Back in mid-2013, EPA proposed a Clean Water Act (CWA) rule to require nationwide electronic reporting in lieu of manual reporting (e.g., submitting paper forms) for certain types of information associated with stormwater permits, as well as other types of CWA permits.
Some members already electronically report stormwater-related information under their state general permit (e.g., Ohio), or the Federal Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP) if located in certain states, tribal lands, or U.S. territories. ReMA commented on this proposed rule in late 2013 with great concern about making stormwater monitoring data public without context.
Just this week, EPA issued the final electronic reporting rule. This rule defines the minimum set of stormwater information to be reported electronically. EPA intends to make the information publicly available, with context, through its ECHO database. Starting December 21, 2016, discharge monitoring reports (DMRs) will need to be submitted electronically to the permitting authority (if required by a facility’s permit). Electronic reporting of notices of intent (NOIs), no exposure certifications (NECs), and other facility information (e.g., stormwater BMPs) will begin December 21, 2020.
Members that currently report electronically are expected to be able to use the same electronic reporting procedures in the future. Members that do not yet report electronically will need to register with their permitting authority (e.g., state) once that authority has met EPA’s requirements for electronic reporting. Members will not be penalized if the permitting authority does not meet its obligations. A permitting authority may grant a temporary waiver from electronic reporting if a permittee requests it and provides sufficient justification. Questions about electronic reporting should be directed to ReMA Director of Environmental Management David Wagger at (202) 662-8533.