On Sept. 24, 2015, the EPA signed the final rule which requires NPDES regulated entities to electronically submit specific permit and compliance monitoring information instead of filing paper reports.
This rule will be implemented in two phases. Phase I becomes effective on Dec. 21, 2016, and Phase II becomes effective on Dec. 21, 2020. The following is a brief summary of the Phase I and Phase II requirements as they apply to NPDES regulated entities.
Phase I Requirements – effective Dec. 21, 2016
- All NPDES regulated entities that are required to submit discharge monitoring reports (DMRs) must do so electronically using NetDMR.
- NPDES regulated entities include facilities that discharge wastewater (for example, facilities classified as major or minor dischargers, individually permitted facilities, and facilities covered by general permits).
- The TCEQ may grant Temporary Waivers to the electronic reporting rule in limited cases where adequate broadband access is not available or other situations as approved by the EPA.
Phase II Requirements – effective Dec. 21, 2020
- All NPDES regulated entities that are required to submit a notice of intent (NOI), a notice of termination (NOT), a no exposure certification (NEC), or a low erosivity waiver (LEW) must do so electronically using STEERS (for example, Industrial Multi-Sector General Permits and Construction Stormwater General Permits).
- NPDES regulated entities that are required to submit the following periodic reports must do so electronically: Sewage Sludge/Biosolids Annual Program Reports, Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) Annual Program Reports, Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Program Reports, Pretreatment Program Reports, Significant Industrial User Compliance Reports (in municipalities without approved pretreatment programs), Sewer Overflow/Bypass Event Reports, and CWA Section 316(b) Annual Reports.
- The TCEQ may grant Temporary Waivers to the electronic reporting rule in limited cases where adequate broadband access is not available or other situations as approved by the EPA.
If you have any questions concerning the NPDES Electronic Reporting Rule, please contact Small Business and Local Government Assistance at 800-447-2827.