EPA ECHO Schema
More details about the individual fields in the source data is available from the ICIS-FE&C Data Description. ICIS field names are given in parentheses.
- case_name (ENFOCNM)
- the name given to the case by the lead attorney.
- case_num (ENFOCNU)
- a unique identifier for the case. Can be used to look up more details on the case on the ECHO search page.
- defendants (DEFENNM)
- a semicolon-separated list of company names listed as defendants. There are often many defendants on a single case, and the data do not indicate how a fine was split between defendants.
- first_date (SUBACAD)
- the earliest milestone date associated with this case.
- first_date_significance (SUBACTY)
- a description of the event to which the first date corresponds.
- last_date (SUBACAD)
- the last milestone date associated with this case.
- last_date_significance (SUBACTY)
- a description of the event to which the last date corresponds.
- location_addresses (FCLTYAD, FCLTCIT and FCLTSTC)
- a semicolon-separated list of street addresses for the facilities involved in the case.
- num_defendants (count of DEFENNM)
- the number of defendant companies.
- penalty (ENFCCAA, ENFCRAA, ENFOTPA and ENFOTSA)
- the total penalty assessed. This includes all penalty types described below except for ENFOPS. Note that the data do not show how the various penalties were split among defendants.
- penalty_enfccaa (ENFCCAA)
- amount spent by the company to upgrade its facilities so it is no longer breaking the environmental rules.
- penalty_enfcraa (ENFCRAA)
- amount paid to cover the EPA's costs as they plan to cleanup, investigate, monitor the site, etc. This process is called "cost recovery."
- penalty_enfops (ENFOPS)
- the total penalty amount sought.
- penalty_enfotpa (ENFOTPA)
- fine amount levied by the federal government.
- penalty_enfotsa (ENFOTSA)
- cost of an environmentally friendly project or projects the company has agreed to take on to try to make up for the environmental damage.
- penalty_enfcslp (ENFCSLP)
- penalty amount for states or local agencies in the settlements.