ERNS Data Dictionary

This document contains the data dictionary for the ERNS database. Topics
discussed in this document include:

-   [Structure of the ERNS Database](#Stru)

-   [Acronyms Used in the Field Name Dictionary](#Acro)

-   [Field Name Dictionary](#Dict)

> [Discharger Data](#Disc)\
> [Material Data](#Matr)\
> [Notes Data](#Note)\
> [Tele Data](#Tele)

-   [Field Name/Data Table/Master System Cross Reference](#Mastertab)

Structure of the ERNS Database

Previously, ERNS data were available for download as delimited text
files that required the use of a utility tool to convert the data. For
your convenience, the data are now available having already been
converted to a flat file. Provided below is the structure for flat data
file:

Field Field Name Type Width Dec

1 ID Numeric 8 Yes

2 DASPI Date 8

3 TMSPI Character 4

4 EPAR Character 2

5 EPAR2 Character 2

6 SCOUNTY Character 20

7 SCITY Character 32

8 SST Character 2

9 SZIP Character 10

10 DEA Numeric 3

11 INJ Numeric 3

12 EVACS Numeric 8

13 PROP Numeric 10 2

14 INIT Logical 1

15 MUD Logical 1

16 DAM Logical 1

17 EPA Logical 1

18 MAIR Logical 1

19 MLAND Logical 1

20 MWATER Logical 1

21 MGRD Logical 1

22 MFAC Logical 1

23 MOTH Logical 1

24 WWY Character 40

25 TRANS Logical 1

26 EQUIP Logical 1

27 OPP Logical 1

28 NATL Logical 1

29 DUMP Logical 1

30 OC Logical 1

31 UNK Logical 1

32 CAUSE_CODE Character 2

33 SOURCE Character 2

34 MODE Character 2

35 SRC Character 2

36 RNO Character 12

37 CGU Character 5

38 RSOURCE Character 1

39 RNAME Character 20

40 RNO2 Character 12

41 DC Date 8

42 DID Numeric 8

43 DUNS Character 12

44 DORG Character 32

45 DORGT Character 2

46 DADD Character 70

47 DCOUNTY Character 20

48 DCITY Character 32

49 DST Character 2

50 DZIP Character 10

51 CID1 Numeric 6

52 MATSP1 Character 32

53 CC1 Character 3

54 QUA1 Numeric 11 2

55 UNITS1 Character 6

56 QUAW1 Numeric 11 2

57 UNITSW1 Character 6

58 LBS1 Numeric 13 2

59 CAS1 Character 10

60 UNDOT1 Character 6

61 CID2 Numeric 6

62 MATSP2 Character 32

63 CC2 Character 3

64 QUA2 Numeric 11 2

65 UNITS2 Character 6

66 QUAW2 Numeric 11 2

67 UNITSW2 Character 6

68 LBS2 Numeric 13 2

69 CAS2 Character 10

70 UNDOT2 Character 6

71 CID3 Numeric 6

72 MATSP3 Character 32

73 CC3 Character 3

74 QUA3 Numeric 11 2

75 UNITS3 Character 6

76 QUAW3 Numeric 11 2

77 UNITSW3 Character 6

78 LBS3 Numeric 13 2

79 CAS3 Character 10

80 UNDOT3 Character 6

81 DTEXT Character 254

82 LTEXT Character 254

83 ATEXT Character 254

84 MTEXT Character 254

Acronyms Used in the Field Name Dictionary

CAS Chemical Abstracts Service

CERCLA Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and

Liability Act of 1980

CHRIS Chemical Hazardous Response Information System

DOT Department of Transportation

EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency

EPCRA Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act

ERNS Emergency Response Notification System

HMIS Hazardous Materials Information System

NRC National Response Center

OSC On-Scene Coordinator

PRP Potentially Responsible Party

RQ Reportable Quantity

TPQ Theshold Planning Quantity

USCG United States Coast Guard

VNTSC Volpe National Transportation Systems Center

Field Name Dictionary

The field name dictionary lists the fields that have been downloaded
from the National ERNS database and stored on the EPA gopher server. A
brief description of the type of information that is available in the
dictionary is provided below.

