Air Quality System (AQS) Status and Plans

1. Air Quality System (AQS) Status and Plans Part 1: Nick Mangus US EPA Boring Infrastructure Stuff Part 2: Mike Matsko NJDEP (Representing AQDE Team) Interesting Implementation Projects

2. Topics for Part 1: Status & Plans • AQS and AirNow Background • Similar Data • Separate flows • Flow Status • Node Flow • New Version of Schema • Flow Automation • Data Publishing plans • Communications • Turn over to Mike I believe what happens in history is this: the old are always wrong; and the young are always wrong about what is wrong with them. -- G.K. Chesterton

3. AQS Background • Collects air quality data (pollution and related information) • Data is used to determine non-attainment areas and by health researchers • Managed and operated in RTP, NC • 1,000+ sites around the country • 200+ parameters collected • Reporting schedule: varies, but generally, data required 90 days after end of calendar quarter in which it was collected • We get almost 2M data points per week from State, local, and tribal agencies (several hundred files) • Highest volume through CDX

4. AirNow Background • Collects air quality data (pollution and related information) and forecasts • Data is used to inform public of immediate health concerns • Managed in RTP, NC • Operated in Sonoma, CA • 1,000+ sites around the country (same as AQS) • 2 primary parameters collected, anything allowed • Reporting schedule: every hour for data; every day for forecasts • Data converted into near-real-time maps at http://www.airnow.gov/ • Not yet on the Exchange Network

5. Status – Continuing to Improve • AQS • Accepts data via Node since May 2005 • Many formats • Legacy flat file • New flat file • Schema v1.0 • Schema v2.0 (almost!) • New version of the schema will be released soon (responding to conformance review) • “AQDE” = “AQSv2” • AirNow • Working to implement node at DMC • Will use same schema for air quality data (not forecast) submissions • Pilot project completed (q.v. Part 2) When you break the big laws, you do not get freedom; you do not even get anarchy. You get the small laws. -- G.K. Chesterton

6. New Schema Progress is a comparative of which we have not settled the superlative. -- G.K. Chesterton • Version 1 developed with a pure information engineering approach • Node submission to feds • Minimize instance document size • Version 2 developed for flexibility of exchange • ESAR compliant • Revamped structure • Flat versus hierarchical • Better facilitates non-federal (e.g, state-to-state) sharing • Focus was “Air Quality” not just AQS • Will incorporate data for AirNow exchanges • Testing plan / ability

7. XML Testing AQS PROD • Two databases • AQS Production (AQSPROD) • AQS Quality Assurance (AQSQA) • AQSPROD database was backed up to AQSQA on 4.8.2007 • Data and passwords will be as of then (90 day exp.) • Contractors cannot get access • Call helpdesk with problems 866-411-4EPA AQS Node AQS QA

8. Submission Automation The simplification of anything is always sensational. -- G.K. Chesterton 1 2 3 4 5 Error Information

9. We look forward with enthusiasm because we are afraid to look back. -- G.K. Chesterton Data Publishing • No node publishing yet • Users can get XML data from AQS as you get any other data • New system for dissemination: AQS Data Mart • Prevent competition for resources • Uses CDX/EN web services • Node client in test • Same protocol as AQDE project • No FCD yet • Additional web services geared toward scientists • Additional schemas • Stylesheets • Client for human interaction • Will eventually include AirNow data • Technical issue with SOAP message size and physical memory of EPA and client hardware • Will then work on publishing from AQS • Smaller audience

10. Communications • Helpdesk • IPT calls: • Every other Wednesday • May 09 is the next one • 3:00 pm eastern • 866.299.3188, code 2025661626# • Nick Mangus • mangus.nick@epa.gov • 919.541.5549

11. Questions&Mike