the data submittal in the EDD
format. Download the template appropriate to the type of data to be submitted.
• The Valid Value files are tables in Microsoft Excel that provide data for a number of the fields that make up
the EDD format. If there is no appropriate value on the list of valid values, you can request that it be added
by sending an email to your NC DEQ program manager contact. Please include your name and your
company contact information, the name of the valid value reference list, the new value needed and any other
information that you deem helpful. A notification containing an acceptance or rejection of your valid value
request will be emailed back. Any changes accepted will be available in an updated .RVF file will be posted
for all Data Providers to use.

Step 2: Check your EDD
Data providers must download and install the EQuIS Data Processor (EDP) to check their properly NC DEQ EDD
formatted file. EDP's software was created by EarthSoft and you will be redirected to their site to download the
EDP and NC DEQ EDD format file. An installation guide is available to assist you through the installation of EDP.
EDP performs a series of formatting checks on the EDD and identifies a select group of errors in the data file
prior to submission. EDP should streamline the process of preparing, reviewing, and finalizing EDD submissions
to NC DEQ.

You will need to register the EDP software with EarthSoft (this is free), instructions on this are located in the EDP
Installation Guide (PDF). You will typically receive an email within 5 business days from the NC DEQ EDAMS
Administrator confirming the software registration and providing a user login id and password to submit the
checked EDD. If you do not receive a confirmation email within 5 days, please do not attempt to reregister,
contact your NC DEQ program manager contact.
The valid values used by the system are periodically updated for the EDP; therefore, it is important to use the
most recent version of the EDP and NC DEQ format file. The NC DEQ website in conjunction with the EarthSoft
website will have the most up-to-date EDP and format file. Please periodically check this website to verify that
you are using the most current version of the EDP and format file. For further information covering the functions
of the EDP program, please refer to EarthSoft's online Standalone EDP documentation.

Step 3: Submit your EDD
When the EDD has cleared the EDP checker, use “Save as…” to produce a properly named and formatted .ZIP
file. The submission package should be transmitted along with any other reports, summaries, or narratives in a
similar manner to previously submitted data.
Additional Guidance Information:
Additional guidance will be provided on this webpage as it becomes available. In addition, you can join
the EarthSoft Community Center for announcements, training opportunities, and access to EQuIS forums and
online documentation. Updates to the NC DEQ format will be posted on the community center and you can
subscribe to receive email notifications when updates are posted for the NC DEQ format files and Valid Values
files.