DEP Experiencing Computer Database, Application Outages; They’re Working On It

Since at least February 28, the Department of  Environmental Protection has been experiencing computer database and application outages on key systems it uses to interact with permitees, manage programs and report to the public.

Those applications include DEP Green Port, eFACTS, interactive Oil & Gas Reporting, online eDMR reporting and other program reporting functions.

On Friday, a DEP spokesperson said-- "DEP is aware that the databases are currently inaccessible online. We are updating the system but ran into a few issues that we’re resolving. We can confirm that this is not a cyberattack or security issue."

eFACTS is the basic compliance reporting database for reporting inspection results for permittees regulated by DEP and follow-up enforcement actions. It is also used by DEP to manage programs and report to the public.

A notice on the eFACTS webpage says, “The system you are accessing is offline for database restorations.”

Green Port provides one-stop-shop applications for permitees to interact with DEP, DCNR and the Department of Agriculture to submit regular reports and offers many other online functions.

Oil & Gas Program: Major interactive reports on compliance are not working.

Reports Webpage: Some or all of the interactive reports from these programs are offline-- Air Quality, Hazardous Sites Cleanup Activities, Laboratory Certification, Land Recycling, Storage Tank, Waste Program Reports, Water Use & Registration, Wastewater Reporting violations and enforcement actions and the eDMR system for accepting regular water quality reports from wastewater facilities.

The error message that comes up on these webpages is frequently-- “An error has occurred during report processing. (rsProcessingAborted)  Query execution failed for dataset 'Matrix'. (rsErrorExecutingCommand)  For more information about this error navigate to the report server on the local server machine, or enable remote errors.”

Stay Tuned

There was no timeline mentioned for the restoration of these services.

For more information on environmental programs in Pennsylvania, visit DEP’s website, Click Here to sign up for DEP’s newsletter, sign up for DEP Connects events, sign up for DEP’s eNotice, visit DEP’s Blog,  Like DEP on Facebook, Follow DEP on Twitter and visit DEP’s YouTube Channel.

[Posted: March 5, 2022]  PA Environment Digest