Field Name - Database field name.

Data Code - A one-letter code that indicates the data collecting
organizations that use the field:

> T = Volpe National Transportation Systems Center\
> N = National Response Center\
> R = the ten U.S. EPA Regions

Definition - An explanation of the information in the field. The date
ranges (e.g., 1988-present) indicate when the field was active

The definitions in the dictionary are listed in alphabetical order
according to the data table.

**DISCHARGER DATA**

Field Data

Name Code Definition

\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\--

DADD TNR The discharger\'s street address. (1987- present)

DCITY TNR The discharger\'s city. (1987-present)

DCOUNTY TNR The discharger\'s county. (1987-present)

DID T A unique number assigned to each report. This field is used to
relate the DISCHARGER and TELE data tables. (1992- present)

DORG TN The name of the discharger. (1987- present)

DORGT TNR The type of organization with which the discharger is
affiliated. (1987-present)

FG = Federal Government

LG = Local Government

PC = Private Citizen

PE = Private Enterprise

PU = Public Utility

SG = State Government

UN = Unknown.

DST TNR The discharger\'s State. (1987-present)

DUNS TR The Dun and Bradstreet number assigned to the discharger.
(1992-present)

DZIP TNR The discharger\'s five- or nine-digit postal zip code.
(1987-present)

**MATERIAL DATA**

Field Data

Name Code Definition

\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\--

CAS TR The CAS Registry Number for the released

substance. (1987-present)

CC TNR The CHRIS code for the released substance.

(1987-present)

CID T A chemical identification number generated by VNTSC. This field is
used to relate the CHEMICAL and MATERIAL data tables. (1987-present)

ID T A unique sequential number assigned by the computer to each report
in the MATERIAL data table. This field is used to relate the MATERIAL
and TELE data tables. (1987- present)

LBS TR The quantity of the substance released, in pounds. This unit is
used so the amount released can be readily compared to RQ levels.
(1987-present)

MATSP TNR The name of the substance or substances

released. (1987-present)

QUA TNR The total quantity of the substance released given in the units
specified in the UNITS field. (1987-present)

QUAW TNR The amount of the substance released into the water given in
the units specified in the UNITSW field. (1987-present)

UNDOT TR Code issued by the U.S. DOT to be displayed on vehicles
transporting hazardous substances. These codes are used to identify
substances in case of a spill. (1987-present)

UNITS TNR The units of measure used in the quantity

spilled (QUA) field. (1987-present)

BBL = Barrels

GAL = Gallons

LBS = Pounds

NON = None

OTH = Other

TON = Tons

UNK = Unknown

UNITSW TNR The units of measure used in the quantity

in water (QUAW) field . (1987-present)

BBL = Barrels

GAL = Gallons

LBS = Pounds

NON = None

OTH = Other

TON = Tons

UNK = Unknown

**TELE DATA**

Field Data

Name Code Definition

\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\--

CAUSE_CODE TR Code used to describe the cause of the

incident. (1992-present)

AA = Overturning

AB = Collision

AC = Fire

AD = Explosion

AE = Grounding

AF = Sinking

AG = Derailment

AH = Pipeline Blowout

BA = Broken Containers

BB = Tank or Container

BC = Valve

BD = Flange

BE = Hose

BF = Fitting

BG = Alarm

BH = Automatic Shutoff

BI = Dike

BJ = Pump

BK = Hull

BL = Well Head

BM = Flow Line

BN = Pipeline

BO = Manifold

BP = Structural

BQ = Weld

BR = Container Leak

BS = Lact Upset

BT = Treater Upset

BU = Power Failure

BV = Power Oil Line

CA = Improper Maintenance

CB = Improper Operation

CC = Improper Hose Connection

CD = Improperly Secured Flange

CE = Improper Storage/Handling

CF = Improper Design

CG = Improper Training

CH = Improper Communication

CI = Improper Valve Handling

CJ = Overflow

CK = Failure to Shutdown

DA = Flooding

DB = Freezing

DC = Wind

DD = Natural Seepage

DE = Rain or Snow

DF = Lightning

EA = Improper Disposal

EB = Deliberate

FA = Unknown

GA = Vandalism

GB = Sabotage

CGU TN The USCG unit that received the release

notification from the NRC. (1987-present)

