This issue of the Clarifier will focus on Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMRs). We will review common errors we see on the reports and share some helpful tips about submitting DMRs through DEP’s EzDMR online system.
As always, please give us a call with any questions you may have. We are happy to assist you!
DMR/GMR Common Errors
with Paper Copies
To avoid mistakes and having to resubmit reports, please take your time filling out your DMRs and Groundwater Monitoring Reports (GMRs) and reviewing them carefully before submitting them. Many of these common mistakes can be avoided by signing up and submitting your DMR/GMR through EzDMR. The electronic DMR template will always be the most recent DMR required by the facility's permit. Also, the system will alert you of incomplete or missing data by not allowing you to submit the report until all of the data has been entered. Below are the most common issues our reviews have found on DMR and GMR paper submittals.
- Submitting data on the wrong DMR/GMR template.
- Submitting data in the wrong row or column.
- Submitting DMRs/GMRs with no data or incorrect codes - there should be no blanks left on the DMR.
- Submitting data in the wrong units.
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Submitting data without clear decimal points.
- Submitting data with the wrong monitoring period listed – DMRs/GMRs should indicate the first day through the last day of the monitoring period.
- Submitting DMRs/GMRs with exceedances and no explanation – please add a comment to address exceedances.
- Submitting DMRs/GMRs with data qualifier codes on Part A or Part D – data qualifier codes should be reported on Part B, in a cover letter or in the specified comments section.
- Submitting data that was collected during a reject event – this data is not reportable since the water was not discharged during the time it was rejected.
- Submitting DMRs/GMRs without the appropriate signatures or correct dates.
Most facilities will have
the requirements and due dates listed below, but please check your permit for your
specific due dates and sampling requirements.
- June 28: Annual Reclaimed Water Analysis and/or no new non-domestic discharge certification.
- Jan. 28, 2017: Pathogen monitoring for Giardia and Crypto reports due. Monitoring should be complete by the end of 2016.
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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) facilities to begin submitting Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMRs) electronically by Dec. 21, 2016. You can learn more about EPAs new rule here: http://www.epa.gov/compliance/final-national-pollutant-discharge-elimination-system-npdes-electronic-reporting-rule
DEP’s EzDMR system already complies with the
new EPA electronic reporting requirement. Currently, 72 percent of NPDES permitted
wastewater facilities in the Northwest District are signed up to use
EzDMR.
DEP staff members are available to assist you with:
- Setting up your EzDMR account;
- Designating your facility’s access roles;
- Training on how to use the system; and
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Training on how to use the EzDMR excel templates for reporting.
To learn more about DEP's EzDMR system, click here or contact us by email at
NWD.EzDMRAdmin@dep.state.fl.us.
We look forward to helping you make the switch to the new EzDMR reporting system and hope to hear from you soon.
The department’s “Helpful Tips for Completing the Wastewater Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR)” contains valuable information on how to complete your DMRs.
As of April 2016, 108 facilities in the Northwest District have registered in EzDMR, and 74 percent of these facilities are submitting data through the system. Submitting your DMRs and GMRs with the EzDMR system can save your utility time and money. We are so thrilled to see so much participation. Thank you for your efforts.
You asked for it, so we delivered!
Our compliance assurance staff provided a free workshop for wastewater operators and staff in Tallahassee on May 10. The workshop focused on standard operating procedures for the collection of wastewater, surface water and groundwater samples. Topics included instrument calibration, sampling techniques, documenting and preserving samples and quality assurance. Wastewater Operators earned CEUs towards their Operators License for attending. Our goal is to help you stay in compliance, so let us know what other training you would like to see offered.
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