Development of Electronic Reporting for Discharge Monitoring Report Data (eDMR)

The Department surveyed the permitted facilities in 1999 to determine their access to the Web and the level of interest in using the Web to transfer of Discharge Monitoring Reports. We received responses from 65% of the permit holders surveyed and 75% of the respondents expressed a positive interest in using the Web for the transfer of DMR data. Based on comments received during the interim period, the level of interest has increased since the 1999 survey.

In 2001 the Department obtained grant resources to develop our eDMR Pilot Phase. The Pilot Phase developed a secure Web page system to allow permitted facilities to enter wastewater monitoring data online. It also developed the infrastructure needed for subsequent Phases. The EDMR Pilot Final Report (318KB, PDF) provides additional information.

In late 2002 the Department obtained additional resources to continue our eDMR program. The goal of Phase 2 is to provide facilities with the option of receiving an XML-based requirements file and, after adding their monitoring data, returning their XML-based results file. This is sometimes called machine to machine since ultimately the human factor can be eliminated. The Department's EDMR program uses the national Electronic Discharge Monitoring Report XML schema developed to define the parameters used in the NPDES/WPDES permit programs.

eDMR Phase 2 - Machine to Machine

DNR is currently enhancing our web-screen reporting system, developed in the Pilot Phase, to provide an XML Requirements file to facilities. Facilities who already maintain electronic DMR data on their computers can map their data to the requirements file, creating a results file. The results file is uploaded to our EDMR system for review, submission and certification, using the procedures developed in the Pilot project.

Facility staff who have registered with the DNR as the eDMR Entry role will locate the appropriate monthly DMR form on our eDMR system and download the requirements file. That same individual will upload the results file using the same process. The requirements file is "checked out" when it's downloaded so the system knows that it should be uploaded next.

Mapping the facility's data to the requirements file is the responsibility of the facility. The DNR can provide only general help since each facility may have different data structures and systems.

Result files must be "well formed" according to W3C XML specifications. Result files must also be "validated" against Wisconsin's eDMR XML Schema.

Wisconsin's eDMR XML Schema is available either as a link to be built into your system, or for downloading. We'd be happy to help you understand Wisconsin's eDMR XML Schema, and our eDMR Program, but we will not be able to help you adapt your system to the schema. Contact Gail Mills at (608) 266-1387 or Gail.Mills@wisconsin.gov for information on our eDMR Schema or Program.