DAM TNR Indicates if damages were incurred as a

result of the release. (1987-present)

DASPI TNR The date the release was reported to have

occurred. (1987-present)

DC T Used by VNTSC to indicate the date that

the latest change to the report was made

by the U.S. EPA Region. (1987-present)

DEA TNR The number of fatalities resulting from

the release. These fatalities may either

be the result of the accident causing the

release, or from exposure to the

substance(s) released. (1987-present)

DUMP TNR Indicates if the release was caused by

dumping. This field is one of seven

logical cause fields that include dumping

(DUMP), equipment failure (EQUIP), natural

phenomenon (NATL), operator error (OPP),

other cause (OC), transportation accident

(TRANS), and unknown (UNK). (1987-

present)

EPA TN Indicates if the U.S. EPA was notified of

the release by the person reporting the

release. (1987-present)

EPAR TN The U.S. EPA Region which (1) directly

received the initial report, or (2) was

notified of the incident by the NRC.

(1987-present)

EPAR2 T The U.S. EPA Region where the spill

occurred. (1990-present)

EQUIP TNR Indicates if the release was caused by

equipment failure. This field is one of

seven logical cause fields that include

dumping (DUMP), equipment failure (EQUIP),

natural phenomenon (NATL), operator error

(OPP), other cause (OC), transportation

accident (TRANS), and unknown (UNK).

(1987-present)

EVACS TNR The number of people evacuated because of

the release. (1991-present)

ID T A unique sequential number assigned by the

computer to each report. This field is

used to relate the TELE data table to the

MATERIAL and NOTES data tables. (1987-

present)

INIT T Indicates if the report in ERNS is an

initial report. (1992-present)

INJ TNR The number of injuries resulting from the

release. These injuries may either be the

result of the accident causing the

release, or from exposure to the

substances released. (1987-present)

MAIR TNR Indicates if the release affected the air.

This field is one of six logical medium

fields that include air (MAIR), facility

(MFAC), groundwater (MGRD), land (MLAND),

water (MWATER), and other (MOTH). (1987-

present)

MFAC TR Indicates if the release was contained

within the fixed facility. This field is

one of six logical medium fields that

include air (MAIR), facility (MFAC),

groundwater (MGRD), land (MLAND), water

(MWATER), and other (MOTH). (1987-

present)

MGRD TNR Indicates if the release affected

groundwater. This field is one of six

logical medium fields that include air

(MAIR), facility (MFAC), groundwater

(MGRD), land (MLAND), water (MWATER), and

other (MOTH). (1987-present)

MLAND TNR Indicates if the release affected land.

This field is one of six logical medium

fields that include air (MAIR), facility

(MFAC), groundwater (MGRD), land (MLAND),

water (MWATER), and other (MOTH). (1987-

present)

MODE TNR A code indicating the type of

transportation involved, if any. A single

report may have up to two codes stored in

ERNS. (1987-present)

A = Air Transport Related

F = Fixed Facility

G = Rail/Highway Crossing

H = Highway Related

M = Marine - released from a marine vessel

to inland waterway. (NRC)

O = Offshore - spilled off the coast

P = Pipeline Related

R = Railroad

S = Underground Storage Tank

T = Above Ground Storage Tank

U = Unknown (EPA Regions)

V = Marine Vessel (EPA Regions)

X = Unknown (NRC)

MOTH TR Indicates if media, other than the five

media listed in ERNS, were affected. This

field is one of six logical medium fields

that include air (MAIR), facility (MFAC),

groundwater (MGRD), land (MLAND), water

(MWATER), and other (MOTH). (1987-

present)

MUD T Indicates if the report is the most

recently updated version. (1992-present)

MWATER TNR Indicates if the release affected water.

