When running a FEDSQL procedure query that includes the UNION of two queries that reference a Google BigQuery table, you might encounter a performance issue and error similar to the following:

This issue occurs when the query does not include the ALL keyword. The Google BigQuery database requires either the ALL or DISTINCT keyword to be included with the UNION operator. When the ALL keyword is not present in the FEDSQL query, the query that is passed to the database does not include the DISTINCT keyword. As a result of the error, each of the two sub-queries is submitted separately. Then, the results of each is pulled into SAS^®, which performs the UNION into a single result set. 

Running the same query with the SQL procedure might result in the performance issue. Even though it appears that the query is being passed to the database, the same issue is also occurring. The error is just not surfaced to the log.  

Operating System and Release Information

Viya on Linux: An update for this issue is available for SAS Viya 3.5. For instructions on how to access and apply software updates, see the Updating Your SAS Viya software section in the SAS Viya 3.5 for Linux Deployment Guide at

A fix for this issue for SAS/ACCESS Interface to Google BigQuery 9.42 is available at:

A fix for this issue for SAS/ACCESS Interface to Google BigQuery 9.41 is available at: