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Lesson 8 - Case Project 1

8.6 - Data Validation, Export to NIF and Reporting in TEISS

TEISS makes it easy to submit your data to the NEI, if you choose to do so. TEISS will prepare a Microsoft Access file in the proper format (the NEI Input Format, or NIF) and with all the proper codes. TEISS has a validation feature, which checks your data to ensure that it contains all of the mandatory data for submission to the NEI. If it finds data missing, it links you to the correct data entry screen to enter the missing information.

Once your file is converted into a NIF formatted Access file, you have to take extra steps to submit it to the NEI. TEISS does not automatically submit the data to the NEI or to EPA. Once TEISS has that Access file created, you need to contact EPA, register as a user on their Central Data Exchange (CDX) and upload the data to them. ITEP can take this step for you or assist you in doing it yourself.

There are two ways you can begin the export process in TEISS:
Through the menu bar:

Or through the NIF menu button:

Either of these methods will launch the Export to NIF wizard.
In the screen below you choose the format (NIF3.0 is standard)
Choose inventory type:
    CRIT - criteria pollutants only
    CRITHAP - criteria and hazardous pollutants
    HAP - Hazardous air pollutants

In the second screen (below), unfortunately, because of the way TEISS is built, you have to choose a state, just choose the state that the majority of your reservation is located in. Browse to specify the folder, we suggest saving to the same folder where your project is stored. TEISS automatically converts all the data in your project to tons annually or pounds daily, if you have included any daily emissions in your project. Those are the standard units used in the NEI. TEISS does give you the opportunity to change the exported units, using the drop down lists, if you choose.

In the 3rd screen, below, you will go through each of the source type tabs, specifying what you want to export.

For the Location Options, you will want to select only the sources for your reservation. Leave any counties that you imported data for unchecked so TEISS will not add that data to the export file. You only want to export and submit the data you developed for your reservation.

In the final screen, below, you decide if you want to bypass the validation of mandatory fields. If you plan to submit your data to the NEI, we strongly suggest that you DO NOT bypass the validation. The NEI will not accept your data if it does not include all of the mandatory information.

At the end of the wizard click finish. If the validation finds no errors, you will get a message stating that the validation and export were successful. If the validation finds that mandatory data is missing you will see a window like the one below. Each item with a red diamond next to it needs to be corrected or added to the outline view. The best way to correct them is to double click on each red diamond item in this window, TEISS will automatically open the outline view to the exact place where information needs to be added or corrected.



!!Note: As you correct each item in the outline, do not click "Save and Exit" to get out of the outline, that will close both the outline and the validation window. Then you will have to run the validation again. Keep both the validation and outline windows open as you work to make your corrections and additions. Use the Save button in the outline to save your work.

End of Lesson 8.6

Lesson 8.5

Lesson 8.7