This field is one of six logical medium

fields that include air (MAIR), facility

(MFAC), groundwater (MGRD), land (MLAND),

water (MWATER), and other (MOTH). (1987-

present)

NATL TNR Indicates if the release was caused by a

natural phenomenon. This field is one of

seven logical cause fields that include

dumping (DUMP), equipment failure (EQUIP),

natural phenomenon (NATL), operator error

(OPP), other cause (OC), transportation

accident (TRANS), and unknown (UNK).

(1987-present)

OC TNR Indicates if the release was due to a

cause other than those specifically listed

in ERNS. This field is one of seven

logical cause fields that include dumping

(DUMP), equipment failure (EQUIP), natural

phenomenon (NATL), operator error (OPP),

other cause (OC), transportation accident

(TRANS), and unknown (UNK). (1987-

present)

OPP TNR Indicates if the release was caused by

operator error. This field is one of

seven logical cause fields that include

dumping (DUMP), equipment failure (EQUIP),

natural phenomenon (NATL), operator error

(OPP), other cause (OC), transportation

accident (TRANS), and unknown (UNK).

(1987-present)

PROP TN The estimated cost of the property damages

resulting from the release. (1987-

present)

RNAME TR The name of the agency who responded to the release.

(1989-present)

RNO TNR This is the report number assigned by the NRC.

(1987-present)

RNO2 TR This is the report number assigned by a U.S.

EPA Region. (1992-present)

RSOURCE TR The type of agency receiving the report.

(1993-present)

C = USCG

E = EPA Region

F = Other Federal agency

M = News media

N = NRC

S = State agency

SOURCE TR Code describing the source of the release.

(1992-present)

AA = Dry Cargo

AB = Liquid Cargo

AC = Vehicle Fuel Tank

BA = Pick Up

BB = Platform

BC = Van or Panel

BD = Dump

BE = Tractor Trailer

BF = Tank

CA = Airplane Fuel Tank

CB = Airplane Cargo

DA = Locomotive Fuel Tank

DB = Tank Car

DC = Flat Car

DD = Hopper Car

DE = Refrigerator Car

DF = Dry Cargo

DG = Liquid Cargo

EA = Dry Cargo

EB = Liquid Cargo

EC = Vessel Fuel Tank

FA = Private Boat

FB = Commercial

FC = Tow Board

FD = Tug Boat

FE = Roll-on/Roll-off Cargo Vessel

FF = Containerized

FG = Tanker

FH = Barge

GA = Plant

GB = Distributor

GC = Plant Piping

GD = Production

GE = Refining

GF = Power Plant

GG = Hazardous Waste Site

GH = Transformer

GI = Railroad Yard

GJ = Consumer

GK = Underground Storage Tank

GL = Gasoline Station

GM = Water Treatment

HA = Lines

HB = Pumping Station

HC = Inlet

HD = Outlet

HE = Valve or Fitting

IA = Production

IB = Storage

IC = Transport (to Shore Only)

ID = Equipment

JA = Air Release

SCITY TNR The city where the release occurred.

(1987-present)

SCOUNTY TNR The county where the release occurred.

(1987-present)

SRC T Indicates if the NRC, U.S. EPA, or the

Marine Safety Information System (MSIS)

received the initial report. (1987-

present)

SST TNR The State where the release occurred.

(1987-present)

SZIP TNR The five- or nine-digit zip code of the

area where the release occurred.

TMSPI TNR The local time the incident occurred,

based on 24 hour military time. (1987-

present)

TRANS TNR Indicates if the release was caused by a

transportation-related accident. This

field is one of seven logical cause fields

that include dumping (DUMP), equipment

failure (EQUIP), natural phenomenon

(NATL), operator error (OPP), other cause

(OC), transportation accident (TRANS), and

unknown (UNK). (1987-present)

UNK TNR Indicates if the cause of the release is unknown. This field is
one of seven logical cause fields that include dumping (DUMP), equipment
failure (EQUIP), natural phenomenon (NATL), operator error (OPP), other
cause (OC), transportation accident (TRANS), and unknown (UNK).
(1987-present)

WWY TR The name of the waterway, or body of water, that was affected by
the release. (1987-present).

