Status: In Production (See note below on forthcoming changes)
data exchange description
Network partners can use the Exchange Network to submit data to U.S. EPA's RCRAInfo system. RCRAInfo is EPA's national program management and inventory system about hazardous waste handlers. The XML schemas are structured in a Modular format consistent with groupings of data found in EPA’s RCRA Info System. These modules include:
- Handler
- Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement
- Corrective Action
- Permitting
- Waste Activity
A group of states and representatives from U.S. EPA meets via conference call on the first Monday of each month to discuss issues related to the RCRAInfo data exchange. If you would like to receive call-in instructions and other notifications about these calls, please contact Mike Reich at mike.reich@ross-assoc.com.
*Important Note on Changes to the RCRAInfo Exchange*
Version 3.0 of the XML schema (see below) has been successfully tested and includes all 5 modules of the RCRAInfo exchange, including Compliance Monitoring & Enforcement. However, U.S. EPA is currently deploying a new version (4.0) of the RCRAInfo database. These changes will also require a revision to the XML schemas. The bulk of the changes will be associated with the schemas for the Permitting and Corrective Action modules, although the Handler and CM&E modules will also be affected to a lesser degree. Please consult the Version 4.0 Translator Guide and the accompanying comparison between version 3.0 and 4.0 for more details on the extent of the planned changes.
The switch to version 4.0 of the RCRAInfo database has already been completed in the test environment; therefore, Network partners will no longer be able to test the exchange using the version 3.0 schemas. The following timeline identifies the planned schedule for development, testing, and production release of the version 4.0 RCRAInfo database and XML schemas.
September 2008 - Draft version 4.0 XML schemas available
October - November 2008 - Version 4.0 XML schemas finalized. Testing of the exchange with version 4.0 XML schemas begins.
December 2008 - Version 3.0 of the RCRAInfo database will be shut down on December 5 to conduct the transition to version 4.0. RCRAInfo version 4.0 will go live on December 15. After this date, states will need to use version 4.0 of the XML schemas to submit data to RCRAInfo.
implementation resources
Version 3.0
This is the most recent version of the XML schemas and other resources for the RCRAInfo exchange. The XML schemas contain all five modules of the exchange, including Compliance, Monitoring & Enforcement (CM&E). Per the note above, this version will no longer be supported for production submissions to RCRAInfo after December 15, 2008.
Version 1.0 - Release 5
This version does not include the CM&E module and will no longer be supported for production submissions to RCRAInfo after December 15, 2008.
supplemental guidance
Below please find the major steps to take to implement the hazardous waste data exchange between States and EPA. Both a summary step-by-step guide and the detailed guidance are also found in the Flow Configuration Document.
Note: These instructions assume that your Department or Agency already has a fully functional and tested Exchange Network Node.
Step 1: Register with EPA's Central Data Exchange and Obtain a RCRAInfo ID
Work with the CDX Help Desk to complete the following steps for registering with EPA's Central Data Exchange. You can contact the CDX Help Desk by calling 1-(888)-890-1995 and then selecting option 1.
- Establish a NAAS operator account if your agency does not already have one. Typically, if your agency has an operational Network Node then it already has a NAAS operator account.
- Call the CDX Help Desk to establish a CDX Web account with the authority to upload RCRA files.
- Ask the CDX Help Desk to match the operator account with the CDX Web account that you have set up.
- Obtain a RCRA TSMIS ID. If you do not have one, please contact your Regional EPA representative for RCRA.
Step 2: Map Data to XML Schema and Create an XML Instance File
In order to use your Node to submit RCRA data, you must create properly formatted XML files to carry your data. As mentioned earlier on this web page, the XML schema was developed to support multiple types of data exchanges.
Step 2: Download the XML Schema
-
Download a zip file containing the RCRA XML schemas. Schemas are provided for each module.
- Map your data to the XML schemas
- Generate an XML instance file
Once you have mapped your data, consult the Flow Configuration Document to create your own XML instance file.
If you have questions related to the schemas or the data itself, please contact the ECOS support contractor Windsor Solutions at RCRANE@windsorsolutions.com.
Step 3: Create a Document Header for Your XML Submission
RCRA submissions sent via your Exchange Network Node must include a header document with the XML instance documents. The document header provides information to identify the contents of a data payload. It was developed to further automate the data exchange process so that data can be more readily identified during transport and at its processing destination.
Essentially, the Header document is XML, which serves as a wrapper around the individual XML documents or payloads. It is used to describe the payload documents, providing basic metadata for the submission. The document header can describe what a data payload contains, who submitted it and when, as well as instructions on processing payload contents, such as whether the contents are additions, deletions, or updates.
The RCRAInfo Exchange supports a document structure consisting of a single header with multiple payloads. The RCRA XML schemas have been designed to support processing at the module level.
The Flow Configuration Document (see Section titled "Implementation of the Header/Payload for RCRA") provides information on how to populate the Header Document for RCRAInfo.
Step 4: Configure the Network Exchanges and Data Services
At this time, the primary web service to invoke will be called “Submit”. A state can submit using a “Full-Replace” , “Full-Replace by Handler", or “Transaction” method.
- Full Replace – replaces all old data with new data submitted. In this scenario, the old data in EPA’s RCRAInfo database is wiped away or discarded and replaced by the new data submitted. This would be similar to refreshing all your data.
- Full Replace by Handler – replaces all data related to specified RCRA Handlers.
- Transaction - can add/update or delete records from a table, as identified by the primary keys for the table.
Detailed descriptions of these data services are provided in the Flow Configuration Document (FCD).
Step 5: Submit Data to EPA
When you invoke the web service to submit the data to EPA’s Central Data Exchange, you will receive messages on the status of that submission, including any error messages that might occur.
contact information
If you are having technical difficulties configuring the data exchange through your Node, please call the Network Help Desk between the hours of 8:00am and 6:00pm (EST) at 1-888-890-1995.
If you have data related questions, please send an email to: RCRANE@windsorsolutions.com.
You may also call U.S. EPA's contact for additional information:
Idali Gotay
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(703) 308-0512
gotay.idali@epa.gov
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