Technical Support Services for the Great Lakes Watershed Database

National oceanic and atmospheric administration (NOAA)

Under funding provided by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), Exa was the lead contractor involved in developing enhancements to the NOAA Query Manager database query tools and structures to increase and improve overall functionality, connectivity, and interoperability with DIVER. In particular, this included the development of common data model concepts (e.g., fields, dictionaries, valid values) to facilitate incorporation of new data types beyond contaminant chemistry; i.e., developed Templates and upgraded the Template Tester to accommodate data for (a) biological and other non-chemistry laboratory analysis, and (b) field measurements/biological surveys.

In addition, Exa engaged with partner agencies in the St. Louis River Area of Concern (AOC) to develop the Great Lakes Regional database and associated procedures for database development. Specifically:

  1. Developed a workflow for data and a QAQC process for data bound for DIVER

  2. Developed and conducted training sessions on populating Templates

  3. Identified and acquired candidate datasets.

Prepared a Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) for the development and maintenance of the Great Lakes Regional Data Management System.