This Network Update was distributed via the Exchange Network email alerts list on July 31, 2008.

Changes Coming to RCRAInfo Exchange

U.S. EPA is currently planning for the release of an upgrade to RCRAInfo, EPA's national program management and inventory system about hazardous waste handlers. The upgrade of the database from version 3.0 to version 4.0 will also require revisions to the XML schemas used to submit data to RCRAInfo using the Exchange Network. The bulk of the changes will be associated with the schemas for the Permitting and Corrective Action modules, although the Handler and Compliance Monitoring & Enforcement modules will also be affected to a lesser degree. Please see the web page for the RCRAInfo exchange for links to documents that contain more details on the extent of the planned changes.

Network partners that are currently implementing or planning to implement an exchange with any module of the RCRAinfo system should carefully consider the document that identifies the changes between version 3.0 and 4.0. Mapping to the version 3.0 XML schemas may not be advisable, particularly for exchanges that will include data for the Permitting or Corrective Action modules, since they will undergo the most substantial changes. Furthermore, the switch to version 4.0 of the RCRAInfo database has already been completed in the test environment; therefore, Network partners will no longer be able to test the exchange using the version 3.0 XML schemas.

The following timeline identifies the planned schedule for development, testing, and production release of the version 4.0 RCRAInfo database and XML schemas.

September 2008 - Draft version 4.0 XML schemas available

October - November 2008 - Version 4.0 XML schemas finalized. Testing of the exchange with version 4.0 XML schemas begins.

December 2008 - The switch to version 4.0 of the RCRAInfo database will be completed on December 15. After this date, states will need to use version 4.0 of the XML schemas to submit data to RCRAInfo.