Wastewater Treatment Works Compliance Maintenance Program

About the CMAR Program

The Compliance Maintenance Annual Report (CMAR) has been an annual self-evaluation-reporting requirement for publicly and privately owned domestic wastewater treatment works since 1987. The CMAR program was revised in 1992, and in 2005. Annual submittal of an electronic CMAR form (eCMAR) no later than June 30 is required under Wisconsin Administrative Code NR 208 – Compliance Maintenance (PDF, exit DNR).

The Purpose of the Program

The purpose of the eCMAR is to evaluate the wastewater treatment system for problems or deficiencies. Management, operation and maintenance activities are described. Owners identify proposed actions to prevent violations of WPDES permits and water quality degradation. The eCMAR program also encourages actions that:

• Promote the owners’ awareness and responsibility for wastewater collection and treatment needs.
• Maximize the useful life of wastewater treatment systems through improved operation & maintenance.
• Initiate formal planning, design and construction for system upgrades.

The eCMAR Form

The eCMAR form is a communication tool for identifying needs for future planning. The eCMAR form:

• Describes the management and physical condition of the wastewater treatment works during the previous calendar year.
• Assesses system performance and wastewater maintenance activities.
• Evaluates compliance with WPDES permit requirements
• Provides an objective analysis to determine whether a more detailed evaluation of the wastewater facility is needed.
• Identifies proposed actions necessary to maintain regulatory compliance.