US EPA

This document consists of the user's manual for the Database of Sources of Environmental Releases of Dioxin like Compounds in the United States (EPA/600/C-01/012, March, 2001) . This database was developed by EPA's Office of Research and Development (ORD) to be a repository of certain specific chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin/dibenzofuran (CDD/CDF) emissions data from all known sources in the United States. This document will help those interested in this database to download, install and take advantage of the full functionality of the database. The database contains information that can be analyzed to track emissions of CDD/CDF over time, compare specific profiles between and among source categories, and develop source specific emission factors that can then be used to develop emission estimates.

The information contained in the database is associated with two reference years: 1995 and 1987. CDD/CDF emissions data was extracted from original test reports. The database was designed to accommodate facility based emission data, as well as non facility based sources (e.g., mobile sources such as automobiles, and area sources such as residential wood combustion and open burning of refuse in barrels). Test reports from various State agencies, trade associations, EPA program offices, and EPA regulatory dockets were consolidated and assimilated into the database. Most of the emission data in Version 3.0 of the database concern releases to air because few data are currently available on releases to other media.

The structure of the database and the flow of information into and out of the database are described in the companion report, User's Manual (PDF file: 419 KB). The National Database was created using Microsoft Excel in the manner of linked workbooks. However, an operational shell has been added to improve the navigation and selection of data. Neither the operational shell, nor Excel are required to view the individual spreadsheets. However, certain calculations and manipulations of data performed in Excel) may be lost if the database is converted to another software; therefore, any recalculations for the data in the National Database should be performed using Excel. The search capabilities will be lost when using other applications. The Excel workbooks should be compatible with the Macintosh) version of Excel).

For a more thorough description of instructions please consult the readme.txt file distributed with the software.

U.S. EPA. User's Manual for the Database of Sources of Environmental Releases of Dioxin-Like Compounds in the U.S.: Reference Years 1987 and 1995. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/R-01/012.

The National Center for Environmental Assessment (NCEA) within EPA's Office of Research and Development was responsible for the preparation of the Database of Sources of Environmental Releases of Dioxin-Like Compounds in the United States: Reference Years 1987 and 1995 (EPA/600/C-01012), March, 2001. This database has been scientifically peer reviewed in accordance with EPA policy. For quality assurance purposes, the database has been audited for accuracy and completeness. The EPA is committed to periodically updating the Dioxin Source Database. The next update will be for reference year 2000, and when completed will be made available on this site.

David H. Cleverly, Environmental Scientist, served as the EPA Project Manager providing overall direction and coordination of the production effort as well as technical assistance and guidance.