Side-by-side sampling: Data Format

The data submittal format is still being developed. Let me know if you have suggestions or a different preferred format than those provided below.

Currently, you may submit your data in either of two formats:

EIM format. If you are required to submit data to EIM, you may find it easiest to provide your side-by-side sampling results in the same format. The standard EIM Excel spreadsheet template and instructions are available here: https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/eimimport/submit.htm#three. (If you aren't already required to use this format for EIM submissions, you'll probably prefer the next option.)
A simple spreadsheet template can be downloaded here. You should download the file to your local computer, add your data, and email it to Dave Hallock. Required fields are
- OrgID: The is the Organization Identifier you provided in the questionnaire when you signed up for the program.
- Station: This is the 6-digit Ecology number for the station. There's a drop-down list for you to select from. The drop-down list includes the station names for your convenience, but only the first 6 digits are used when loading the data. If the station you sampled is not on the list, you can type it (or paste it) in.
- Parameter: There's a drop-down list of accepted parameters (and units). You must use one of the parameters on this list. If the units aren't the same as you use, you may be able to convert your data to the units shown, or you can notify me to add your units.
- Date: Date and time the samples were collected
- Result
- Qualifier: The only allowed qualifiers are J (estimate), U (less than the value reported), UJ, and G (greater than the value reported). Let me know if you need something else.
- Comments: Any remarks you have that may help explain why your result may differ from other results. For example, you may want to note that you collected samples from the bank while the Ecology sampler collected samples from the bridge, or that there was a rain event just before you collected your samples. These comments will be posted on the web site, so keep it polite!
- Private Comments (cell I2): These are comments for me that will not be posted on the web. You can make suggestions for improvements, complain that the Ecology sampler never showed, etc.
  One more note: You don't have to use the drop-down lists to select items--you don't even have to use the template if you don't want to. If it's more convenient, export your data into your own spreadsheet (or even a text file) and send me that. So long as the data are in the same column order, start in row 2, and use valid stations, parameters, and qualifiers, it should work.

I want this format to be as simple as possible for you. If you can think of something easier, let me know.

Please send comments and suggestions to Dave Hallock.