WASHINGTON D.C., June 16, 2004 -- To recognize the significant progress made by EPA and its partners in exchanging water data electronically, four states, Michigan, New Hampshire, Oregon and New Jersey, yesterday demonstrated water monitoring and safety applications that use the Environmental Information Exchange Network. The demonstration took place at EPA Headquarters in Washington, D.C. The Network began in 1999 to enable sharing of environmental data between EPA, states, tribes and other partners over the Internet.
The Network promotes higher quality data, faster and easier data exchange and greater public access. Michigan demonstrated how it enables industries to use the Exchange Network to electronically submit Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMRs) to regulatory authorities. DMRs demonstrate industry compliance by comparing monitoring results to permitted pollution limits. The new system cleared up years of paper backlogs in Michigan and saved $2000 for each facility reporting. New Hampshire developed a system that permits secure exchange of critical water system infrastructure data over the network.
The Pacific Northwest Water Quality system, created by Oregon, allows selection of water data from multiple states by using graphics tools on a PC map. After viewing the system, Canada is considering adding its water data for border territories. New Jersey's Beach Monitoring Solution provides faster beach data to local decision makers and the public regarding beach closure notification. This year, 29 states may implement the Beach Monitoring Solution, which highlights when permitted water levels are exceeded at beaches and allows users to sign up for automatic e-mail alerts.
The Exchange Network also embodies the principles of the President's e-government initiative, by using Internet technology to streamline reporting and to improve citizens' access to important environmental data. More information on the Environmental Information Exchange Network is available at: < http://www.exchangenetwork.net/common/default.asp
