What is the typical sequence for submitting ambient air data to EPA’s AQS?

• A. Paper submissions followed by manual entry.
• B. Electronically through approved data formats and transmissions, followed by EPA validation and acceptance.
• C. Data posted publicly after manual review.
• D. Submission is optional.

Answer: (B)

Submitting ambient air data to EPA’s AQS is done electronically using approved data formats and secure transmission methods. This standardized path ensures the data have the correct structure, units, site and monitor identifiers, and QA flags so automated checks can run reliably. Once the submission arrives, EPA’s system performs validation and quality checks, verifying completeness and consistency with station metadata and parameter codes. If issues are found, the data are returned for correction or rejection; only after passing validation are they accepted into AQS. Paper submissions and manual entry aren’t the normal workflow, and agencies are expected to submit data, not treat it as optional.