MPCA uses a system called Environmental Quality Information System (EQuIS) to store and manage surface water and sub-surface monitoring data and associated laboratory results from sampling locations across the state.
The database currently contains monitoring data from Minnesota streams, lakes, groundwater, ambient air, soil, sediment, and gas collected through MPCA programs and partnerships.
EQuIS application and tools
EQuIS Pro, an application available for core users, is used to maintain the database and create custom reports. The agency has limited number of concurrent Pro licenses. Enterprise, an application primarily available to MPCA staff, provides an EQuIS connection useful for submitting and retrieving data. EQuIS offers a variety of software tools and standards developed to allow for fast, dependable data collection and reporting:
- Data process information: Data submittals, review, and reports
- EQuIS Data Gathering Engine (EDGE): Field data collection tool
- Lab_MN format: Lab data storage spreadsheet
- Chain of custody (COC): Sample tracking form
- Enterprise: Web based reporting and EDD processing tool and data portal
Data process information: Data submittals, review and reports
Data processes vary between agency programs. Please visit the links below to view data process instructions for individual programs.
- Ambient groundwater data submittals (under development)
- Closed Landfill Program (under development)
- Remediation data submittals (under development)
- Surface water/field data submittals, review and reports
EQuIS Data Gathering Engine (EDGE): Field data collection tool
EDGE is a field data gathering tool used to populate spreadsheets and generate EDDs which can then be used for EQuIS field data storage. EDGE_MN is the EDGE format that will be used in Minnesota.
Please consult with a MPCA project manager to confirm that EDGE has been implemented for field data submittals in the program. EDGE typically requires additional training and individual programs may have custom standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Lab_MN: Lab data storage spreadsheet
Lab_MN is an electronic data deliverable (EDD) format, developed by the MPCA and MN.IT, enabling labs to submit results in an EQuIS-ready format. It incorporates EQuIS data standards and enables remote error checking prior to submitting data to the MPCA. All major labs supplying EQuIS-bound data are required to adopt this standard.
Chain of Custody (COC): Sample tracking form
COC procedures must be followed to maintain and document sample possession. The MPCA has developed a COC that can be populated within the EDGE application or on paper. The COC provides the labs with the information necessary to work in the Lab_MN format. The COC is available within EDGE_MN and by downloading the COC template.
EQuIS Enterprise: A data submittal portal coming soon!
EQuIS Enterprise is an existing web based processing and reporting tool used primarily by MPCA staff. In the future, a data submittal portal will be incorporated into EQuIS Enterprise to provide internal and external partners a more automated data submittal and response system.
EarthSoft’s Online Help
- EarthSoft Website
- Earthsoft website Office Hours page
- Earthsoft YouTube Office Hours sessions
- EQuIS Online Documentation
Links
- EarthSoft Files for MPCA
- Environmental Data Access (EDA)
- Surface Water Data Submittals, Review, and Reports
Contacts
EQuIS Program Coordinator: David Vaaler (651-757-2400)
MPCA data coordinators
- Ambient Groundwater Program: Sharon Kroening (651-757-2507)
- Closed Landfill Program: Clifford Shierk (651-757-2371); Mark Umholtz (651-757-2308)
- Open Landfill Program: Alex Hokenson (651-757-2440)
- Petroleum Remediation and Redevelopment Section: Victor Henao (651-757-2204)
- Site Remediation and Redevelopment: David Moore (651-757-2583); Jennifer Jevnisek (651-757-2181)
- Surface Water Monitoring Program:
- Nancy Flandrick, 651-757-2361 — Mankato, Rochester and St. Paul offices
- Jean Garvin, 651-757-2378 — Detroit Lakes and Marshall offices
- Mary Knight, 651-757-2424 — Brainerd and Duluth offices