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Scientific Data Overview

Summary

This article introduces the ENFOS Scientific Data Module: what it does, how scientific data is organized across sites and AOCs, the roles and responsibilities involved, and the prerequisites for uploading and managing environmental data. Use it as a starting point before adding sample points, importing field or lab data, or setting up standards and alerts.

Located within the Inventory Solution, the Scientific Data Module is used to access, query, view, and report environmental data from remediation sites and AOCs. The module enables users to upload electronic data deliverables (EDDs), fix EDD errors, provide EDDs to owners, and compare results to regulatory criteria.

How Scientific Data Is Organized

Scientific data, including sample points, field data, and lab data, is managed at the site (level 17) or AOC (level 20), depending on your system settings. The level is configured during onboarding and cannot be changed once data exists in the system, so all related information stays organized and accessible for each specific site or AOC.

  • Bulk import: Data can be added in bulk at a level higher than the site or AOC, but it is always loaded to match the configured level: AOC by AOC when data is managed at the AOC level, or site by site when it is managed at the site level.
  • Roll-up view: When scientific data is managed at the AOC level, a roll-up view is available at the site level. You can see a consolidated view of all sample points across the different AOCs within a site. When data is managed at the site level, there is no roll-up view.
    • Note: You cannot add data from the roll-up view page; you can only view it. To add data, navigate to the specific AOC.

Key Definitions

Electronic Data Deliverable (EDD): A standardized data file, or set of files, containing scientific data that is imported into ENFOS. Each EDD follows a defined format that controls the columns, their order, and the valid values ENFOS expects. EDDs can be imported through the user interface, via API, or submitted by email.

Chain of Custody (COC): The documentation or paper trail showing the sampling done at a site or AOC. For labs to produce accurate EDDs, consultants should provide the following in the Chain of Custody:

  • Site or AOC Name, exactly as entered in ENFOS
  • Sampling Date
  • Contact information for the consultant
  • Sample IDs (field sample ID) and Sample Locations (sample point name)
  • Sample Matrix
  • Lab methods  and analytes requested

Sample Locations (Sample Points): The locations set up by the consultant where samples are collected. These can include monitoring wells, soil borings, general locations, soil vapor, sediment, surface soil, etc. Sample ID names must be unique, but aliases are available.

Sample References: The field Sample IDs exactly as provided in the COC by the consultant.

Valid Value List (VVL): The list of accepted values for a given field. Values entered in an EDD must match the VVL for that field, or the import will error.

Data Management Roles

Data Administrator: Responsible for any questions regarding the use of the Scientific Data Module, as well as access for the laboratories and consultants.

Importer Role (defined by Customer): The laboratories or consultants who upload EDDs, fix EDD errors, request new valid values from the Data Administrator, and contact the Administrator with any questions. Importers can be different for Sample Points, Field Data, and Lab Data.

Email Contact Roles: The module uses several email inboxes, each with a specific purpose:

  • Admin Email: Receives a message if the EDD generates any Admin-type errors (e.g., fix-ups).
  • EDD Support Email: Receives a message if the EDD generates any errors.
  • Project Manager (Consultant) Email: Receives the Report if the EDD is successful, and receives a notification if there are sample point errors.
  • Technical Email: Receives a message if the EDD generates a Technical-type error (e.g., erroneous VVLs or file format). This message also goes to the original sender.
  • Original Sender: Receives an email if the EDD was successful or if a technical error occurred.

Prerequisites and Requirements

Before importing field or lab data, confirm the following:

  • You have an active ENFOS account with the appropriate permissions to view VVLs and email EDDs issued by the system administrator.
  • The relevant sample points exist in ENFOS. Sample points must exist to upload field or lab data to that sample point.
  • The required VVLs (units, datums, field measures, field and lab matrices, analytes, lab methods, etc.) have been added to ENFOS prior to importing EDDs.
  • You know whether data is managed at the site or AOC level in ENFOS.

Common Questions

Is data managed at the site (level 17) or AOC (level 20)? It depends on your system settings. The data node assignment is configured in Administration > Settings during onboarding and determines the level at which sample points, field data, and lab data are managed.

Who do I contact for help? Contact your Data Administrator for questions about using the module, for user access, and for requests to add valid values. The Data Administrator is the point of contact before any issue is referred to ENFOS Tier III Support.

Why do I need sample points before importing data? Field and lab data are tied to a sample point. If the sample point does not already exist in ENFOS, the data cannot be mapped and the EDD will error.

Troubleshooting Tips

  • Cannot add data: Ensure you are at the correct node and not on a roll-up view page.
  • Data not appearing: If you imported data but it is not showing up, confirm you loaded it into the correct site or AOC, and that the EDD is in Lab status. Results will not appear for an EDD in Fixup Required status.