Frequently Asked Questions About ME DEP EDDv5.0

When will ME DEP EGAD EDDv5.0 replace MEDEP GWDB EDDv4.0 for all EGAD data submittals?

ME DEP EGAD EDDv5.0 was released and made available for use on October 1, 2007. EDDv5.0 should be used for all EGAD data submittals by January 1, 2008 .

How does EDDv5.0 differ from EDDv4.0?

The Water Level/Flow template EDD will no longer be used. All Water Level/flow data can now be recorded using the Lab/Field EDD, making only one single EDD template for all data submissions—now referred to as just “EDD”.
Additional fields have been added to the single EDD template to accommodate additional types of data.
The Quantitation Limit field has been renamed to “Reporting Limit”.
MDL and/or IDL values will now be required in addition to the Reporting Limit field for all laboratory results identified as non-detect.
Updates to the Data Element Dictionary have been made including an update to the EDD field definitions, the addition of a key to identify which fields are required, required if applicable, optional, or not applicable based on data type being submitted. There was also an additional column added to identify any default values applicable to fields that are left null.
There are now formats in place to provide information on Non-Sample Data (Samples attempted to be collected but not due to a variety of reasons) and Samples Collected but Not Analyzed using the EDD if desired.
LUP Tables and Values can now be found on the EGAD website at www.maine.gov/dep/rwm/egad . The LUP Tables are updated frequently so that the most up-to-date LUP Values are available.

How do I format Water Level and Flow data now that there is no longer a separate template for Water Level/Flow data?

Water Levels and Flows should now formatted on the new EDD template like all other field data--with each measurement entered in as a separate sample record.
Water Level Depth (formerly referred to as Static Depth on the Water Level/Flow template), Water Level Elevation, Measuring Point Elevation, Ground Surface Elevation, and Flow are now values in the PARAMETER_NAME Field.
Depth, Elevation, and Flow units should then be recorded in the PARAMETER_UNITS field. Refer to the Data Element Dictionary page to see all applicable fields for Water Level and Flow data.

Why was the “Quantitation Limit” field renamed to “Reporting Limit”?

Generally, the reporting limit is equal to the laboratory practical quantitation limit. However, there are times when project sensitivity concerns may cause laboratories to report results to lower limits, in which case, the reporting limit does not equal the practical quantitation limit. The name change from “Quantitation Limit” to “Reporting Limit” was made so that the specific required reporting limits for a dataset can be reported in this field regardless of whether or not they are equal the practical quantitation limits.

Why are you requiring that Method Detection Limits (MDLs) and/or Instrument Detection Limits (IDLs) now be included for all laboratory chemical data reported as non-detect?

In the past, only Quantitation Limits/Reporting Limits (QLs/RLs) were required to be provided for all data reported as non-detect. However, providing MDLs and/or IDLs in addition to RLs, provides a better understanding of the data quality. The determination of MDLs and IDLs is more uniformly defined among laboratories while the determination of RLs can vary based on project sensitivity needs.

What are the new fields added to the new single EDD template?

DEP_SAMPLE_ID-

This field has been added to accommodate data where

separate sample IDs have been assigned by the DEP.

SAMPLE_DEPTH_INTERVAL_TOP
SAMPLE_DEPTH_INTERVAL_BOTTOM
SAMPLE_DEPTH_INTERVAL_UNIT

These fields have been added to accommodate data where a sample has been taken over a range or interval of depths. These fields are used to record the top and bottom of the sample depth interval (i.e. 3-6, as well as the units the sample depth interval is measured (i.e. FT).

Where are the instructions for using EDDv5.0?

The first page of the EDD workbook includes general instructions advising how to complete the EDD. The Data_Element_Dictionary advises on appropriate values for specific fields and which fields are necessary depending on the data type (lab, field, partial sample, etc.) being submitted. The most important points:

• Data from multiple dilution analyses should be combined into a single record.

• Reporting limits should reflect conditions such as dilutions and moisture content.

• Report non-detects as a null in the CONCENTRATION field, U in the LAB_QUALIFER field and populate both the REPORTING_LIMIT field and MDL or IDL field.

• The LAB_QUALIFIER field is for qualifiers assigned by the laboratory for samples analyzed at the Lab. For field samples, the Lab Qualifier field can also be used if applicable (i.e. U to signify non-detects) Qualifiers assigned by any party other than the laboratory for samples analyzed by a laboratory must go into the VALIDATOR_QUALIFIERS field.

• Do not put text into numeric fields. For example, do not put DRY or 25-30FT in the STATIC_DEPTH field.

• Use the SAMPLE_DEPTH_INTERVAL_TOP and SAMPLE_DEPTH_INTERVAL_BOTTOM fields when samples are taken over a range or interval of depths (i.e. a sample collected at 3-6FT). When a sample is taken at a discrete depth, use the SAMPLE_DEPTH field (i.e. a sample collected at 3FT)

• Use appropriate LUP Values from appropriate LUP Tables whenever it is indicated a field must be filled out according to a LUP Table (see Data Element Dictionary). Up-to-date LUP Tables and Values can now be found on the EGAD Website. www.maine.gov/dep/rwm/egad . Please let us know if a lookup value you need is not included in a Table.

Are there any Examples of EDDs filled out I can look at?

Yes, there are several examples of EDDs filled out for various types of data. You can view these example EDDs by going to the EGAD website at www.maine.gov/dep/rwm/egad and clicking on EDD Examples

How do I submit an EDD and in what format?

EDDs should be submitted by e-mail, CD, or diskette. E-mailed EDDs should be e-mailed to dep.edd@maine.gov and EDDs submitted by mail should be addressed to the address on the bottom of the page. Both Excel worksheets and tab delimited text files will be accepted.

To whom should questions or comments be addressed?

Questions and comments should be addressed to the BRWM EGAD Data Manager:

Erika Bonenfant
17 Statehouse Station
Augusta , ME 04333
(207) 287-5767 or (207) 287-2561
Erika.Bonenfant@maine.gov