Data Exchange Description
Partners can use the Exchange Network to submit data to EPA’s Air Quality System (AQS). AQS is the national database that contains ambient air quality monitoring data collected by States, Tribes, and local governments. These data are used to determine compliance with clean air standards, assess the nature of air pollution in North America, and assess the exposure of humans to airborne pollutants.
The AQS Submission schema accommodates exchanges with AQS and other Network Partners, enabling Partners to share real-time air quality data. The AQS Submission schema is compliant with the Environmental Sampling and Results (ESAR) data standard.
All data collected on or after January 1, 2015, must be submitted using v3.0. EPA is using the data collection date, rather than the submittal date, because AQS processes generally operate on a calendar year. The new schema deprecates elements that AQS will no longer allow for data collected beginning in calendar year 2015.
The Flow Implementation Guide provides a high-level overview of the data flow.
For information on how Partners have reused the AQS data exchange, see Air Quality Data Exchange and MassAir.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection developed an AQS plugin for the Java OpenNode2. The plugin includes the ability to submit all four types of AQS data (i.e., raw data, accuracy data, precision data, and site monitor information). The plugin and implementation guide are available for download here.
Version Notes
Status: Supported
Version 3.0 adds elements necessary for the implementation of the air monitoring program quality assurance procedures. These include new QA transactions and additional monitor metadata. Site and monitor metadata have been changed to better align AQS with physical reality and the intended meanings of terms in the monitoring program. Finally, elements that are no longer needed or that are superseded by the new elements have been deprecated.
It is important to note that for data elements that are not changing, such as raw sample data, the basic structure of the schema from version 2.x to version 3.0 has not changed (i.e., the same structure is used whenever possible). For routine raw sample data submissions, therefore, only minor changes may be necessary. For quality assurance and monitor metadata data submissions, however, changes will be necessary.
For users familiar with the Early Release Draft AQS v3.0, the changes from the draft to this final version are listed in the Change Control Log (along with the changes from v2.2).
The AQS schema and supporting flow documentation have been approved for use on the Exchange Network. Implementation resources for the most recent version follow.
