Martin Hurd Tetra Tech, Inc. May 11, 2011

Why an Exchange Network? Many environmental problems cross jurisdictions and involve a web of natural systems that interact with human communities in complex ways. The business of managing and solving these problems has become highly information intensive. Environmental policy makers and other stakeholders need access to timely, accurate, and consistent data that present a holistic picture of the environment. Exchanging high quality information allows governments, regulated communities, interest groups, and the public to make better decisions regarding the environment. Electronic data sharing between agencies is often mistaken for a simple automatic process; however, the truth is that many of these systems are innately incompatible with each other.

National Information Exchange Model

National Environmental Information Exchange Network

The Exchange Network is a partnership among states, tribes, territories, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for the secure, real time exchange of environmental information. Uses XML, web services and common data standards to transmit data among partners, which allow existing data management systems to remain in place while the data is transformed as it enters and exits each system. Listens for and submits or delivers data with other partners based upon pre-described methods. Authenticates all requests to ensure they are coming from an authorized trading partner.

Environmental Schemas

Schemas are like letters…. they have structured components Date Inside Address Salutation Opening Paragraph Body Closing Complimentary Closing Signature Schema for NPS BMP consists of: Jurisdiction Data Source Contact Info Name of BMP Ag NRCS Components Location Unit of Measure Quantity Status Funding Source SOAP is the envelope. It wraps the contents and contains the “address” to send the schema. Trading Partnership Agreements record the details of how partners will use schemas (this is the hardest task!)

Partner A Partner CPartner B EPA has invested over $160M in NEIEN Registry of Services Web Services means using the Internet

Partner B Partner E Partner D NodesNode Clients

NPS BMP Schema Developed by PA, VA, and MD with a $390K Grant, which included the building of a Node at the CBPO Jurisdictions & Bay states have mapped data from state sources into schema NRCS assistance in having federal agencies reporting practices rather than requiring jurisdictions to report on their behalf First NPS BMP exchange Data Call occurred in Dec 2010 and is the method to enter implementation progress data into the WQ Model Looking to work with all partners doing conservation to use the NEIEN Workgroup established June, 2009 will work together until implementation. Any partner can be a member of the workgroup. Martin Hurd (703)