An important component of this study was the original data resulting from the collection and analysis of environmental samples. Samples were collected, stored and analysed by a number of different agencies. The compilation of an inventory of samples obtained by NRBS and results data into a single electronic database was undertaken to ensure future ease of access to original data. This report describes the data contained in the database, the methods used to compile the database, the media and nature of the samples, the collection site and the data collected. Information is provided on which analyses were conducted on samples as well as providing the values of various parameters measured for the samples. All the files and the data fields that comprise the database are described in a Users Guide, which is part of this report.-