Texas Environmental Data System (TEDS)

The Texas Environmental Data System (TEDS) is a relational database that stores and manages technical data and interfaces with other software. The data management system we are using is EarthSoft’s EQuIS software, and the integration of EQuIS with other software is called the Texas Environmental Data System or TEDS.

TEDS will capture spatial, chemistry, and geologic data into a database and will interface with other software, such as ArcGIS for mapping, RockWorks for visualization, Surfer for modeling, and other applications such as Excel.

TEDS Information

How will data be loaded into TEDS?
Typically, the consultant will obtain data from the laboratory and from their field work, run the data through a data checker, and then send the data electronically via the Web to the database. The data checker will be free and will be downloaded from this website. Data providers will not have to purchase EQuIS or other specialized software to be able to submit data electronically.

Who will use TEDS?
TCEQ project managers will use TEDS to utilize data on sites and to conduct specialized analysis of the data, including running custom reports, developing maps, and doing modeling and other data manipulation.

When will TEDS be implemented?
We are testing the system. If you are interested in helping us test, please email TEDS. When all the kinks have been worked out, the system will be opened up for actual data submittals.

How will TEDS improve the Remediation programs?

TEDS will have numerous benefits for the agency and the regulated community. Some of these benefits are:

• Remediation sites can be evaluated on a regional or programmatic scale to better manage the sites and plan strategically within the remediation programs and with other agency programs.
• The amount of assessment necessary will eventually be reduced because data on nearby sites will allow project managers and consultants to make area-wide evaluations rather than conducting primary research on each and every site.
• Site locations and contaminant plumes, along with other information such as water wells and surface water sampling points can be easily mapped.
• Increased quality of data submitted – data will be checked for proper format prior to submittal.
• The time required to move case to closure may be reduced – TEDS will allow the ability to visualize and analyze contaminant plumes, leading to better and quicker decisions.
• Reduced costs to the agency - less time and effort needed to respond to special information requests, and new project managers will learn important aspects of cases and come up to speed without having to review numerous hardcopy reports.