**NOTES DATA**

Field Data

Name Code Definition

\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\--

ATEXT TNR Description of the response actions taken

as a result of a notification. (1987-

present)

DTEXT TNR Description of the release. (1987-

present)

ID T A unique sequential number assigned by the

computer to each report. This field is

used to link the NOTES data table to the

TELE data table. (1987-present)

LTEXT TNR Miscellaneous location information about

the release. (1987-present)

MTEXT TNR Miscellaneous information about the

release. (1987-present)

*Return to the [top](#Top) of this page*

Field Name/Data Table/Master System Cross Reference

The following is a list of the fields that have been downloaded from the
National ERNS database and stored on the EPA gopher server. The fields
are listed in alphabetical order and are cross- referenced to: (1) the
data set that they are located in; and (2) the field name that is used
in the National ERNS database.

Field Name Data Set Master System Field Name

\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\--

ATEXT NOTES ACTION_TEXT

CAS MATERIAL CAS

CAUSE_CODE TELE CAUSE_CODE

CC MATERIAL CHRIS_CODE

CGU TELE CG_UNIT

CID MATERIAL CHEMID

DADD DISCHARGER DISCHARGER_ADDRESS

DAM TELE DAMAGES

DASPI TELE DATE_SPILL

DC TELE DC

DCITY DISCHARGER DISCHARGER_CITY

DCOUNTY DISCHARGER DISCHARGER_COUNTY

DEA TELE DEATHS

DID DISCHARGER DISCHARGER_ID

DID TELE DISCHARGER_ID

DORG DISCHARGER DISCHARGER_ORG

DORGT DISCHARGER DISCH_ORG_TYPE

DST DISCHARGER DISCHARGER_STATE

DTEXT NOTES DESCRIPTION_TEXT

DUMP TELE DUMPING

DUNS DISCHARGER DUN_BRADSTREET

DZIP DISCHARGER DISCHARGER_ZIP

EPA TELE EPA

EPAR TELE EPA_REGION

EPAR2 TELE SPILL_REGION

EQUIP TELE EQUIP_FAILURE

EVACS TELE EVACUATIONS

ID MATERIAL ID

ID NOTES ID

ID TELE ID

INIT TELE INIT_RPT

INJ TELE INJURIES

LBS MATERIAL QUA_IN_LBS

LTEXT NOTES LOCATION_TEXT

MAIR TELE MED_AIR

MATSP MATERIAL MATERIALS_SPILLED

MFAC TELE MED_FACILITY

MGRD TELE MED_GROUNDWATER

MLAND TELE MED_LAND

MODE TELE TRANSPORT_MODE

MOTH TELE MED_OTHER

MTEXT NOTES MISCELLANEOUS_TEXT

MUD TELE MOST_UP_TO_DATE

MWATER TELE MED_WATER

NATL TELE NATURAL_PHENOMENON

OC TELE OTHER_CAUSE

OPP TELE OPERATOR_ERROR

PROP TELE PROPERTY_DAMAGE

QUA MATERIAL QUANTITY_SPILLED

QUAW MATERIAL QUANTITY_IN_WATER

RNAME TELE EPA_REPORTING_NAME

RNO TELE REPORT_NUMBER

RNO2 TELE NUM_ON_REGIONAL_REPORT

RSOURCE TELE EPA_REPORTING_SOURCE

SCITY TELE SPILL_CITY

SCOUNTY TELE SPILL_COUNTY

SOURCE TELE SOURCE_CODE

SRC TELE SOURCE_AGENCY

SST TELE SPILL_STATE

SZIP TELE SPILL_ZIP

TMSPI TELE TIME_SPILL

TRANS TELE TRANS_ACCIDENT

UNDOT MATERIAL UNDOT

UNITS MATERIAL UNITS

UNITSW MATERIAL UNITS_IN_WATER

UNK TELE UNKNOWN

WWY TELE WATERWAY_AFFECTED