Guide for reporting to National Pollutant Release Inventory 2001: step 6

Step 6: check errors and export data

You are required to check for and correct errors in your National Pollutant Release Inventory (NPRI) report before exporting the file. The reporting software will not create an export file until no errors are detected when this function is run.

From the "main menu", select the "check errors / export data" function to check your NPRI report for errors and to create an export file that you can then send via e-mail or on disk to the appropriate inventory authority.

Check errors / export data

• check for reporting errors
• view / print reporting errors
• create an export data file

Check for reporting errors

This step is required by the software. The reporting software will not create an export file until no errors are detected when this function is run. This function will verify that you have correctly completed all sections of the report. A status screen will indicate the number of facility and substance records being verified and the number of warnings and errors found. The reporting software has data-verification features to provide warnings if the reported releases and transfers are unusually large.Warnings, unlike errors, will not prevent the report(s) from being exported to a disk.

If errors are found, you will be prompted to view the error and warning messages. Correct the errors reported and run the "check for reporting errors" function again to clear the previous error codes. When you receive the message "no errors detected", you will be able to create the appropriate export files.

View / print reporting errors

Use this function to review the error and warning messages generated by the software. The error and warning messages identify the field in which the error occurred and provide a brief description of the error or warning. For example:

Errors detected. You must generate a new list of possible errors after your corrections.

Export a report

To export your data, select the "create an export data file" button on the "check errors / export data"menu. Read the "create an export data file" screen carefully. Select the inventory [that is, NPRI, Ontario Ministry of the Environment (MOE) or National Emissions Reduction Masterplan (NERM)] to which you want to send your data. You must repeat this process for each inventory program for which you are required to report. The software will create an export file that contains all the substance reports and facility-related information appropriate for that program.

The "create an export data file" function can also be used to send reports to a company coordinator who can then assemble all reports for a company for later submission. To export all of your reported data for all inventory(s) to a company coordinator, you must select the "X2CC - export ALL data to company coordinator" option in the pick-list.

A summary screen will be displayed so that you can review the data you have entered for the selected inventory program.

Review the information and data included in your report(s) carefully. Check that you reported your values in the correct units. If you reported to the NPRI for 2000, compare your data from 2000 to that in your 2001 report. Ensure that any significant changes in quantities reported from year to year are correct and not the result of a calculation error or the use of the wrong units.

After review, identify the destination for the export file - either a disk or a folder on your hard-drive. Press "continue" for the export file to be created. Select the "print statement of certification" button and select the appropriate inventory^{Footnote 3} .

You should also create a copy of your report on disk for your files. Essential information from this report can be imported into next year's reporting software. Do not use other database programs to alter the data after export. This will result in your disk being rejected and will require resubmission of your report.

When you have exported your NPRI data and printed your statement of certification, proceed to Step 7.