Understanding the Important Digital Side of Testing.
When people think about water, soil, air or PFAS testing, they usually imagine the sampling process—the technician in the field, the vials, the coolers. Maybe they picture the lab, full of equipment and analysts running tests. But there’s one part of the process that’s often invisible—and it’s just as important: what happens to your data after the lab work is done.
Environmental data doesn’t leave the lab as a printed report anymore. It moves digitally, in strict formats required by regulatory bodies. That movement—how your results are packaged, validated, and transmitted—is the “digital side” of environmental testing. And if you don’t understand it, your project may be at risk for delays, rework, or even non-compliance.
Let’s break it down.
I. What Is an EDD—and Why Should You Care?
An Electronic Data Deliverable (EDD) is a structured file that contains your test results and related metadata. Unlike a PDF report, which is made for human readers, an EDD is formatted for machines—specifically, the databases used by regulatory agencies like the EPA, NYSDEC, or CIWQS in California.
Regulators don’t just want to see the data—they want to process it. That’s why formats like XML, ASCII, or EQuIS exist: they allow automatic insertion into agency systems.
When the EDD isn’t properly formatted—or doesn’t follow the exact specifications expected by the agency—it can be rejected. That means rework, delays, and sometimes resampling. The bottom line: if your lab doesn’t get the EDD right, you’ll feel it in time, budget, and compliance risk.
II. From Lab Bench to Data File: What Happens Internally
Think of your lab like a relay team. First, the sample is logged into the system, analyzed by the appropriate method (e.g., VOC testing by TO-15, or PFAS testing by Method 1633), and reviewed by a chemist. But once the results are final, another leg of the race begins.
Behind the scenes, the lab’s LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) takes over. This system generates the EDD based on your results and project requirements. It assigns correct units, applies QA/QC qualifiers, adds chain-of-custody info, and formats the data for upload.
Some labs use automated validation tools—sort of like spellcheck for data—to catch errors before the file is sent. Others rely on human reviewers. The best labs do both.
III. One Size Doesn’t Fit All: Custom Formats and Agency Requirements
Not all EDDs are created equal.
Different states and agencies require different formats. CIWQS, NYSDEC, NJDEP, and the Army Corps all have unique specifications—some using XML, others using custom Excel templates or ASCII files. And those specifications can change over time.
That’s why the lab needs to know up front:
• Which agency is receiving the data
• Which EDD format is required
• What level of reporting detail is expected (e.g., Level 2 vs. Level 4)
Providing this information before your sampling program begins helps ensure the lab can generate the correct file—and avoid errors that only show up at submission time.
IV. EDDs Aren’t Just for Regulators
Even if you’re not submitting directly to an agency, EDDs still matter. Many consulting firms and municipalities maintain internal databases that require structured data for QA, trending, and long-term monitoring.
When your results are formatted cleanly and consistently:
• Your analysts don’t waste time cleaning up messy spreadsheets
• Your dashboards and trend graphs populate correctly
• You reduce human error and build a more defensible dataset
It’s not just about avoiding rejections. It’s about efficiency, trust, and traceability.
V. Common Pitfalls—and How to Avoid Them
Some of the most common EDD issues include:
• Mismatched field names
• Improper date or time formats
• Missing or invalid sample IDs
• Incorrect detection limits or units
• File types not accepted by the agency
These might seem minor—but they’re the kind of issues that lead to resubmissions. And when submission deadlines are tied to permitting or compliance, even a 48-hour delay can be a big deal.
How to prevent it? Communicate clearly with your lab. Share your submission specs early. And ask about their data validation process.
VI. Clear, Compliant Data—From Start to Finish
Understanding the digital side of water, soil, or air testing isn’t just about satisfying curiosity—it’s about protecting your projects. When you know what happens after the analysis, you can ask the right questions, avoid compliance setbacks, and choose lab partners who take data integrity as seriously as you do.
Whether you're managing municipal sampling programs or overseeing large-scale remediation, the formatting and quality of your electronic data deliverables can make all the difference.
If you're navigating reporting requirements, facing questions about formats like XML or EQuIS, or just want to make sure your next submission goes off without a hitch—reach out.
Contact Daniel Roettger at daniel.roettger@metirigroup.com to talk through your EDD questions or project needs.
Established in 2019, Metiri Group has focused on using full-service environmental laboratories to deliver testing services to inform the decisions that improve the lives of people and the planet.
In addition to its analytical capabilities, Metiri Group aims to deliver exceptional value to a range of clients, from industrial and corporate clients, municipal water systems, environmental consultants and engineers, and local, state and federal government. Metiri Group continues to strive to be the first choice for environmental analytical laboratory services.
