(March 4, 2020) – EPA recently announced it is proposing to extend the Phase 2 compliance deadlines for the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Electronic Reporting Rule from December 21, 2020 to December 21, 2023.

EPA finalized the “E-Reporting Rule” in 2015, which requires permittees to submit information electronically rather than filing written paper reports. Most NPDES authorized-state agencies have successfully executed Phase 1―which required electronic submission of discharge monitoring reports (DMRs) – as well as a narrow subset of biosolids reports.

However, as states work through Phase 2, which includes “all other reports and notices” for general permits, EPA is recognizing that additional time is needed.

EPA is also proposing in its recent Phase 2 changes to provide flexibility beyond the 2023 deadline, if necessary. Authorized state programs could request approval from EPA to postpone implementation of E-Reporting to an agreeable time not to exceed December 21, 2026.

Comments on the proposal are due April 28, 2020. If members have questions, please contact Emily Remmel, NACWA’s Director of Regulatory Affairs.